Chandra Operations Engineer, Part Time

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Position Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Operations Analyst to support the Chandra X-Ray Observatory team at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) within the Science and Technology Office.

The Chandra X-Ray Observatory is a telescope specially designed to detect X-ray emissions from exploded stars, clusters of galaxies, and matter around black holes. The Program Office for Chandra is at MSFC while operations support is provided by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) in Burlington, MA.

Having the project’s management and operations in two separate locations requires dedicated and intentional interaction and cross communication. The successful candidate will support meetings with the operations office at SAO and communicate the status and outcomes to the program office. This role will bridge the work of both offices to ensure the continued success of Chandra in delivering on its science mission.

Responsibilities

The Operations Analyst will be responsible for coordinating and communicating across the broader Chandra project. Responsibilities include: 

• Communicating and presenting at customer and stakeholder meetings and providing written reports documenting the status of the project.
• Act as the liaison between the MSFC and Harvard-Smithsonian Chandra offices.

• Maintain comprehensive records and documentation of operations, while also tracking the status of scientific studies and maintenance actions.

Qualifications

Education:

• B.S. Degree in Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Earth Sciences, Planetary Sciences or a related technical field from an ABET-accredited university.
• A M.S. or PhD are desired but not required.
• Five to ten years of operations experience is desired.

Required Technical Experience:

• Strong Communication: Ability to understand and communicate at all levels of the project; from high level project goals to detailed scientific data.
• Dynamic Collaboration: Ability to work in a collaborative, dynamic environment, interacting effectively with scientists and engineers.   

Additional Desired Skills:

• Scientific Domain Knowledge: Experience in the field of astrophysics particularly in X-ray astronomy.  Experience in scientific satellite and instrument operations.

Essential Functions

Work Environment:

• Work is fully on site at the National Space and Science Technology Center at MSFC. 
• Work is part time (20 hours per week).
• Requires ability to provide clear, concise, accurate and timely communication, both verbally and in writing.
• Requires ability to interact professionally with co-workers, management, and client.
• Requires travel in the domestic USA (15%). Up to four trips to Burlington, MA to meet with the Chandra team at the Operations Control Center are required.

Physical Requirements: