Telescope Operations Analyst

Position Description: 

The Telescope Operations Analyst will be a member of the Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) operations team, which operates GBM onboard the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope and provides support in delivering on-time accurate data to both our local science team and to scientists world-wide. Fermi is a NASA mission launched in 2008 to study gamma-ray events from space such as gamma-ray bursts and black holes, as well as gamma-ray emissions from lightning on Earth.

The successful candidate will work closely with Fermi scientists at MSFC as well as at GSFC and will interact with scientists at Stanford University who operate the other instrument on board Fermi. This candidate will also interact with our international partners.

Responsibilities:

·       Provide support to the operations team that produces the weekly routine command loads that will be uploaded to the spacecraft.

·       Produce reports for the Principal Investigator and other scientists as requested.

·       Perform quality control and corrective actions on data and monitor operational status of the instrument.

·       Communicate issues proactively to the appropriate personnel.

·       Document all changes made to operating parameters when parameter changes are made.

·       Assist in testing command loads using the flight simulator.

·       Support the GBM software engineer to maintain GBM software and develop new tools.

Essential Functions

Work Environment: 

Office environment. Requires ability to provide clear, concise, accurate and timely communication, both verbally and in writing (100%). Requires ability to interact professionally with co-workers, management, and client (100%). Requires travel in the domestic USA (<10%).

Physical Requirements:

Requires sitting for extended periods of time in meetings with peers, management, and with our client at NASA facilities to discuss technical issues (10%). Also, requires sitting for extended periods of time at a desk to write reports and perform engineering tasks (80%). Requires ability to use stairs or elevators for access between floors and multiple buildings at NASA and our facilities (10%). 

Equipment and Machines: 

Requires ability to operate a personal computer, a telephone, fax machine, copier, calculator, and other general office equipment (100%).

Attendance: 

Normal workday is from 7:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday. Minimal overtime may be required (10%) to meet schedule milestones and to support technical demands of the job. Regular attendance is a necessity and adequate arrangements for delegating duties during absences are required.

Other Essential Functions:

The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and to make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgment is essential (100%). Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.

Qualifications:

   Bachelor’s Degree or higher in and Engineering or STEM field.

·       10-18 years experience working in a technical area.

·       Python programming experience.

·       Experience using Linux scripts.

·       Strong organizational skills.

·       Self-starter but still able to function as part of a team.

·       Ability to rapidly and confidently reassess priorities and context switch to manage multiple deliverables concurrently.

·       Strong attention to detail and ability to recognize data trends that are out of normal.

   Desired Skills:

·       Experience in spacecraft operations.

Qualis is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse and talented workforce who can contribute to the mission and vision of the Company. Our employees are our greatest asset and we promote a positive work environment, teamwork, professional growth, innovation, community involvement, flexible scheduling and a family-friendly work environment.