Principal Systems Command & Data Handling Engineer (#3644747)

Position Description Summary

APT Research is hiring a Command & Data Handling (C&DH) Engineer to support the Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO) satellite system program in Littleton, CO. GeoXO is NOAA's next-generation Geostationary Extended Observations satellite system, designed to revolutionize how we monitor Earth's atmosphere and oceans. GeoXO will deliver critical data to improve forecasts and increase preparedness for severe weather, air quality events, and harmful algal blooms. By enhancing public safety and delivering significant economic benefits, GeoXO represents a transformative step in safeguarding lives, property, and our nation's resilience.

APT is an employee-owned engineering services company specializing in conducting safety analyses for the U.S. Government. APT offers competitive salaries, advancement opportunities that match your professional development interest, and excellent benefits including being voted as the best place for working parents. Our employees are owners, each share in the commitment to deliver safe, reliable, and innovative Analysis, Planning, & Test Solutions and services that exceed expectations, build employee pride of ownership, and optimize shareholder value.

Key Duties:

• Develop and maintain entry and exit criteria for Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and Critical Design Review (CDR) milestones.
• Manage C&DH architecture requirements, configurations, and interfaces.
• Track and verify C&DH system-level design documentation, ensuring compliance with program requirements.
• Assign and track tasks and action items related to C&DH subsystems across engineering teams.
• Coordinate with hardware and software teams to ensure C&DH system integration aligns with program objectives.
• Review and validate C&DH-related stakeholder slide decks, technical documentation, and meeting minutes.
• Conduct regular follow-ups with C&DH engineers and stakeholders to track progress and resolve issues.

Required Experience/Education:

• 25 or more years of related experience
• Experience in Configuration and Data Handling (C&DH) engineering, particularly in space or airborne systems
• Knowledge of C&DH architectures, data buses (e.g., MIL-STD-1553, SpaceWire, Ethernet), and data processing systems
• Understanding of C&DH software and firmware integration
• Excellent technical documentation review and verification skills
• Strong organizational and coordination skills, with experience working across multidisciplinary teams
• Master/PhD degree.

Security Clearance Requirement:

• Must be a U.S citizen with the ability to obtain a clearance if needed

Preferred Experience:

• Experience supporting NASA, NOAA, or aerospace defense programs.
• Familiarity with PDR/CDR review processes and milestone tracking.

Essential Job Functions:

Work Environment:

• Office environment
• Requires ability to provide clear, concise, accurate, and timely communication, both verbally and written
• Ability to interact professionally with coworkers, management, and customers

Travel Requirements:

• Requires ability to travel domestically (within the U.S.) <15%

Physical Requirements:

• Requires sitting for extended periods of time at a workstation / desk
• Ability to lift >15 lbs.

Other Essential Functions:

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgement
• Work attire must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk / hazard to the employee or others

EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled

APT Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in its job application procedures. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, you may use the following email address, hr@apt-research.com and/or phone number (256.327.3373) to contact us about your interest in employment with APT Research, Inc.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, military status, participation in protected activity (such as requesting job-protected leave, or some covered accommodation), pregnancy, protected veteran status or protected leave status (or use of protected leave), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.