Staff Consultant / Engineer, Earth Science Microwave Sensor Systems Architect

Who We Are

Ball Aerospace is a leader in design, development and manufacture of innovative aerospace systems. We produce spacecraft, instruments and sensors, microwave / RF technologies, data exploitation solutions and a variety of advanced aerospace technologies and products that enable exciting missions.

Ball Aerospace is known for its contributions in support of space and Earth science, exploration, and national security programs. We were also a pioneer in the development of the commercial remote sensing market, producing data exploitation, and imaging systems and spacecraft that helped spawn a new market-driven demand for imagery & data. Our projects offer some of the most difficult and exciting challenges in aerospace. 

We employ approximately 3,000 talented engineers, scientists, technicians and support staff.  One of the keys to our success is our people. Our employees take great pride in their contributions to better understanding our planet, the universe and protecting the nation.  

What You'll Do

·        Support development of Earth Science Sensors including architectures that use RF/Microwave instruments. Provide  mission area strategies and technology roadmaps for these sensors

·        Provide senior engineering skill and technical leadership to support system engineering of space based Earth Science microwave instrument development for NASA, NOAA, DoD and Commercial customers.

·        Identify, develop, pursue, and capture emerging business possibilities in the Earth Science RF/Microwave instruments / sensors missions market.

·        Support advanced technical research studies and applications, including architecting systems based on highest mission level requirements, proposing new ideas utilizing appropriate technologies, creating new solutions with a complete approach from concept development through operational implementation.

·        Coordinate Internal Research And Development (IRAD), and external Customer Research and Development (CRAD), Earth Science RF/Microwave sensor development efforts toward supporting future program and proposal efforts

·        Support advanced program development with technical oversight of mission scenarios, instrument design / prototyping

·        Support interest / no interest, pursue / no pursue, and bid / no bid reviews

·        Support advanced program development  with defining architectures, supporting proposals, responding to RFIs, writing white papers, and participating / leading proposal reviews

·        Support systems engineering activities and advise on improvement of existing products and architectures, including managing/conducting research and development, and mentoring junior engineers.

·        Responsibilities also include interfacing with multiple engineering disciplines and providing company-wide systems architecture advisement.

What You'll Need

·        BS in Engineering or a related technical field is strongly preferred plus 16 or more years experience.  Advanced degree is desirable.

·        This position is for an experienced system engineer with a strong background in instrument systems development from concept to implementation, system requirements development and change management, ICD development, subsystem specification development, design and inter-group coordination.

·        16 or more years of technical experience in space-based Earth Science RF/Microwave sensor &  instrument / systems development (active and / or passive instrumentation), including implementation

·        Proven ability to define architecture of potential systems, especially complex, multi- mode integrated payloads, including system of systems and ground operations.

·        Proven track record in producibility of designs with cost, budget, and schedule constraints for self and others is essential.

·        Ability to develop relationships with key technologists/program/engineering personnel from Government and academia.

·        Proposal leadership experience. Awareness of system-level issues and their impacts on system architectures is necessary. New business development experience, including successful customer interaction

·        Knowledge of the current state-of-the-art in Earth Science microwave sensor &  instrument technologies

·        Knowledge of how RF/Microwave propagation is altered by the environmental medium

·        Knowledge of modeling tools and techniques to predict and budget system performance

·        Knowledge of  NASA, NOAA, DoD and other government or commercial markets and mission opportunities is desirable.

·        Experience in or ability to develop market assessments, technology roadmaps and capture plans

·        Experience in instrument prototyping; laboratory development and field campaigns

·        Excellent presentation and writing skills

·        Current National Clearance / Access a plus.  Applicants selected will be subjected to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

·        In addition to the typical educational and experience requirements, a demonstrated capability to adequately perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position and exhibit the skills and competencies of the grade level should be considered.  Each higher-level degree, i.e. Master´s Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience.

·        Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

U.S. Citizenship is required.