Specialty Engr Associate

Description

SAIC is seeking an Observatory Technician to join the National Security and Space Sector (NSS). You would work on a joint Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) crown jewel program providing highly specialized space/counter-space engineering, scientific, and analytical services from Aurora, Colorado. We support the Nation's leading-edge IC and DoD space programs and offer compelling, deep-technical work that has direct influence and impact on program development and operations. Our team has Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across a variety of disciplines, including engineering, physics, mathematics, RF, optics, space acquisition and operations, and intelligence collection and analysis.

This Observatory Technician will work in a collaborative team-focused environment of U.S. Government civilians and contractors solving applied technical problems and developing usable solutions for multiple space-related capabilities and threats. The primary functions for this role are to:

• O perate and maintain an optical data collection site specializing in photometric measurements of space objects
• S upport studies and investigations in the optical characterization of the selected space objects with meter and sub-meter optical systems

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Install, configure, and operate optical telescope assemblies, scientific cameras, and mounts using associated sensor and mount control software
• Conduct data collection operations and assist with associated data reduction and processing activities
• Assist with system maintenance functions, such as alignments, calibrations, and troubleshooting
• Produce configuration, test, operations, and maintenance procedures, as well as maintain data collection configuration and inventory control records
• Work directly with the customers, subject matter experts, and other operators in a team environment with minimal supervision
• Support and/or coordinate facility operations and maintenance activities and vendors

Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI with Polygraph to remain on the program.

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, or science fields
• Must be able to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance with Special Access eligibility and successfully complete a Polygraph
• US Citizenship is required
• Demonstrated record of effective individual and group work behaviors, with abilities to proactively initiate and operate in dynamic and incompletely defined environments
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience conveying technical concepts, results, and summaries to internal customers, external customers, and stakeholders of diverse technical backgrounds
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and flexibility to adjust to changing priorities
• Good working knowledge of MS Office applications and familiarity with Linux Red Hat OS
• Ability to maintain a flexible night shift schedule, primarily working sunset to sunrise, dependent on weather conditions

Strongly Desired Skills:

• BS in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, or Aerospace Engineering
• Active TS-SCI clearance with Poly
• Familiarity with MATLAB, Python and/or other programming experience
• Working knowledge of space system orbits and proficiency with Systems Tool Kit (STK)
• Experience in observatory operations
• Experience with the installation, operations and maintenance of meter and sub-meter telescopes

Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.