Environmental Systems Flight Controller

This position provides flight control and training support to the International Space Station (ISS) and Exploration Vehicle Operations within the NASA JSC Flight Operation Directorate (FOD). Duties will require successfully completing a training and skill certification process. Typically the candidate will first train and become certified for a Mission Control Center console position. The individual may subsequently attain additional certifications required to train astronauts, cosmonauts, flight controllers, and other NASA and International Partner mission operations personnel on ISS systems content. This position is supporting ISS on the Integrated Mission Operations Contract (IMOC) III.

This engineer is an entry-level engineer on the Flight Controller Path mastering training associated with certifications for Flight Controller responsibilities. An individual in this position will work as an International Space Station (ISS) flight controller and serve as a technical expert for the assigned area of Environmental and Thermal Operating Systems (ETHOS). Flight controllers are responsible for life support operating systems and emergency response onboard ISS from a flight control console located in the Mission Control Center (MCC) Houston as well as the Multi-Purpose Support Room. These individuals are also responsible for training astronauts, cosmonauts, and peers on ISS systems content. Personnel will be expected to complete NASA led flight controller and instructor certifications. Initial training and duties will be as an entry level flight controller or Operator often working evening, night and weekend shifts during non-complex operations.

The Environmental branch manages life support, internal thermal control and Emergency response systems for ISS and Exploration vehicles. The Environmental and Thermal Operating Systems (ETHOS) flight controller and instructors manage the execution and training for crew on life support systems that include monitoring the oxygen, nitrogen, ventilation, CO2 scrubbing, total and partial pressure sensors, trace contaminant removal, vacuum resources for payloads, water recovery and recycling, and urine processing systems. Within the internal thermal control systems ETHOS operates the low and moderate temperature water loops located in the US Lab, Node 2, and Node 3 modules, and manages the shell heaters located on every US module. Consumables tracking, trending, and planning is also a major and dynamic function that ETHOS deals with on a daily basis. Troubleshooting system failures and assisting in planning crew repair activities is fairly common within the ETHOS console due to the high number of unique and critical systems that are required for crew health and ISS habitability. ETHOS flight controllers and instructors have the significant and critical role of leading the flight control teams and crew in responding to vehicle emergencies including fire, rapid depressurization and a toxic atmosphere.

Candidate must possess excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, leadership and team working skills. Knowledge of engineering principles and the ability to apply them to real-time operations is essential. Candidate must show ability to respond under pressure as a Flight Controller for positions in the Multi-Purpose Support Room. Candidate must pass an Air Force Class III physical for Flight Controller certification. Shift work (nights, weekends, and holidays), strong Microsoft Office skills are required.

Benefits

Benefits

GCS health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Typical benefits offered include flexible work schedules and opportunities to work remotely, educational reimbursement, retirement benefits (401K, Roth), health benefits, tax saving options, disability benefits, life and accident insurance, voluntary benefits, paid time off and paid holidays, and parental and pregnancy leave.