Associate SpaceOps Tool Developer

Data Networks Inc is hiring a SpaceOps Tool Developer who is a specialized hybrid engineer bridging satellite subsystems expertise (power, comm, GNC, flight dynamics, thermal) and Ground System expertise with modern software engineering. The position builds, automates, and optimizes real-time command systems and offline engineering tools, streamline data analysis, and improve satellite operations. Unlike general software developers, SpaceOps Tool Developers possess specialized aerospace/SatOps knowledge. As a member of the Engineering and Mission Operations Support Services -VII (EMOSS-VII) contract, based in Suitland, MD the position requires proven education and experience to demonstrate capacity to perform at a high-level as a SpaceOps Tool Developer. Our client is responsible for engineering and mission operations support for environmental monitoring satellites managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO). ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Core Responsibilities & Expertise Development and Maintenance of Operational Tools: Maintaining current satellite operations tools (flight dynamics, data trending and analysis), developing critical enhancements, and responding to changing mission requirements. Intersection of Roles: Position acts as "satellite operations engineer-who-codes," creating user-friendly interfaces (UIs) to automate operations. Automation of Real-time Ops: Maintaining software that automates routine commanding, telemetry monitoring, fault detection, and isolation/recovery (FDIR) sequences. Tools enable shifting from “human-in-the-loop” to “human-on-the-loop”, and maintaining autonomous systems that manage health without direct operator intervention. Subsystem Intelligence: Understanding of satellite flight and ground systems, including Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), communication, thermal regulation, and power management to write effective control algorithms. Modern Software Practices: Proficient in C, C++, Rust, Python, Google Apps Script and Linux environments, implementing robust automated test procedures, and writing operational procedures. Aerospace Context vs. General Coding: Understands why a satellite takes a certain action, not just how to code the command. Knows what telemetry parameters indicate such things as a thermal violation, thruster malfunction, or communication loss. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Bachelor’s degree in computer science/aerospace engineering or related field, and 0-3 years of engineering or software support experience. A Master’s degree in relevant discipline is equivalent to two years’ experience. Writing and presentation skills for a wide diverse audience. Perform contingency real time troubleshooting and analysis during anomalies, including real-time problem identification and resolution, support in case of any in-orbit anomaly and participate in the investigation of ground system anomalies. Propose new or execute improvements to tools that will increase long term reliability, monitoring, and anomaly detection capability. Highly Desired Direct experience providing trending and analysis software updates, mission unique adaptations and database updates. Configuration management and document management supporting satellite operations. Work Environment and Physical Demands Work in a typical office building during a standard 40-hour week. Occasional deadlines or operational conditions require non-standard hours and longer hours. Travel for a few days to a couple of weeks per year. Work is at the NOAA Satellite Operations Facility (NSOF) located on the Suitland Federal Center, MD.