Systems Engineer - Space Programs

We are seeking a Systems Engineer to support the Technical Operations and Analysis Department at the White Sand Complex in Las Cruces, NM. The successful candidate will be responsible for working on new and existing Space Relay projects for the Operations, Maintenance, Sustainment and Systems engineering of satellite communication systems for NASA.   

Peraton is the prime contractor for NASA at the White Sands Complex (WSC) near Las Cruces, New Mexico. Operating here are two functionally identical satellite ground terminals: The White Sands Ground Terminal, and the Second TDRSS Ground Terminal. These ground terminals ensure uninterrupted communications between various ground stations, NASA’s orbiting fleet of Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS), customer spacecraft (satellites), and the computer systems that support such spacecraft. WSC serves as an interface for distributing satellite data to control centers and scientists who then use the daily influx of data to expand our ever-growing knowledge of the Earth and the universe.

This position will be responsible for the following:

• Provide support to NASA’s Space Relay (SR) operations including test and integration of electronic and electromechanical systems
• Provide the technical interface between WSC and customers that utilize the Space Relay
• Perform technical planning, system integration, configuration coding review, verification, and validation of requirements for new installations.
• Provides sustaining engineering support for ground systems hardware, software, and firmware, and resolve issues with customer supports.
• Provides technical direction for the development of technically complex network operations, test and integration products and services and coordinates all activities for operational scenario testing, SR compatibility testing, and support customer test activities.
• Provide Vector Controller and Engineering support to Human Space Flight, Expendable Launch Vehicle, and Robotic missions for Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) activities.
• Provide inputs to the Mission Operational Readiness Review (MORR), Network Requirements Document (NRD), Lessons Learned Review (LLR), and other reports as required by the customer in support of mission objectives.
• Position is subject to support events that occur during night shift and weekends.
• Position may require travel to customer technical interchange meetings and network support meetings.  

Required Experience: 

• Education/Experience - technical experience in electronic systems integration, RF communications, or satellite operations environment as follows: BS/BA degree and 4 years’ experience, AS/AA degree and 6 years technical experience in electronic systems integration or HS/GED and 9 years of technical experience in electronic systems integration or related fields.
• Experience with one or more of the following: RF and Signal propagation, modems, networking, networking analysis tools (e.g. WireShark), programmable telemetry processors, modulation and coding schema and/or digital signal processing.
• Performed signal measurements with spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, power meters, or other RF test equipment.
• Security clearance - this position requires the candidate to be able to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance and to maintain the clearance thereafter.
• You must be a US Citizen and show proof of citizenship.
• Must be able to maintain ability to access government worksite.

Desired Experience:  

• An active Secret clearance.
• Prior experience working on the TDRS program.
• Understanding of the Human Space Flight customer.
• In depth knowledge of RF and signal propagation, modulation and coding schema, and/or digital signal processing.
• Experience with the use of operating system tools on both Linux and Windows machines.
• Strong communication skills for interfacing with internal and external customers.
• A self-starter with good problem-solving skills and ability to work independently or with a team.