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 a Senior Software 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:

• Support disciplined Agile development of Monitor and Control and Scheduling software in support of the mission.
• Support testing and evaluation of systems and equipment in support of the mission.
• Support evaluation and integration of software into a global network of antennas.
• Develop and apply advanced methods, theories and research techniques in investigation and solution of complex and difficult system design requirements and problems.
• Plan, conduct and technically direct projects or major phases of significant projects, coordinating the efforts of engineers and technical support staff in the performance of assigned projects.
• Conduct investigations of considerable complexity.
• Review literature, patents and current practices relevant to the solution of assigned projects.
• Review completion and implementation of systems additions and/or enhancements and recommend corrections in technical application and analysis to management.
• Evaluate vendor capabilities to provide required products or services. Provide technical consultation to other organizations.
• Provide support in fulfilling scrum master role.

Travel is required.

What you’ll Need:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related engineering discipline (Math, Physics)
• 8+years of applicable progressively complex systems and software design and development experience, including integration of complex hardware/software systems.

Required Skills:

• Ability to successfully complete a high-risk public trust background investigation
• Development experience with remote hardware Monitor and Control systems
• Software development and integration experience
• Protocols and message formats including TCP/IP, SNMP, SMTP, HTML, RS-232, RS-422, GEMS, REST, JSON
• Application development using script-based languages including Python, Perl, and TCL
• Knowledge of system administration for Linux and Windows systems
• Able to work on site in a lab environment at Fulton, MD and/or Columbia, MD
• Able to travel to ground station sites (2) to perform work at WCDAS in Wallops, VA and CBU in Fairmont, WV.
• US Citizen

Other Desirable Experience & Skills:

• Device driver development for hardware Monitor and Control applications
• Development experience with ground equipment scheduling systems
• Knowledge of Antenna ground system architecture
• Experience with Satellite/Ground command and data encryption
• Data recording and archive experience
• Time and frequency distribution systems experience
• Linux and Windows system administrative and scripting functions
• Hardware sustainment and preventive maintenance
• Development experience with DataPath’s MaxView software
• Satellite Toolkit experience

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.