Senior Principal SpaceOps Tool Developer

Data Networks Inc is hiring a Senior Principal SpaceOps Tool Developer who is a specialized hybrid engineer bridging satellite subsystems expertise (power, comm, GNC, flight dynamics, thermal), overall system level experience in satellite operations with modern software engineering. The position builds, automates, and optimizes real-time command systems and offline engineering of current operations tools and leverages AI/LLMs to enhance anomaly detection, streamline data analysis, and improve satellite operations. Unlike general software developers, SpaceOps Tool Developers possess specialized aerospace and software knowledge.  As a member of the Engineering and Mission Operations Support Services -VII (EMOSS-VII) contract, based in Suitland, MD the position requires proven education and experience to demonstrate capacity to perform at a high level as a Senior Principal SpaceOps Tool Developer. Our client is responsible for engineering and mission operations support for environmental monitoring satellites managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO). ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Core Responsibilities & Expertise Tooling vs. Infrastructure: Traditional satellite ground system development, maintenance and sustainment teams focus on the maintenance and stability of ground system hardware and core software. SpaceOps Tool Developers build tools to optimize the software layer on top of that infrastructure for flexibility. Development and Maintenance of Operational Tools: Providing support to maintaining current satellite operations tools (flight dynamics, data trending and analysis), developing critical enhancements, responding to changing mission requirements. Intersection of Roles: Position acts as "satellite operations engineer-who-codes," creating user-friendly interfaces (UIs) to automate operations and integrate AI-powered predictive analytics. Automation of Real-time Ops: Designing software that automates routine commanding, telemetry monitoring, fault detection, and isolation/recovery (FDIR) sequences. Tools enable shifting from “human-in-the-loop” to “human-on-the-loop”, designing autonomous systems that manage health without direct operator intervention. Streamlining Offline Engineering: Developing tools to streamline data processing, trend analysis, and performance assessment, converting raw telemetry into actionable engineering insights. Subsystem Intelligence: Understanding of satellite flight and ground systems, including Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), communication, thermal regulation, and power management to write effective control algorithms. Modern Software Practices: Proficient in C, C++, Rust, Python, Google Apps Script and Linux environments, implementing robust automated test procedures, and using AI/LLMs for interpreting complex data logs and writing operational procedures. Aerospace Context vs. General Coding: Understands why a satellite takes a certain action, not just how to code the command. Knows what telemetry parameters indicate such things as a thermal violation, thruster malfunction, or communication loss. LLM Integration: Utilizing Large Language Models (LLM) to translate natural language queries (e.g., "When was the last time battery DOD exceeded 30%?") into database queries, giving satellite engineers instant answers. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or related field, and 10-12 years of aerospace engineering experience. A Master’s degree in relevant discipline is equivalent to two years’ experience. Writing and presentation skills for a wide diverse audience. Perform contingency real time troubleshooting and analysis during anomalies, including real-time problem identification and resolution, support in case of any in-orbit anomaly and participate in the investigation of ground system anomalies.  Propose new or execute improvements to tools that will increase long term reliability, monitoring, and anomaly detection capability. Highly Desired Direct experience developing and sustaining flight dynamics and mission analysis software, such as the GOES-R Lightweight Automation-Driven Orbital Solution (GLADOS) code and its SOLAR-1 variant. Direct experience providing trending and analysis core updates, mission unique adaptations and database updates. Configuration management and document management supporting flight operations. Support integration of AI/ML, data platforms, and cloud infrastructure into cohesive, mission-ready tools that can be reused and scaled across satellite operating systems. Work Environment and Physical Demands Work in a typical office building during a standard 40-hour week. Occasional deadlines or operational conditions require non-standard hours and longer hours. Travel for a few days to a couple of weeks per year. Work is at the NOAA Satellite Operations Facility (NSOF) located on the Suitland Federal Center, MD.