Station Network Systems Flight Controller (PLUTO/OCA)

Overview

Our long-term client relationship with KBR has led to a need for a Station Network Systems Flight Controller (PLUTO) on the Integrated Mission Operations Contract III (IMOC III) contract at Johnson Space Center (Houston, TX).

 

Building on more than four decades of experience in providing innovative integration solutions for government and commercial space programs, Barrios offers an extensive range of engineering, software, and related technology integration services in support of the aerospace community. As a woman-owned and operated small business, we are a people-focused company that supports professional development, while working to ensure that you maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

 

Barrios employees actively participate in the growth of the commercial spaceflight industry through our partnerships with companies leading commercial space development, as well as successfully supporting NASA as our primary government customer. Our long history supporting Low Earth Orbit (LEO) on the International Space Station, and now Commercial LEO, lays the groundwork for future missions to the Moon through our work on Orion, Gateway, and the Space Launch System. 

Responsibilities

Seeking a candidate to join a collaborative team of engineers and Information Technology (IT) professionals at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) responsible for the system administration of the laptops and IT networks onboard the International Space Station (ISS).

 

The Station Network Systems Flight Controller (PLUTO) will:

• Serve as Flight Controller for the International Space Station. 
• Successfully complete training and skill certification process.
• Will progressively train and become certified for a position in the NASA Mission Control Center (MCC).
• Will train to be both an Orbital Communications Adapter (OCA) Officer and a Plug-in Port Utilization Officer (PLUTO). OCA is responsible for the transfer of data (procedural, imagery, experimental) between the MCC and the operational Local Area Network (LAN) onboard the International Space Station (ISS) and Artemis Program spacecraft to support crew, ground, and payload operations.
• As a trained PLUTO, the candidate will conduct remote system administration functions onboard human spaceflight vehicles to manage network infrastructure equipment, Windows / Linux servers, and clients (laptops and tablets).
• Conduct related flight controller duties include
  • Writing ground and on-orbit procedures, training materials, and other documentation. 
  • Providing operational support for the development, implementation, modification, testing, validation, and troubleshooting of spacecraft network and computer hardware, software, and subsystems while ensuring the safety of both the onboard crew and vehicles. 
• Perform similar duties in support of other exploration and future lunar missions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications

Required Education/Experience/Skills:

• BS Degree in Computer Engineering or other Engineering field, Computer Science, Physics, or Math from an accredited college or university; or currently enrolled in a BS Degree program in Computer Engineering or other Engineering Field, Computer Science, Physics, or Math with an expected graduation in May 2025 or August 2025. 
• Knowledge of engineering principles and the ability to apply them to real-time operations is essential.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, leadership, teamwork, technical, and administrative skills are mandatory.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, lead, and coordinate a wide range of tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to progress through flight controller and instructor certifications.
• Must be able to apply technical knowledge and operations concepts to exercise effective decision making and initiative in a real-time and fast-paced operational environment.
• Must be a self-starter who excels in a dynamic environment with the ability to work effectively both alone or as part of a team.
• Supporting shift work (nights, weekends, and holidays) is required.
• Must be able to support infrequent travel domestically or internationally. 
• Understanding of personal computers and LAN architecture including routers, and wireless communication devices desired for specific flight control assignments.

 

Preferences:

• Candidate, as part of training for flight control positions and support of projects, will be taught skills necessary to operate and administrate computer and network systems in a mission support environment. If not already familiar with those skills, candidate should be eager to learn them and asserti