The Leidos Space Exploration and Mission Operations division has an opening for a Space Network Operations Manager to support Leidos ground operations systems for space based research and exploration missions. This position is located in our Houston, Texas office location.

The Space Network Operations Manager will assist in architecting, implementing, and maintaining network and operations for end-to-end data systems (physical to cloud) used to support real-time space mission operations.​ This role will serve as the focal point for Leidos operations between various ground delivery services and systems, Space and Ground Networks, and External Partner (EP) remote control center interfaces.

US Citizenship or US Permanent Residency and the ability to successfully obtain a Public Trust Security Clearance are required.

Primary responsibilities:

• Manage the operational configuration of the ground network data and communications systems to ensure readiness for various missions, simulations, and test activities.
• Be available 24/7 for personnel supporting these networks globally during real-time operations.
• Develop and execute procedures to monitor, control, and direct ground systems resources for test, simulation, or mission operations objectives, including direct interaction with operations, maintenance, and sustaining engineering.
• Configure and manage the ground data systems/communications.
• Ensure the availability and operability of connectivity to ground data facilities and all inter-center interfaces to/from:
  • External Partner Control Centers
  • Visiting Vehicle Control Centers
  • Payload Operations Control Center
  • NASA Centers, Ground Network stations, and facilities
  • NASA Space Network terminals
  • Department of Defense C-band Radar tracking network stations and control center
  • Spacecraft launch and landing facilities
• Establish and maintain technical competency and cognizance of control center systems, support plans, problems, and resolution status. Participate in the training and certification process, continually receiving training on new systems, capabilities, and missions/increments, and provide knowledge transfer training to peers.
• Coordinate, control, monitor, and ensure the integrity of the configuration, distribution, and operations of all data communications equipment (physical and cloud-based) and their interfaces to MCC and as needed between International Partners, ISS network, internal and external users (e.g., Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), European Space Agency (ESA), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
• Ensure continuity, availability, and integrity of distribution systems required for International Space Station (ISS) real-time mission, simulations, and test activities, including visiting vehicles.
• Rotate between all shifts and work weekends and holidays on a periodic basis.
• Coordinate, control, and monitor the configuration and operation of all LAN/WAN, data communications circuits, and equipment between JSC, GSFC, GN/SN, KSC, DSN, and MSFC during ISS mission, simulations, and test support.
• Initiate activities and configure equipment for use in accordance with operational schedules.
• Participate, update, and generate inputs to documentation reviews, including Mission Operations Handbook (MOH), Flight Control Operations Handbook (FCOH), NOC Local Operating Procedures, etc.
• Serve as a technical representative at technical meetings, conferences, or working groups related to maintaining or updating a flight-ready system, and provide technical presentations when required.
• Participate in the training of NOC trainees in assigned areas of the Network Operations Controller Training and Certification Plan.
• Identify data communications equipment and circuit problems, initiate and lead fault isolation efforts until resolution.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience designing, developing, operating, and maintaining space to ground networks.
• Experience with Ground Network/Space Network digital communications; Satellite or Ground Communications Technical Control Facility maintenance or operations, or other related digital communications operational disciplines. Responsible for the ground systems infrastructure and ground communications necessary to perform planning, training, testing, and execution.
• Experience with:
  • Spacecraft ground processing systems
  • Telemetry, command, or trajectory data systems
  • Spacecraft simulator systems
  • Space-to-ground communication systems
  • Large network data transport systems
  • International Space Station communication systems
• Strong decision-making and problem-resolution capabilities
• Demonstrate good PC skills and familiarity with networks
• Flexible and dynamic work schedule
• Team-oriented
• Impeccable verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent project management skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting space mission operations and / or space mission ground stations
• Experience with hardware and software testing
• Real-time operations
• ICDs - Interface Control Documents
• Integration and verification
• Ground Station hardware
• Base Band units (BBUs)
• AWS Cloud Infrastructure
• RF Systems
• Mission Control Center Systems
• Experience with NASA missions

Original Posting Date:

2024-07-05

While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $81,250.00 - $146,875.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.