Instrument Command & Telemetry Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

At Relative Dynamics we value knowledge as a process rather than knowledge as an answer. Founded in 2011 our goal is to define the new space era by continuously pushing the boundaries of engineering services and technology development. Visit us at

Relative Dynamics is a subcontractor supporting the ESES IV Contract. In this role, you will be employed by Relative Dynamics and assigned to work on projects in support of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC).

Relative Dynamics is seeking an Instrument Command & Telemetry (C&T) Engineer to work on-site at NASA GSFC in Greenbelt, MD. This is a full-time, on-site position and is not eligible for remote work.

What You’ll Get to Do:

• Review Instrument Description Documents (IDDs) and work with instrument teams to collect, derive, and consolidate bit/byte-level command and telemetry data, including existing electronic artifacts (e.g., Excel-based definitions) where available.

• Normalize and format collected C&T data into a consistent structure that meets the intent of a traditional command/telemetry database deliverable, coordinating with the spacecraft team on required ingest formats.

• Track completeness and status of C&T data across all instrument teams, flagging gaps and maintaining version control/traceability as designs evolve.

• Define requirements and scope for instrument simulators in coordination with the spacecraft and instrument teams, using the C&T data as the foundation for simulator logic and behavior.

• Develop and deliver instrument simulators that accurately represent each instrument's command/telemetry interface behavior.

• Support integration and test activities by maintaining and updating simulators as instrument C&T definitions evolve.

• Work closely with multiple instrument teams and the spacecraft C&T/ingest team, coordinating with systems engineering and I&T stakeholders as needed.

What You’ll Need:

Required & Desired Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.

• 5+ years experience with spacecraft/instrument command and telemetry interfaces.

Required & Desired Experience

• Experience reading IDDs, ICDs, or similar interface documentation.

• Proficiency with Excel for organizing technical data.

• Experience with GSE, test equipment, or simulators emulating spacecraft/instrument C&T behavior.

• Familiarity with C&T database formats/CDRLs and ground data system ingest processes.

• Strong communication skills; ability to work directly with instrument teams to extract technical details.

• Ability to work independently across multiple concurrent interfaces.

Who You Are:

• Effective communicator who can translate complex technical concepts across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders

• Customer-focused, with the ability to support government and agency partners while maintaining high service standards

• Dependable and accountable, consistently meeting commitments in regulated and deadline-driven environments

• Productive and results-oriented, balancing quality, efficiency, and innovation across projects

• Collaborative team player who contributes to shared goals and overall organizational success

What You'll Enjoy:

• Grow your career with mobility, continuous learning, tuition reimbursement, and a personal development program in a culture that rewards innovation and impact

• Join a high-performing team that works together on meaningful, mission-driven work and support each other.

• Enjoy comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life/disability coverage, 401(k) with match, PTO, company holidays, and community engagement opportunities

Relative Dynamics conducts a comprehensive background check that includes drug testing. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.