FTI is seeking a highly skilled Lead Software Engineer with Ground Control Stations experience to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have experience in mission management systems, data processing, command and control and ground control station integration. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining the software infrastructure that enables efficient and reliable operation and integration of ground control stations used for controlling space missions. You will work with cutting-edge technologies in cloud environments, real-time data processing, and mission control systems. This work will primarily be performed in Colorado Springs, CO, with travel to integration sites as required.   

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, document, test, and debug new and existing software systems and/or applications (cloud and/or in-house). 
• Develop and maintain mission control software for a ground control station environment, including integration with hardware and cloud systems. 
• Write wrapper code to support the integration of different software components within the ground control station (GCS).
• Design, develop, and integrate software systems that interact with satellite and mission control hardware. 
• Experience with Flight Dynamics, Orbital Planning, Mission Managment, Telemetry and Commanding, Ground Control, data management and other traditional ground systems components. 
• Work with AWS and cloud infrastructure to scale the system and ensure high availability. 
• Develop real-time systems for mission data processing, telemetry, and anomaly detection. 
• Develop C#, Python, JAVA and/or C++ solutions for various ground control station components. 
• Help build and maintain automated testing frameworks to ensure the reliability and performance of all GCS software components. 
• Collaborate on the development and integration of dashboards to visualize mission data, telemetry, and performance metrics. 
• Ensure efficient integration of various software systems within the control station, focusing on reliability, performance, and scalability. 
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to identify and solve complex system integration challenges. 
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for software applications, APIs, and mission control processes. 
•  Participate in full development life cycle including requirements analysis and design. Write technical specifications based on conceptual design and stated business requirements. 
• Support, maintain, and document software functionality. Identify and evaluate new technologies for implementation. Analyze code to find causes of errors and revise programs as needed. 
• Participate in software design meetings and analyze user needs to determine technical requirements. Consult with end user to prototype, refine, test, and debug programs to meet needs. 

Leadership Responsibilities:

• Effective Leadership:
  • Vision and Strategy: Clearly articulate the team’s vision and strategy, ensuring alignment with the organization’s goals.
  • Decision-Making: Make informed and timely decisions, considering the impact on the team and the organization.
  • Conflict Resolution: Address and resolve conflicts within the team promptly and fairly.
  • Empowerment: Empower team members by delegating responsibilities and encouraging autonomy.
  • Anticipate and Balance Needs: Anticipate and balance the needs of multiple stakeholders which may span across one or more customers, leaders, and organizations both internally and externally.
  • Mitigate Risk:  Identify, communicate, and mitigate risks to teamwork execution (personnel, technical, organizational). This includes ensuring tasks assigned align with individuals' skill sets to set them and the deliverables up for success.
  • Build High Performing Teams: Build high performing teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve customer goals.
• Employee Intimacy:
  • Build Strong Relationships: Develop and maintain strong, trusting relationships with team members.
  • Understand Individual Motivations: Take the time to understand each team member's motivations, strengths, and areas for improvement.
  • Personal Engagement: Show genuine interest in team members' well-being, both professionally and personally.
  • Celebrate Successes: Recognize and celebrate individual and team achievements regularly.
• Coaching Through Change:
  • Lead by Example: Demonstrate adaptability and a positive attitude toward change, setting a tone for the team.
  • Provide Resources and Training: Offer necessary resources and training to help team members adapt to new processes, technologies, or organizational changes.
  • Support Emotional Well-being: Recognize and address the emotional impact of change on team members, offering support and understanding while promoting the business decision. 
  • Communicate Vision: Clearly communicate and champion the reasons for change, the benefits, and how it aligns with the organization's goals.
• Intentional Mentoring:
  • Identify Development Opportunities: Proactively identify and provide opportunities for team members' professional and personal growth.
  • Set Mentoring Goals: Establish specific mentoring goals and create a plan to achieve them.
  • Regular Mentoring Sessions: Schedule and conduct regular mentoring sessions to guide, support, and develop team members.
  • Model Desired Behaviors: Demonstrate the behaviors and skills you want to cultivate in your team.
• Managing, Tracking, and Measuring Performance for Accountability:
  • Set SMART Goals and Clear Expectations: Establish Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals for team members. Define clear, measurable goals for the team, ensuring each member understands their individual responsibilities and how these goals align with and impact company objectives.
  • Performance Check-ins and Reviews: Conduct regular one-on-one meetings to assess progress, provide feedback, coaching and address any issues. Use these opportunities to set action plans for proactive improvement and development. Performance evaluation responsibility for direct reports during mid and end of fiscal year.
  • Performance Metrics: Utilize key performance indicators (KPIs) and other metrics to objectively measure and track performance.
  • Transparent Communication: Maintain open lines of communication, holding yourself and your team accountable for actions and results. Ensure that expectations and feedback are clearly communicated.
  • Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement by identifying areas for development, providing necessary support and training, and encouraging proactive growth and learning.
• Approving Time Sheets:
  • Timely Approval: Ensure timely and accurate approval of time sheets to comply with company policies and payroll deadlines.
  • Accuracy Verification: Verify the accuracy of reported hours, addressing discrepancies promptly.
  • Compliance: Ensure that time sheet submissions comply with labor laws and company policies.
  • Feedback on Patterns: Provide feedback on attendance patterns and discuss any issues related to time management with team members.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen and possess an active Top Secret (TS) (minimum) security clearance (must also be SCI and SAP eligible).  

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Sciences, Engineering or a related field required (Master’s degree preferred). 

• 10+ years of Software Development Experience.  
• Professional experience in developing C#, Python, JAVA and/or C++ solutions for various ground control station components. 
• Experience with Flight Dynamics, Orbital Planning, Mission Managment, Telemetry and Commanding, Ground Control, data management and other traditional ground systems components. 

• Experience with OpenC3 COSMOS for spacecraft operations and system integration, ensuring smooth mission execution, is desired.
  • OpenC3 COSMOS is a suite of software and hardware tools that enables the Mission Operations Team (MOT) to interface with the spacecraft, ground control network, payload and other customers in order to perform the mission operations function.

For this role, the annual compensation range for candidates in Colorado is ($120K-$202K)*. 

*Note: Starting pay will be based on a number of factors and commensurate with qualifications & experience. FTI has a location-based compensation structure; there may be a different range for candidates in other locations. 

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