Barrios Technology · 19 hours ago
International Space Station Flight Controller - Trajectory Operations & Planning Officer (TOPO)
Houston, TX
Full-time
Onsite
New Grad, Entry Level
0+ years expBarrios Technology is an engineering solutions partner with extensive experience supporting NASA and the commercial space industry. They are seeking an International Space Station Flight Controller - Trajectory Operations & Planning Officer (TOPO) to ensure the safety and precision of the ISS's trajectory while collaborating with various partners and developing critical software tools.
AerospaceSoftware Engineering
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Attain and maintain a flight controller certification aligned with current and future NASA human spaceflight programs
Process orbit determination data from multiple sources to maintain accurate state vectors for the ISS, Visiting Vehicles, Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS), and orbital debris populations
Generate trajectory products that support long-term planning and short-term execution, including ISS altitude strategy, translation maneuvers, and debris avoidance planning
Coordinate and monitor all ISS translation maneuvers, assess conjunction risks, and plan debris avoidance maneuvers as required
Develop and maintain flight rules, console procedures, technical references, and operational products that underpin safe and effective mission execution
Collaborate extensively with NASA programs, International Partners, and commercial vehicle providers to support new vehicle integration, evolving operational concepts, and future mission architectures
Support a flexible work schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call support during missions and simulations
Contribute to the development and verification of mission-critical applications, tools used to assess conjunction risks and evaluate launch and collision avoidance impacts relative to the ISS trajectory
Participate in code reviews, unit testing, and software documentation (SRS, ATPR), ensuring compliance with NASA and Flight Dynamics Division standards for safety-critical tools
Qualification
Required
Bachelor of Science degree from an ABET-accredited program in Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics is required
0 to 4 years of related experience, including internships, co-ops, research projects, or other applied engineering work
Ideal candidates will have demonstrated technical depth through substantial academic or project-based work, preferably beyond introductory coursework
A strong academic background in orbital mechanics, spaceflight dynamics, or celestial mechanics is essential
The ideal candidate is an Aerospace Engineer with strong programming skills
Proficiency in Python is mandatory
Candidates must demonstrate experience using Python for engineering analysis or software development, including applications such as GUI design, automation, or data visualization
Due to NASA requirements for the position, candidates must be U.S. Citizens and able to obtain and maintain a security clearance through a favorably adjudicated Tier 3 background investigation
The candidate must be willing and able to attain a flight controller certification appropriate to assigned NASA human spaceflight programs
The candidate must successfully complete the required NASA flight controller physical examination, which may include specialized medical evaluations
If pre-existing or newly identified medical conditions are present, candidates may be required to provide documentation of a treatment plan, as directed by NASA medical personnel
Must be a U.S. Citizen and successfully complete a U.S. government background investigation
Post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol as outlined in our Drug Free Workplace policy
Work may involve sitting for extended periods
May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs
Must have sufficient mobility to enter areas of test facilities where necessary
Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task
Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, fax, etc.)
Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical
Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements when required
Must be able to work in a team atmosphere
Must put forward a professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation
Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others
Preferred
Preferred candidates will have academic or practical experience with orbital or celestial mechanics, real-time spacecraft operations, and trajectory analysis
Experience using analysis and scripting tools such as Python, Linux shell scripting, MATLAB, FreeFlyer, or similar commercial or in-house tools
Exposure to engineering analysis, trade studies, or trajectory simulations in support of spacecraft operations
Experience in writing or testing trajectory software tools, displays, or scripts; performing engineering analysis; or interpreting spacecraft performance data will be beneficial, particularly in support of mission operations or flight dynamics applications
Experience or interest in artificial intelligence (AI) is highly valued, particularly in areas such as prompt engineering, natural language processing, or the integration of AI into trajectory analysis, mission planning, or software development workflows
As the Flight Dynamics Division continues to explore how AI can enhance human spaceflight operations, candidates who bring curiosity and foundational skills in this domain will help shape the future of our tools and processes
Familiarity with software project management and development lifecycle processes is also desired, including performing code and requirement reviews, writing test plans, developing procedures, and testing software tools or scripts
Familiarity with operational environments that require coordination across multiple organizations, including NASA programs, international partners, or commercial spaceflight providers, is beneficial
Candidates with prior experience or strong interest in human spaceflight programs such as the International Space Station, Gateway, Commercial Crew, or Moon-to-Mars initiatives are particularly well suited for this role
Company
Barrios Technology
Barrios Technology is a small business provided a full spectrum of engineering, operations and related technology services in aerospace.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Sandy Johnson
Chief Executive Officer
Kelly Page
President
Recent News
Washington Technology
2025-07-30
2025-07-29
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