Flight Controller (PLUTO)
Cimarron is seeking an entry-level Flight Controller with a passion for Information Technology (IT) to support NASA at the Johnson Space Center in the Houston, TX area. The selected candidate will train and become certified to sit on console NASA's Mission Control Center (MCC) within the JSC Flight Operations Directorate (FOD).
This position will require the selected candidate to become certified as 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 Operations Local Area Network (Ops LAN) on 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).
Key Duties
- Perform Flight Controller tasks in the Operations Tools and Procedures Branch.
- Complete a training and skill certification process, including becoming certified for NASA Mission Control Center (MCC) console positions.
- Write ground and on-orbit procedures, training materials, and other documentation.
- Provide 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 the Boeing CST-100 mission, as well as other exploration and future lunar missions, as needed.
Required Skills, Experience, and Education
- Due to facility security requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for consideration at this time.
- Cimarron employees are required to follow federal, state, and local laws regarding COVID-19 practices, as well as customer requirements.
- Passionate about the application of Information Technology (IT) to spaceflight and be a strong advocate for the crew user.
- Ability to progress through a flight controller certification.
- Ability to apply technical knowledge and operational concepts to make effective decisions in a real-time and fast-paced operational environment.
- Self-starter that is capable of excelling in a dynamic environment that requires working both alone or as part of a team.
- Experience providing excellent customer service.
- Ability and willingness to grow into a front room flight controller by either possessing or developing the abilities to collaborate with and led other teams to determine technical/process solutions and negotiate win-win solutions.
- Strong attention to detail is required.
- Ability to successfully work/negotiate on a daily basis with multiple customers across NASA, hardware providers, and the ISS International/Commercial Partners.
- Ability to adhere to strict deadlines.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work non-standard work shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Ability to occasionally travel domestically and internationally.
- Ability to pass a standard flight controller physical examination.
- Ability to apply for and successfully receive and maintain a security clearance per eligibility requirements.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related Engineering discipline from an accredited course of study.
Desired Skills, Experience, and Education
- Practical experience performing computer and network system administration, as well as a demonstrated understanding of personal computers, network routing/infrastructure concepts, and client/server architecture.
- Practical experience designing, operating, and maintaining Active Directory, Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) virtualization, Linux and/or Windows system administration, and network attached storage (NAS).
- Experience designing and performing testing of software applications and systems, developing requirements, and performing basic scripting.
- Experience developing and presenting training materials (presentations, classes, work instructions) to teach/convey technical concepts and skills.
Cimarron is a global solutions company with a strategic partnering approach to satisfying customer-driven requirements. We ensure customer success with a modern approach and experienced leadership. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Cimarron is fueled by highly skilled employees, developing new innovative technologies, and delivering superior products and services. We believe in recognizing employees' worth by offering competitive salaries and benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) contributions, educational reimbursement, and much more. From company communication through Company-wide information meetings led by our President and CEO, to an Awards program designed to recognize our amazing employees and their accomplishments, you will not only feel like you are a part of a team, you will be a valued member of the Cimarron family. Cimarron is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/Disability/Veteran.