Ground Mission Support Specialist

Description

Job Description:

Leidos is seeking an entry level engineer to support multiple elements of spaceflight projects for the International Space Station (ISS) and Gateway Programs under the REMIS contract in Houston, TX. The scope of work may include but is not limited to:

• Mission Support Specialist (MSS): Support Rodent Research (RR) and Keyence Microscope (KERMIT) Missions on the International Space Station (ISS). The MSS serves to integrate and facilitate the functions of the various stakeholders involved in the execution of the space research. A MSS works closely with a NASA contractor team to help mission investigators define, develop, and implement their research in space. MSS's are assigned to several research missions simultaneously and are responsible for acting as a liaison between the investigators (or their representatives) and various stakeholders to represent their scientific concerns to various groups within NASA, and will help the investigator teams develop flight and ground hardware kits, crew procedures, plan ground and inflight activities, and provide a variety of related services. Additionally, an MSS may need to work during non-standard business hours to support real time operations with the astronauts and/or to control the ISS Keyence Microscope.
• Launch Facility Support: Ensuring flight hardware and kits are built and delivered for launch, ensuring hardware from other stakeholders is coordinated for flight and ground operations, logistics are thoroughly planned and provide support to the PI teams during ground operations as well as real time operations support for on orbit operations.
• Engineering Support: Provide general engineering support for all REMIS Task Orders and projects including but not limited to: spaceflight hardware design, testing, certification, production, and/or integration activities required to support new or mission-critical items for in-flight, or ground mission support.
• Additional engineering opportunities may be available on current or future REMIS Task Orders including in the development of NASA Gateway Program docking targets and development of experiment hardware for the ISS Keyence microscope.
• Astronaut Training and Evaluation: Developing and delivering a general payload and mission specific training to astronauts who will conduct in-flight operations. Performing skills assessments and evaluations to determine crew member readiness levels. Assisting other trainers in preparing and conducting training events.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as a liaison/advocate between mission principal investigators (PI) or their representatives, and the Project, responsible for maintaining PI awareness of schedules and implementation issues, which require their attention and participation.
• Serve as a primary point of contact with respect to coordination and implementation efforts in support of pre-flight ground-based activities, as well as experimental ground analog activities associated with a given mission. May be required to make real-time decisions or perform troubleshooting in order to ensure mission objectives are met and adhere to established parameters established by multiple project stakeholders.
• Provide engineering discipline expertise to assigned missions including: (1) Definition and management of requirements; (2) Hardware/Engineering support at meetings; (3) Console support for assigned projects/missions as required.
• Assist with hands-on assembly/build of mission-specific spaceflight hardware required to meet mission objectives.
• Track hardware and consumable usage across all missions.
• Develop plans to ensure supplies are available for on-orbit activities based on launch schedules.
• Look for improvements and efficiencies in operations and hardware design and logistics across missions.
• Assess impacts to external stakeholders and coordination plans for risk mitigation/strategy.
• Define kit contents for on-orbit use.
• Proactive schedule and technical risk management for all aspects of support.
• Prepare for and support crew training by ensuring facilities, consumables, and hardware are available as required.
• Support Astronaut Training activities.
• Support validation of detailed experiment procedures, checklists, and cue cards (for both nominal and off-nominal scenarios).
• Adhere to appropriate safety, quality, and environmental practice, as well as business ethics practices.
• Develop and demonstrate the interpersonal skills required to maintain productive working relationships with co-workers, management, and the customer(s).
• Personnel may be exposed to live animals, animal dander, sharp medical supplies, steam and hot water, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other hazards associated with rodent research.
• Travel to other NASA-affiliated sites across the U.S. in support of mission-related activities.

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Engineering (Biomedical or other engineering degrees considered with relevant experience)
• Excellent verbal and written communication and problem-solving skills
• Previous experience in a team environment and ability to multitask, attention to detail, critical thinking, and adaptability are essential
• Demonstrated ability to teach or instruct
• Microsoft Office skills/competence
• Able to lift 50 lbs
• Willing to work non-standard work hours

Preferred Qualifications

• CAD skills/experience
• Prior NASA hardware and/or NASA Safety process experience
• Prior experience with animal handling and animal research
• Familiarity with standard laboratory equipment and practices, and/or prior experience working in a laboratory environment
• Prior experience with Maximo
• Demonstrated leadership ability
• 1+ years of relevant experience, internship experience may be considered
• Astronaut training qualification or instructor capabilities

Pay Range:

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.

About Leidos

Leidos is a Fortune 500® technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets. The company’s 45,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $14.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022.  For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here.

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Commitment to Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.