Ground Controller

Title:

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! 

Around here, we define the future.

We are a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and dreamers. But we all share one goal: to improve the world responsibly and safely.

KBR is looking for a Ground Controller supporting NASA at Johnson Space Center

Hours: The GC group supports various mission shifts on a rotational basis every day of the year (24x7x365) for ISS, Commercial Crew and Exploration missions, simulations and testing.

Job Description:

The Ground Controller (GC) team is responsible for the ground systems infrastructure and ground communications necessary to perform planning, training, testing, execution, and evaluation of Human spaceflight mission operations at the Johnson Space Center Mission Control Center (MCC). The GC is the focal point in the MCC flight control room position responsible for the operations of the MCC systems, Space and Ground Networks, and External Partner remote control center interfaces. The GC develops and executes procedures to monitor, control, and direct the ground systems resources required to meet the test, simulation, or mission operations objectives. This includes direct interaction with operations, maintenance, sustaining engineering and management personnel as well as contractors, NASA and International Partners. The GC coordinates, manages, and analyzes options to ensure the resource requirements, configurations, and capabilities are identified, scheduled and ready to perform nominal and off-nominal Human space flight operations. The GC chairs meetings, leads working groups, establishes and responds to actions, initiates reviews and coordinates the resolution of problems, constraints and stalemated issues that affect an operation’s performance. The GC represents the MCC Operations Team (OT) regarding the ground instrumentation operations status in working groups and decision-making forums. The OT is part of the GC team outside the flight control room responsible for ensuring the MCC systems are operational and ready to be used non-stop. Domestic and International travel may be required to participate in technical interchange meetings, establish working relationships and procedural agreements. Compliance with the personnel reliability program for flight critical personnel and security standards is required. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

* Focal point for managing the operational configuration of the ground network data and communications systems to ensure the readiness of these systems to perform the various missions, simulation, and test activities. Personnel supporting these networks across the globe are responsible to the GC during real-time operations.

* Develops and provides status presentations, mission overview presentations, and readiness presentations to contractor and NASA management.

* Leads the Operations Team (OT) in mission planning, preparation, and execution by ensuring procedures are current, accurate and performed in accordance with mission

operations standards, and includes performing the role of book manager or technical authority for procedure manuals.

* The Mission/Increment lead GC is responsible for coordinating and documenting the configuration of MCC, Space and Ground data and communication networks for spaceflight tests and missions.

* The GC ensures the availability and operability of the MCC facilities and all inter-center interfaces to/from:

o External Partner Control Centers

o Visiting Vehicle Control Centers

o Payload Operations Control Center

o NASA Centers, Ground Network stations and facilities

o NASA Space Network terminals

o Department of Defense C-band Radar tracking network stations and control center

o Spacecraft launch and landing facilities

* Establishes and maintains technical competency and cognizance of the control center systems, support plans, problems, and resolution status. Includes active participation in the training and certification process. Continually receives training on new systems, capabilities, and missions/increments, and provides knowledge transfer training to peers.

* Operates the GC console for assigned tests, simulations, and flight operations.

* Configures and manages the ground data systems/communications.

Education/Experience:

* Bachelor's of Science degree in a related field plus 0-2+ years' experience related to space flight operations, control center operations and/or ground or space network operations. Related experience can be in one or more of the following skill areas:

o Spacecraft ground processing systems

o Telemetry, command, or trajectory data systems

o Spacecraft simulator systems

o Space-to-ground communication systems

o Large network data transport systems

o International Space Station communication systems

Physical/Security Qualifications:

* All candidates must pass an annual flight physical and background check as a requirement of this position

Additional Qualifications:

* Be team oriented

* Possess strong written and verbal communication skills

* Have strong decision making and problem resolution capabilities

* Demonstrate good PC skills and familiarity with networks

* Be able to work a flexible and dynamic work schedule

Desired skills that add to a person’s capabilities but are not required:

* Current or previous certification in one or more of the JSC Mission Control Center Operations Team (OT) positions

* Knowledge of International Space Station and/or other spacecraft communication systems, radios, computers, video, voice systems, satellite systems, and antennas

KBR Benefits​

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule.  We support career advancement through professional training and development.​

Click here to learn more:  KBR Benefits | KBR

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture.  These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company.  That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together. 

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.