Spacecraft Flight Controller

About the role

We are seeking a spacecraft flight controller to join our team at APL. You’ll be part of exciting civilian and National Security space missions, contributing to scientific breakthroughs and national defense.

Responsibilities

• Conduct real-time operations including executing command plans, monitoring telemetry, and performing other key responsibilities.
• Create and disseminate shift reports, conduct station briefings, and coordinate with engineering teams and external partners.
• Recognize, analyze, and respond to off-nominal conditions using established procedures, and collaborate with subject matter experts to resolve issues.
• Support system- and mission-level testing activities, including simulations, rehearsals, and validation of new capabilities.

Qualifications

• Possess a B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or another relevant technical field; or have equivalent experience in spacecraft operations.
• Have two or more years of background in spacecraft operations, spacecraft testing, or ground system operations.
• Have a working understanding of spacecraft subsystems and payloads (e.g., power, thermal, propulsion, communications, attitude control, guidance and navigation).
• Understand spacecraft command and control systems and basic ground system architecture.
• Experience with mission planning and command sequence development, or a strong demonstrated ability to learn these skills.
• Willingness to work a significant portion of your time in a closed or secure environment, as called for by designated objectives.
• Willingness to work shift schedules and weekends as required, and to support occasional extended hours for critical mission activities.
• Able to obtain a Secret level security clearance.

Additional Qualifications

• Have served as a subsystem, payload, or ground system lead on a space-based project.
• Demonstrate familiarity with analysis platforms like MATLAB, STK, AMMOS products, along with configuration or issue-tracking tools such as GitLab.
• Experience with scripting or programming languages such as Python, Ruby, or JAS for analysis, automation, or tool development.
• Hands-on experience in planning and scheduling of spacecraft activities.
• Possess an active Top-Secret clearance or higher.
• Familiarity with defense-related space systems, collaborators, and operational environments.

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space, and science challenges. We are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, while fostering a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. APL offers a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities and celebrating our differences of perspective. For more information, visit our career opportunities page.