At Relative Dynamics we value knowledge as a process rather than knowledge as an answer. Founded in 2011 our goal is to define the new space era by continuously pushing the boundaries of engineering models services and technology development. Visit us at www.relativedynamics.space.

Relative Dynamics is seeking an Integration & Test (I&T) Engineer to provide support for the SWFO Antenna Network (SAN) for the NOAA Space Weather Follow-On (SWFO) program and the follow-on development to SWFO: SOLAR.

The Space Weather Follow-On (SWFO) and SOLAR missions are to provide space weather observations to enable space weather forecasting by NOAA. SWFO and SOLAR will make direct, in-situ, measurements of the solar wind thermal plasma and magnetic field “up-stream” of the Earth. In addition, SWFO and SOLAR will observe the Sun’s corona to detect expulsions of plasma and magnetic field, called Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), which may be directed towards the Earth. The data produced by SWFO will help NOAA provide watches and warnings for space weather events that can disrupt the electrical power grid and communications systems as well as navigation and timing systems like the Global Positioning System (GPS).

The SAN is a global antenna network to continuously receive mission data from the SWFO-L1 observatory, and to support SWFO-L1 observatory operations by providing telemetry, command, and ranging services. The SAN is that part of the GS that provides radio frequency (RF) communications with the SWFO-L1 observatory. It interfaces with the C2 and the SWFO-L1 observatory. The SAN is designed, developed, built, tested, deployed, and exercised during mission rehearsals, and is ready for operations following the launch of the SWFO-L1 spacecraft in September 2025.

The SAN architecture consists of 2 CONUS antenna installations Wallops Island, Virginia (Wallops) and Consolidated Backup Station (CBU) near Fairmont, West Virginia, with OCONUS terrestrial networking based on a commercial services approach. SOLAR will be a follow-on to modify the current SAN to enable the antennas to communicate with additional spacecraft at L1.

What You'll Get to Do:

• Design and develop advanced test programs, processes, and systems to measure the functionality and integrity of products and services.
• Lead the test processes and approach on assigned systems.
• Write complex test procedures and protocols to assess product reliability and evaluate the ability of products to meet performance standards and specifications against customer requirements.
• Monitor the gathering of test data and supervise the evaluation of test results to determine if product designs and architecture meet customer specifications and performance expectations.
• Develop complex test simulations to evaluate how products react under different conditions and analyze product failure to assess the integrity and reliability of product performance.
• Define debug protocols for test hardware and software.
• Analyze test cases and scenarios and report results.
• Collaborate with other engineering groups to improve or upgrade product performance.
• Provide technical consultation to other organizations and work leadership for lower-level employees.
• Responsible for the planning and testing during Factory Acceptance Testing, System Acceptance Testing, Interface testing, mission rehearsals, and help the SAN (CONUS and OCONUS) be ready for operations to support the launch of the SOLAR spacecraft.
• Direct testing and evaluation of systems and equipment in support of the mission.
• Direct evaluation and integration of new Antennas, RF equipment, Modems, Front-End Processors, and recorders.
• Able to work a hybrid schedule with remote and on site at KBR laboratory in Fulton, MD or Columbia, MD. Travel is required.

What you’ll Need:

• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering or related discipline (Aerospace, Computer Science, Network/communications, Physics, Math, etc.)
• 6-8 years related experience, including testing of integration of complex hardware/software systems.

Required Skills:

• Development of detailed test procedures and other documentation as deliverables to the government
• Execution of test procedures, defect recording, troubleshooting, test report documentation
• Assessment of system level requirements with regards to test and verification
• Traceability of test procedures to system requirements
• Development of test software/scripts/emulators (such as Python)
• Knowledge of network protocols, configuration settings, network analysis tools such as Wire Shark
• Able to work on site in a lab environment at Fulton, MD and/or Columbia, MD
• Able to travel to ground station sites (2) for installation and testing (WCDAS, CBU)
• Able to successfully complete a high-risk public trust background investigation

Other Desirable Experience & Skills:

• Operation of various test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, network analyzers etc.
• Antenna and Space to Ground communications systems technology, hardware and software
  • Antenna Radio Frequency communication and interfaces
  • Modulation and demodulation of satellite communication signals
  • Front End data processing of satellite science data and engineering telemetry data
  • CCSDS data link protocols and data packets, including CADUs and CLTUs
  • Monitor and Control systems
• Antenna ground system architecture test planning, integration, test execution and sustainment
• Satellite/Ground commanding and telemetry/data encryption
• Data recording and archive
• Time and frequency distribution systems
• Hardware sustainment and preventive maintenance
• Knowledgeable or have experience working in an Agile development environment
• Familiar with government deliverable policies, guidelines, standards

What You Won't Do:

• Feel stuck as we offer great opportunities to advance and learn
• Feel like a number as we're a close-knit bunch and always have each other’s backs

Who You Are:

• A self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment
• A quick learner who is always ready to gain depth of knowledge
• A reliable worker who knows the importance of showing up when it counts
• Accept assignments with open cooperative positive and team-oriented attitudes
• Able to plan and execute plans across teams
• Effective communicator both written and verbal

Relative Dynamics conducts a comprehensive background check that includes drug testing. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.