Job Description

Are you passionate about space exploration?

Would you like to help lead the development and testing of the Mission Operations concepts, tools, and procedures that will enable the in-situ exploration of another world?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team!

We are seeking a Surface Operations planner for the Dragonfly Mission Operations Team working under the guidance of the Dragonfly Mission Operations Manager. You will support and coordinate development of Titan surface operations along with the subsystem engineering and science operations teams. You will work with the Science Operations Team to ensure lander operations and Science operations fit within the available resources (time, energy, downlink data volume, etc.) and be the primary Mission Operations interface with the Science operations team and the Science Surface Phase Lead. 

Dragonfly was selected in June 2019 as NASA's next New Frontiers mission and is currently in Phase C development. The mission takes a revolutionary approach to planetary exploration, using a rotorcraft lander about the size of a Mini Cooper to fly between diverse locations across the surface of Saturn’s giant moon Titan, landing and sampling materials at more than two-dozen sites over a three-year period.

As a Surface Operations Planner your primary responsibility will be...

• Supporting and coordinating Titan surface operations working with subsystem engineers and science operations.
• Define the surface operations planning concept and implement the tools to accomplish this concept.
• Develop reusable command blocks.
• Participate in the planning and execution of prelaunch and post launch simulations prior to uplink to the spacecraft.
• Serve as the cognizant engineer and arbiter of the Operations Mission planning team ensuring all sequences are fulfilling the short range and long range surface operations objectives.
• Train new team members.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Possess a BS in engineering, physics, or equivalent.
• Have 10+ years of experience working in space mission operations.
• Have strong oral and written communications skills.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance or Public Trust (National Agency Security check) by your start date. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have an M.S. in engineering, physics, or equivalent
• Have experience in planetary surface operations such as rovers.
• Hold an active Public Trust (National Agency Security Check - NACI) or Secret or above security clearance.
• Have a broad technical experience base and strong analytical skills.
• Have NASA space mission operations experience, especially use of the Deep Space Network for communications and experience with long round trip light time considerations.

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

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