Network Operations Project Engineer

Peraton is seeking a Network Operations Project Engineer (NOPE) to join our team in Monrovia, California to support our Deep Space Network (DSN) program with JPL and NASA.

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.

The successful candidate will lead technical experts regarding the network infrastructure, project interface and operational support. A Network Operations Project Engineer (NOPE) is the primary individual responsible for development, review and presentation of the Level 1 and Level 2 Mission Event Readiness Review (MERR) materials to  JPL, NASA, and Project personnel. The MERR typically occurs in building 301 on the JPL campus.

A Network Operations Project Engineer (NOPE) works with the JPL Mission Interface Manager (MIM) on the development and sustainment of the DSN-Flight project Operational Interface Control Document (OICD). NOPEs work directly with JPL Institutional flight projects on the JPL lab to resolve questions and issues that may arise through the course of planning and sustainment of critical events. NOPEs serve as the representative of Mission Planning and work with Office 920 staff on issues related to DSN-Spacecraft support and resolution of Discrepancy Reports.

Responsibilities:

• Mission Support Leadership: Lead mission planning, preparation, coordination, and execution of critical activities throughout the project lifecycle.

• Technical Operations Support: Provide technical support for JPL and external projects, including troubleshooting and issue resolution.

• Documentation & Planning: Develop, test, and maintain Software Support Files, Network Operations Plans (NOP), and mission-specific support plans.

• Network Coordination: Manage all aspects of Deep Space Network (DSN) operational planning, including testing, training, and readiness for mission support.

• 24/7 Mission Readiness: Ensure mission-critical support availability year-round at JPL and Monrovia campuses.

• Mentorship & Reporting: Mentor team members, monitor mission/project status, and deliver progress reports to management and customers.

• Customer Relations & Compliance: Maintain strong internal/external customer relationships and stay current on DSN support requirements.

• Technical Consulting: Serve as a subject matter expert on DSN capabilities, interfaces, and project integration.

• Pre-Launch & In-Flight Operations: Lead planning and execution of all DSN support activities for both pre-launch and mission phases.

• Certification Maintenance: Maintain certification as a Network Operations Project Engineer (NOPE).

Required Qualifications

• 5 Years with BS/BA; 3 years with MS/MA; 0 years with PhD.

Desired Qualifications

• Current knowledge and understanding of DSN network and project operations.
• Network Operations Analyst (NOA) preferred experience.
• Solid knowledge of spacecraft to ground telecommunications is highly desirable.

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world’s leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can’t be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we’re keeping people around the world safe and secure.