Job Title:Spacecraft Systems Test Engineer
Job Number:09007B9

Job Category:Systems
Primary Location:USA-MD: MARYLAND-BALTIMORE
Schedule:Full-time
Job Type:Regular
Employee Status:Regular
Travel:Yes, 25% of the time
Job Posting:2009-Nov-17
Description


The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a world-class, space-based astronomical observatory scheduled for launch in 2014. JWST is being developed by NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency. The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, Maryland, is participating in the development of the flight systems by providing test engineers to assist with the integration and testing of the science instrument systems. CSC is seeking qualified individuals to participate as test engineers in this exciting endeavor to make JWST a success.

The successful candidate will participate in test design, write test procedures, and develop the ground scripts to execute tests. They will also participate in the execution of the tests, working on console to initiate tests and monitor test progress. The successful candidate will also perform anomaly investigations and will write test reports. The testing will be performed on both engineering test systems and on the JWST flight systems. All work will be peer reviewed and subject to careful configuration management controls. The position will be based at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Occasional travel, possibly international, can be expected.

CSC is looking for US citizens or persons with US Permanent Resident status, with five to ten years of experience in spacecraft development and testing to work as test engineers on the JWST project. Persons with direct experience with system-level (hardware and software) testing of space-bound science instruments will be given higher consideration. Experience in writing ground test scripts in any scripting language is highly desirable, as is experience in writing test procedures and reports for system-level testing. The ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships in a dynamic environment is essential, as are excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Essential Job Functions

• Conducts moderately complex testing, troubleshooting and analysis tasks on various phase(s) ofspacecraft systems (science instrument) development including integration, systems testing, interoperability testing, field test plans and customer acceptance plans to maintain the credibility/viability of the system.
  
• Monitors the initial configuration and parameters of equipment for system credibility. Assists in the investigation and resolution of matters of significance in conjunction with other engineering and technical support to ensure cost effective and efficient resolution of problems.
  
• Designs, develops, implements and maintains test processes and diagnostic programs for assigned projects. Completes specifications and procedures for new products.
  
• Writes moderately complex test plans for assigned projects. Maintains record of test progress, documents test results, prepares reports and presents results as appropriate.
  
• Works with clients to determine systems requirements. Assists lead engineer/management in writing proposals to recommend process/program and follows through on implementation.
  

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
  
• Bachelor's degree in computer science or engineering or related field preferred
  
• Six or more years of network testing experience
  
• Experience working with computer systems and their uses
  
• Experience working with telecommunications systems and their corresponding principles
  
• Experience working with network management and protocol system testing
  
• Experience working with scripting languages such as TCL, PERL, HP, etc
  
• Experience working with data transmission protocols such as TCP/IP, etc.
  
• Experience working with operating systems
  
• Experience working with protocols and technologies such as HTTP, SSL, FTP, SMTP, POP3, etc
  
• Experience working with network equipment: switches, routers, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, etc.
  

• Good analytical and problem solving skills
  
• Skilled in time, priority and task management
  
• Interpersonal skills to interact with customers and team members
  
• Presentation skills to present test results to individuals and groups
  
• Communication skills
  
• Active in pursuing learning opportunities
  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  
• Willingness to travel, including international travel
• Five to ten years experience in spacecraft development and testing
• Experience with system level (hardware and software) testing of space-bound science instruments
• Experience writing test plan and test procedure documents
• Experience writing test scripts in any scripting language