Job Description

Program Overview

Provide critical communications and tracking for multiple spacecraft from three complexes located globally, and operates year round 24 hours/7days to provide continuous contact with the spacecraft. The program fulfills NASA goals by supporting NASA deep space mission set, including NASA-funded missions and collaborative international missions.

About The Role

Peraton is seeking a Network Operations Analyst (NOA) to join our team in Monrovia, California to support our Deep Space Network (DSN) program with JPL and NASA.

The Deep Space Network is NASA’s international array of giant radio antennas that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions, plus a few that orbit Earth. The DSN also provides radar and radio astronomy observations that improve our understanding of the solar system and the larger universe. The antennas of the Deep Space Network are the indispensable link to explorers venturing beyond the moon. They provide the crucial connection for commanding our spacecraft and receiving their never-before-seen images and scientific information on Earth, propelling our understanding of the universe, our solar system and ultimately, our place within it.

The Network Operations Analyst (NOA) is an entry level position within the Mission Planning department.  Under oversight, guidance and direction of a more experienced Network Operations Project Engineer (NOPE), the NOA will develop, test, and train the configuration of the Deep Space Network required to communicate with in-flight spacecraft, typically at the moon and beyond. The NOA will develop technical work products in cooperation and consultation with the NOPE, the NOA technical manager, Network Engineering Compatibility Test Team and the JPL Mission Interface Manager. The NOA is required to take and pass a 12–15-month certification program which will provide the successful candidate with the skills necessary to support Deep Space tracking activities under the guidance of the NOPE and other more experienced Mission Planning personnel.   

The successful candidate for this position will demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of RF related physics, modulation, doppler, and basic computer operations and data entry. The ability to pay attention to detail is an essential part of this position.  The ability to learn, understand, and employ the many physical, electrical, software, and operational facets and characteristics of the DSN is essential to this position. This is an Operations position and the successful NOA will learn and execute the actions and behaviors necessary to Operate the DSN in pursuit of Spacecraft tracking. The NOA will have the ability to work as part of a team, taking direction and guidance from peers and other more experienced members of the Mission Planning team. 

Responsibilities :

• Assist the Network Operations Project Engineer (NOPE) with Mission planning, preparation, coordination, and support of all critical activities to a successful conclusion.
• Provide operations technical support for all assigned JPL and non–JPL projects committed to by JPL.
• Performs mission planning functions throughout the life cycle of a mission or project in support of critical events and as the lead for day-to-day operations.
• Monitors mission /project status and provides reports to upper management and/or JPL customer.
• Maintain working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Maintain current knowledge of the DSN committed support requirements.
• Network planning, conducting, evaluating, and reporting on all activities required to ensure mission support readiness, including all pre-launch preparations and all required in-flight support, for the duration of the DSN commitment.
• Support the Compatibility Test Team during spacecraft-DSN compatibility testing at the Monrovia, CA facility and/or at other locations in the USA as necessary.
• Work with project/spacecraft personnel and train them on how to use the DSN and configure and maintain their spacecraft configuration to support successful two-way communications between the earth based DSN and their spacecraft.
• Must maintain NOA certification per the NOA Job Training Guide.

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Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 2 years with BS/BA; 0 years with MS/MA; 6 years with no degree
• Strong understanding and background in Physics related fields.
• Must be able to do some shift work, weekends and holidays when required.
• Must be able to function in a cohesive team environment supporting peers, leaders, and customers in the science community.
• Able to obtain a trusted background check and pass a National Criminal Information Check (NCIC). In order to obtain a clearance, you need to be a US Citizen and show proof of citizenship.
• Possess and maintain a valid California driver’s license (Real ID).

Desired Qualifications

• Current knowledge and understanding of DSN network and project operations.
• Some education and experience in RF communication technology is desirable.
• Solid knowledge of spacecraft to ground telecommunications is highly desirable.
• RF signal characteristics in space is desirable

SCA / Union / Intern Rate or Range

Details

Target Salary Range: $66,000 - $106,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.

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