Spacecraft Aerospace Engineer / Space Communications

Peraton has an opening for a Spacecraft Aerospace Engineer at the White Sands Complex in Las Cruces, NM. You'll join a team of engineers dedicated to maintaining the health and safety of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) fleet.

Peraton is the prime contractor for NASA at the White Sands Complex (WSC) near Las Cruces, New Mexico. Operating here are two functionally identical satellite ground terminals: The White Sands Ground Terminal, and the Second TDRSS Ground Terminal. These ground terminals ensure uninterrupted communications between various ground stations, NASA’s orbiting fleet of Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS), customer spacecraft (satellites), and the computer systems that support such spacecraft. WSC serves as an interface for distributing satellite data to control centers and scientists who then use the daily influx of data to expand our ever-growing knowledge of the Earth and the universe.

This position will be responsible for the following: 

• Perform daily monitoring and trending of TDRS spacecraft state-of-health data.
• Develop procedures for performing spacecraft activities, including station-keeping maneuvers, momentum unloads, relocations, and decommissioning activities.
• Lead spacecraft operations activities as a Test Conductor, providing engineering guidance to the Satellite Controllers.
• Analyze and identify spacecraft anomaly root causes. Plan and execute anomaly recovery actions.
• Investigate and resolve any assigned spacecraft discrepancy reports.
• Provide on-the-job training to peers as experience is gained.
• Occasional work during nights or weekends is required when executing activities or assisting with anomaly recoveries.

Required Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• At least 2 years of experience working in spacecraft operations.
• Security clearance - this position requires the candidate to be able to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance and to maintain the clearance thereafter. An Interim Secret is acceptable to start.
• Must be a US Citizen and show proof of citizenship.  
• Must be able to maintain ability to access government worksite.
• Ability to work occasionally during nights or weekends when required to execute activities or assist with anomaly recovery.

Desired Experience:

• Active Secret security clearance.
• MS degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience working in spacecraft operations.
• Previous experience with spacecraft attitude control subsystems, planning or executing spacecraft maneuvers, and performing data trending/analysis.
• Previous experience with Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS) is a plus.
• Proficiency with Systems Tool Kit (STK), Python, Visual Basic, MATLAB, or LabVIEW.
• Experience using Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Learning (ML) tools for data analysis.
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, including ability to communicate effectively with peers and management.
• Proficient with MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). 

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world’s leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can’t be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we’re keeping people around the world safe and secure.