Job Description

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

Would you like to assist guidance and control (G&C) lead engineers in testing and delivering 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 engineer to help us test and integrate flight hardware for various civil and national security spacecraft. You would provide support to various missions throughout the delivery process.  You will also be involved in ensuring that flight software and testbed emulations of the hardware are accurate and robust.

As a G&C hardware engineer your responsibilities will include...

• Work with the G&C lead engineers and hardware test leads in preparing and conducting bench testing of engineering models and the flight models of the hardware.  Bench testing includes safe-to-mate checks, interpreting interface control documentation, and comfortable with developing step-by-step aliveness, functional, and performance check procedures..
• Ensure the SAC flight hardware laboratory is properly configured and in compliance to safely conduct each hardware test.
• 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. Work within the dynamic schedules with the integration and test (I&T) team 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 design and integration readiness reviews as needed..

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
• Are willing and able to travel to support final spacecraft integration with the launch vehicle at various launch sites, sometimes for an extended period of time.
• Are able to obtain a Top Secret level clearance. 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.

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

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

Be Part of Something Innovative

Over the past 25 years, the Space Exploration Sector at APL, has pushed the boundaries of what is possible; delivering game-changing impacts to sponsors like NASA and the Department of Defense. This includes historic, science space firsts like New Horizons reaching Pluto, Parker Solar Probe being the first to “touch” the sun, and the DART mission that redirected an asteroid for planetary defense. As a not-for-profit university affiliated research center, APL also delivered solutions to our nation’s national security challenges, as proven with the recent Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) Tech Demo, and acts as a trusted partner with the US Space Force in space domain awareness and space-integrated warfare.

APL teams are currently developing missions that will advance the search for life in the Solar System through programs such as Europa Clipper and Dragonfly, exploring the lunar and cislunar domains, and providing fundamental knowledge of our Sun’s influence on the near-Earth environment through IMAP and other research and technology endeavors. To learn about these APL’s mission and projects, https://civspace.jhuapl.edu/ and https://www.jhuapl.edu/OurWork/NationalSecuritySpace.

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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APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

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