Mission Software Engineer, MethaneSAT

OVERALL FUNCTION

The Mission Software Engineer will work with our scientists, engineers, and partners to support the successful operation of the MethaneSAT spacecraft enabling delivery of scientifically accurate and impactful data products to a global audience. The MethaneSAT Mission Operations are comprised of satellite command and control, health and safety monitoring, mission planning, and communications to operate the spacecraft in orbit. It uses cloud-based services to provide the computing, data archiving and operational interfaces between these functions. Long-term MethaneSAT Mission Operations are the responsibility of our partners in New Zealand utilizing a New Zealand-based Mission Operations Center and team.

The Mission Software Engineer will work with our MethaneSAT LLC engineering team to update, expand and automate our current mission planning system and processes for MethaneSAT. They will have significant independence and responsibility in developing, maintaining, and adapting software for mission planning, which is an intricate and complex system intertwined with many other mission components. They will strive to understand problems, build solutions and collaborate with the MethaneSAT team to support efficient and productive mission operations.

This position will report directly to the Sr. Director, Mission Systems for MethaneSAT, LLC, and will work closely with other MethaneSAT, LLC staff, key contractors, and EDF staff.

Location: Hybrid from any EDF U.S. office (San Francisco, Austin, Boston, Boulder, New York, Washington, DC) or U.S. Remote

Term: This is a 3 year fixed term position with full benefits and opportunity for extension.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Improve MethaneSAT daily mission operations in alignment with EDF, MethaneSAT, LLC and external stakeholder mission goals and objectives.
• Establish the needs for mission planning in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders distilling these into processes and tools within the mission operations system.
• Develop software that is complex and intertwined with other MethaneSAT systems, as well as troubleshoot issues in existing software that may have wide-ranging ramifications.
• Develop and maintain software, restructuring and rewriting when needed to add new capabilities.
• Participate in advancing organizational effectiveness and culture goals, in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges aligned with organizational values.
• Navigate and collaborate effectively on differing needs and priorities while working closely with the Science Team, Operations Leads, EDF, MethaneSAT, LLC and other stakeholders to achieve timely delivery of MethaneSAT mission operations products.
• Ensure the mission planning process and software are aligned and are working to a common set of mission objectives.
• Lead the development, improvement, and maintenance of key portions of the mission planning software within the mission operations system.
• Ensure the capture and resolution of testing, technical, and operational anomalies and issues within the mission planning system.
• Support successful satellite operations by the New Zealand-led mission operations team.
• Additional responsibilities assigned as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering or equivalent in a relevant field with at least 6 years of relevant experience. A Master’s degree or equivalent may substitute for up to 2 years of relevant experience.
• Scientific or engineering software development experience with demonstrated progressive responsibility.
• Experience in satellite mission operations.
• Experience in mission planning and/or satellite attitude control highly preferred.
• Significant experience in software development in one or more languages. Experience working in R, python, C++ and Linux preferred.
• Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency, inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
• Ability to conceptualize and work through complex technical problems.
• Excellent communication skills including presentation skills required.
• Strong ability to work independently on a multi-disciplinary team, using independent judgment required to plan, prioritize, and organize diversified workload.
• Must be a US person (citizen, green card holder); MethaneSAT, LLC is unable to offer employer-based sponsorship for this role at this time.

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization. We take into account factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, internal team equity and local norms.

Please note that pay ranges are country specific. As a result, the stated currency is not meant be converted into any other currency.

$125,000-$130,000 USD