Senior Principal SpaceOps Tool Developer

Job Description

Senior Principal Space Ops Tool Developer – a specialized hybrid engineer bridging satellite subsystems expertise (power, comm, GNC, flight dynamics, thermal) with system‑level experience in satellite operations. The role builds, automates, and optimizes real‑time command systems and offline engineering tools, leveraging AI/LLMs to enhance anomaly detection, streamline data analysis, and improve satellite operations.

• Tooling vs. Infrastructure
  :
  Build tools to optimize the software layer on top of ground system infrastructure for flexibility.
• Development and Maintenance of Operational Tools
  :
  Support and enhance current satellite operations tools, responding to changing mission requirements.
• Intersection of Roles
  :
  Act as a "satellite operations engineer-who-codes," creating user‑friendly interfaces to automate operations and integrate AI‑powered predictive analytics.
• Automation of Real‑time Ops
  :
  Design software that automates routine commanding, telemetry monitoring, fault detection, and isolation/recovery sequences, moving from human‑in‑the‑loop to human‑on‑the‑loop.
• Streamlining Offline Engineering
  :
  Develop tools to streamline data processing, trend analysis, and performance assessment, converting raw telemetry into actionable engineering insights.
• Subsystem Intelligence
  :
  Apply knowledge of satellite flight and ground systems (GNC, comm, thermal regulation, power) to write effective control algorithms.
• Modern Software Practices
  :
  Proficient in C, C++, Rust, Python, Google Apps Script and Linux environments; implement automated test procedures and use AI/LLMs to interpret complex data logs.
• Aerospace Context vs. General Coding
  :
  Understand why a satellite takes a given action, not just how to code the command.
• LLM Integration
  :
  Utilize Large Language Models to translate natural‑language queries (e.g., "When was the last time battery DOD exceeded 30%?") into database queries, providing instant answers.

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or related field, and 10–12 years of aerospace engineering experience. A Master’s degree is equivalent to two additional years.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills for a broad audience.
• Real‑time troubleshooting and analysis during anomalies, including real‑time problem identification, resolution, and participation in investigations of ground‑system anomalies.
• Propose and execute improvements to tools that increase long‑term reliability, monitoring, and anomaly detection capability.

• Direct experience developing and sustaining flight dynamics and mission analysis software such as GLADOS and SOLAR‑1.
• Experience providing trending and analysis core updates, mission‑unique adaptations, and database updates.
• Configuration and document management supporting flight operations.
• Integration of AI/ML, data platforms, and cloud infrastructure into cohesive, mission‑ready tools that can be reused and scaled across satellite operating systems.

• Typical office building, 40‑hour week; occasional extended hours during operational conditions.
• Travel a few days to a couple of weeks per year.
• Work at the NOAA Satellite Operations Facility (NSOF) located on the Suitland Federal Center, MD.

Competitive pay and benefits packages including health care, dental, vision, life insurance; 401(k); education assistance; paid time off, holidays, and any other paid leave required by law. Salary will depend on factors such as experience, skills, education, location, equity, and business needs.

ASRC Federal and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, gender, color, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, marital status, ancestry, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other factor prohibited by applicable law.