Ground Systems Engineer - Space Programs

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world’s leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can’t be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we’re keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Responsibilities

Peraton is seeking a mid-level Ground Systems Engineer to support NASA’s Launch Communications Segment at the Kennedy Uplink Station (KUS) at KSC Florida and the Ponce De Leon (PDL) facility in New Smyrna Beach Florida as part of the Space Exploration Networks Services and Evolution (SENSE) contract. As the prime contractor for the SENSE contract, Peraton is responsible for the operations, maintenance, sustainment, and systems engineering of satellite communications systems for NASA.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, coordinate, execute, and document testing of command, telemetry, tracking, RF, network, and monitor-and-control ground systems.
• Support the engineering lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design evaluation, integration, verification, validation, deployment, sustainment, and operations.
• Develop, maintain, and improve operational procedures, local operating procedures, system-readiness work instructions, test plans, checklists, and engineering records.
• Develop and maintain Monitor & Control (HWCNTRL) configurations and scripts that automate test and operational activities.
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, network, RF test-equipment, and communications-interface anomalies in coordination with software engineers, vendors, operations personnel, and NASA stakeholders.
• Monitor system performance and software behavior, collect diagnostic logs, document discrepancies, and support corrective-action and regression-testing activities.
• Perform RF system testing using equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers, and power meters.
• Support configuration management by preparing configuration-change requests, engineering changes, test records, and documentation updates for hardware, software, operating-system, and procedural changes.
• Support LCS risk identification, mitigation planning, readiness assessments, and status reporting.
• Coordinate LCS testing and operational schedules with Near Space Network schedulers and other mission-support organizations.
• Participate in system-readiness tests, compatibility tests, regression tests, internal exercises, integrated mission simulations, and launch-readiness activities.
• Maintain mission-support certification and support Artemis simulations, testing, launch, ascent, and contingency operations as assigned.
• Provide technical support during critical mission activities, including anomaly response and service restoration.
• Collaborate with Operations, Software Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Network Engineering, Configuration Management, IT Security, Mission Assurance, and program leadership.
• Support occasional off-hours testing, and mission operations based on launch and simulation schedules.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field with at least 5 years of relevant experience; or a master’s degree with at least 3 years of experience; or at least 9 years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• Experience with systems engineering, system integration, verification, testing, sustainment, or operations of complex technical systems.
• Experience developing and maintaining requirements, procedures, work instructions, test plans, or concepts of operations.
• Ability to troubleshoot integrated hardware, software, RF, and network systems using logs, test data, and engineering documentation.
• Ability to communicate technical findings, risks, test results, and recommendations to engineering teams, customers, and leadership.
• Strong technical writing, organizational, problem-solving, and multitasking skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.
• Experience using Microsoft SharePoint.
• Ability to support occasional mission-driven work outside normal business hours.
• This position requires a “Public Trust” background check with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security clearance.
• You must be a US Citizen and show proof of citizenship.
• Must be able to maintain ability to access government worksite.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with spacecraft communications, satellite ground systems, launch vehicles, or human-spaceflight mission support.
• Hands-on experience with spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers, and RF power meters.
• Experience with RF command, telemetry, tracking, link analysis, and flight operations.
• Knowledge of RF link budgets, channel coding, Doppler compensation, and modulation schemes such as BPSK, QPSK, and OQPSK.
• Experience with ground-station monitor-and-control systems, particularly Monitor & Control (HWCNTRL) or a comparable platform.
• Experience developing scripts or automated tests for integrated hardware and software systems.
• Experience with configuration control, discrepancy reporting, corrective-action tracking, and regression testing.
• Familiarity with Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) and Range Commanders Council (RCC) standards and TCP/IP and UDP networking.
• Experience supporting simulations, system-readiness tests, launch-readiness activities, or real-time mission operations.
• Experience working with government customers, engineering suppliers, equipment vendors, and cross-functional technical teams.

Target Salary Range

$80,000 - $128,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.
Benefits Statement

Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off (PTO) for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at https://www.careers.peraton.com/benefits.

Application Statements


EEO

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