Guidance and Control Hardware Engineer

Guidance and Control Hardware Engineer

Vacancy expired!

Would you love to work on the physical elements of a spacecraft that will explore the solar system?

Would you like to assist guidance and control (G&C) lead engineers in selecting hardware to control some of the most technologically challenging spacecraft ever designed?

Do you have experience with hardware, and are you interested in integrating G&C flight hardware with APL developed flight software?

If so, then APL has a job for you.

The Astrodynamics and Control Systems Group (SAC) is seeking a G&C technical contract representative (TCR) to help us select, procure, test, and integrate flight hardware for various civil and national security spacecraft. You would provide the technical oversight of the hardware from vendor selection though delivery, testing, and integration with the spacecraft.

As a G&C TRC, your responsibilities will include

• Work with the G&C lead engineer of a mission to select the best class of G&C sensors and actuators to control the attitude of a spacecraft.
• Perform regular industry research to determine qualified suppliers of G&C hardware that could be used for a variety of APL missions. Maintain active points of contract with those suppliers, and ensure the SAC group is aware of any and all change to their products.
• Write statements of work and specification documents for the procurement of G&C flight hardware. This includes working with systems and subsystem engineers, systems assurance managers, subcontract representatives, and export control specialists to capture all requirements for each unit and understand how the units are to be integrated into the spacecraft and operated throughout the mission.
• Be involved in all aspects of procurement of the hardware, including supplier risk evaluation visits, setting up reviews with the mission team and the supplier, being the main point of contact for all technical questions regarding the hardware, and ensuring the delivery timeline of the hardware meets the needs of the mission.
• Preparing and conducting bench testing of engineering models and the flight models of the hardware. Ensuring the SAC flight hardware laboratory is ready to safely conduct the tests, and has sufficient calibrated ground support equipment to conduct the tests.
• Supporting integration and testing of the hardware with the spacecraft, including cleanroom activities and developing procedures and command scripts to perform aliveness, functional, performance, and phasing tests. Coordinate schedules with the integration and test (I&T) lead to ensure the hardware is available when needed, and qualified G&C engineers are available to conduct mission tests when needed.
• Understand the development of G&C flight software using auto-coded Matlab/Simulink, with a focus on algorithms that interact with the procured hardware.
• Support subsystem and mission design reviews.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you

• Bachelor's degree in a related technical field.
• Have a background and understanding of G&C subsystems, including flight algorithms, software, and hardware.
• Experience with Matlab/Simulink
• Have worked with hardware in the past.
• Are willing and able to travel to the vendors facilities to assist the systems assurance manager in supplier risk evaluations (SREs), both U.S. and foreign.
• Are willing and able to travel to support final spacecraft integration with the launch vechicle at various launch sites, sometimes for an extended period of time.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance, or are able to obtain one. If selected, you will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
• Can demonstrate that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. To ensure the safety and well-being of the community, APL has established a policy requiring that all staff be vaccinated against COVID-19. All staff members must provide proof of full vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation by their start date.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you

• Have participated in spacecraft integration and testing.
• Have up-to-date connector certification, ESD certification, cleanroom training, and/or magnetics cleanliness training.
• Have participated in hardware procurement.

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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