Spacecraft Flight Controller

Description Are you an engineer with a passion for supporting scientific discovery and National Defense through spacecraft operations? Are you searching for important work in spacecraft command and control, spacecraft analysis, planning and scheduling or other space operations areas? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL! We are seeking a spacecraft flight controller who is ready to be part of exciting civilian and National Security space missions. You’ll be joining a team that is at the forefront of mission operations. We strive for an environment of collaboration and analytical thinking in order to deliver on some of the most challenging missions in operation today and in the future. Our missions enable scientific breakthroughs and contribute to the defense of our country. They span the solar system from close-approach solar observatories to platforms beyond the Kuiper Belt. As a Spacecraft Flight Controller Your primary responsibility will be to conduct real-time operations to include the execution of command plans, monitoring real-time and post-pass telemetry and conducting other key responsibilities from a modern operations center. You will perform shift duties including creating and disseminating shift reports, conducting station briefings with ground antenna personnel, and coordinating with engineering teams and external partners. You will recognize, analyze and respond to off-nominal conditions using established procedures, and collaborate with subsystem subject matter experts to resolve issues as needed. You will support system- and mission-level testing activities, including simulations, rehearsals, and validation of new capabilities. Qualifications You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you... Possess a B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or another relevant technical field; or have equivalent experience in spacecraft operations. Have two or more years of background in spacecraft operations, spacecraft testing, or ground system operations. Have a working understanding of spacecraft subsystems and payloads (e.g., power, thermal, propulsion, communications, attitude control, guidance and navigation). Understand spacecraft command and control systems and basic ground system architecture. Have experience with mission planning and command sequence development, or a strong demonstrated ability to learn these skills. Are willing to work a significant portion of your time in a closed or secure environment, as called for by designated objectives. Are willing to work shift schedules and weekends as required, and to support occasional extended hours for critical mission activities. Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance 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 served as a subsystem, payload, or ground system lead on a space-based project. Demonstrate familiarity with analysis platforms like MATLAB, STK, AMMOS products, along with configuration or issue-tracking tools such as GitLab. Have experience with scripting or programming languages such as Python, Ruby, or JAS for analysis, automation, or tool development. Have hands‑on experience in planning and scheduling of spacecraft activities. Possess an active Top‑Secret clearance or higher. Are familiar with defense‑related space systems, collaborators, and operational environments. About Us 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 of perspectives 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 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 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 View email address on click.appcast.io. The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign‑on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Minimum Rate $85,000 Annually Maximum Rate $195,000 Annually #J-18808-Ljbffr