NASA Robot Operator and Systems Engineer

Job Description

Description

SAIC is seeking a robot systems engineer and operator on the OMES II contract in support of the On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1 (OSAM-1) mission for NASA's Exploration and In-Space Services (NExIS) division. This position is located at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, MD.

OSAM-1 is a robotic servicing mission designed to refuel a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite. It contains 3 elements: the Flight Element comprised of the OSAM-1 Servicing Vehicle (RSV) and development testbeds, the Ground Element comprised of the systems required to conduct RSV operations and the supporting networks and facilities, and the Launch Element comprised of the Launch Vehicle and supporting facilities and services. NExIS is responsible for the design, engineering, development, test and operations of the OSAM-1 mission through an integrated team at GSFC. The Servicing Payload design, development and RSV integration will be conducted at GSFC.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The engineer will provide systems engineering and robot operator support for the OSAM-1 Robot Subsystem. The OSAM-1 Robot Subsystem is responsible for developing the robotic technology for the OSAM-1 servicing vehicle and operating the two robotic arms during the Landsat-7 servicing operations.

Job duties include:

• Support robot flight integration and test activities for the OSAM-1 mission.
• Operate industrial and flight robot systems to support the development of on-orbit robotic servicing.
• Work with robot tool designers to test and refine robotic tools and operational techniques, compile findings in comprehensive reports. 
• Interface with robot subsystems personnel to verify performance and operational constraints for robot operations in space.  Document findings and propose solutions.
• Run key operations in simulation and visualization programs to ensure hardware safety and resolve issues.
• Write robotic ground and flight test procedures and support flight operation planning. Gain concurrence that procedures accomplish functional and requirement verification needs for the subsystem.  Coordinate with the Integration and Test Team to ensure hardware and software logistics for testing.
• Work with the robot development team to specify functional requirements, define system configurations, evaluate system performance, and test robot features.
• Coordinate and lead related activities including metrology, data acquisition set up, operator training and safety monitoring.  

Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelors Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Engineering or Aerospace Engineering; five (5) years or more experience; Masters and three (3) years or more experience; PhD and 0 years related experience
• Experience with motion control, and motion planning of dexterous robots
• Hands on experience working with complex hardware, software, and electromechanical systems.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

DESIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with spacecraft operations.
• Experience with kinematics of dexterous robots
• Previous on-console flight operations experience
• Experience with MATLAB and analysis of large data sets, and log files
• Experience with any of the following: ROS, OROCOS, GIT, Spatial Analyzer, Linux or ASIST
• Experience with NASA mission life cycle and review cycle (design reviews, requirements reviews, integration reviews, trade studies, etc.)

Overview

SAIC® is a premier Fortune 500® technology integrator driving our nation's technology transformation. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian, and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in engineering, digital, artificial intelligence, and mission solutions. Using our expertise and understanding of existing and emerging technologies, we integrate the best components from our own portfolio and our partner ecosystem to deliver innovative, effective, and efficient solutions that are critical to achieving our customers' missions.

We are approximately 26,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is core to our values and important to attract and retain exceptional talent. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.4 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.