Software Engineer

Peraton is seeking a Software Engineer to support our Deep Space Network (DSN) Operations and Maintenance O&M contract with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and NASA in Monrovia, CA.

The Deep Space Network is NASA’s international array of giant radio antennas that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions, plus a few that orbit Earth. The DSN also provides radar and radio astronomy observations that improve our understanding of the solar system and the larger universe. The antennas of the Deep Space Network are the indispensable link to explorers venturing beyond the moon. They provide the crucial connection for commanding our spacecraft and receiving their never-before-seen images and scientific information on Earth, propelling our understanding of the universe, our solar system and ultimately, our place within it.

As a software engineer working in an agile environment, you will work with the customer to identify needs, translate those needs into actionable work, and participate in a team of skilled software developers to turn white-board concepts into reality.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in implementation tasks from project inception through the operational phase
• Provide the support required for transferring new capabilities from development engineering to operations.
• Provide software testing support and, in coordination with the Cognizant Development Engineer (CDE), develop and issue instructions for software workarounds to the Deep Space Communication Complex (DSCC) operations personnel.
• Coordination of the acceptance and transfer of DSN Packages (MODKITS) for implementation into the DSN.
• Maintain technical cognizance of end-to-end system configurations, performance parameters, and capabilities, and provide documentation. 
• Liaise between personnel at the DSCCs and all DSN Design Engineering for the resolution of operational problems, failures, and discrepancies. 
• Review software Anomaly Reports (ARs) and Change Requests (CRs) with the CDE and coordinate with DSN personnel for the preparation of engineering change requests for submission to the DSN Engineering Change Management system.
• Identifies operational problems by observing and studying system functioning and performance results; investigating complaints and suggestions; interviewing process supervisors and operators; completing troubleshooting procedures. Perform the analysis required to troubleshoot problems and to help the DSN Project Office determine areas needing attention.
• Presenting, documenting, and delivering on projects as the product owner.
• Develop and document operational processes and procedures, review with DSN CDEs, and disseminate the information or procedures to the DSN.
• Produce maintenance and operation support criteria and assist in the development and implementation of support systems.
• Provide engineering support to ensure that the applications and systems at the various facilities are sustained in accordance with established standards.
• Furnish technical assistance to operations and maintenance personnel.
• Monitor on-going operations and identify the need for additional training, material, equipment or resources.
• Provide a timetable and schedules for all development, test and maintenance tasks. This could also include development of computer-based tools and other tools for data collection, analysis and reporting. 
• Provide real-time advisor support during significant or critical mission and network activities and testing

Required Qualifications

• 2 years with BS/BA; 0 years with MS/MA; 6 years with no degree
• Programming experience and algorithm optimization, preferably in a client server environment.
• Experience and extensive familiarity with Microsoft development environment tools including C#, ASP, NET, SQL Server, Windows O/S. 
• Programming experience with Python is essential and a must. Proficient with languages like Kivy or TKinter in python is also a plus.
• A core understanding of Object-Oriented Programing (OOP) principles.
• Work experience in an MVC style approach/MVC workflow.
• Travel to Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Goldstone Deep Space Communication Complex (GDSCC) to support customer requirements. 
• The ability to undergo a trusted background check and pass a National Criminal Information Check (NCIC).

Desired Qualifications

• Work experience with GUI development or desktop applications would be a plus.
• Fast learner, interested in problem solving, a self-starter who can make defined requirements from a user's inputs, and be flexible with solutions.
• Experience interfacing successfully across various departmental levels.
• Previous experience with front-end tools like HTML5, and JavaScript is desired.
• Experience with Linux is a plus since a fair amount of bash scripts and different tools need to be written to make seamless transitions from legacy SPT to newer tools.
• Analytical skills, detail oriented and ability to multi-task.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Candidate must be able to work in a team environment; proactive; innovative; articulate; able to present briefing material to customers during formal reviews; demonstrate good problem-solving techniques and skills.