System Administrator, Station Network Flight Controller (PLUTO)

Our long-term client relationship with KBR has led to a need for a System Administrator, Station Network Flight Controller (PLUTO) on the Integrated Mission Operations Contract III (IMOC III) contract at Johnson Space Center (Houston, TX).

Building on more than four decades of experience in providing innovative integration solutions for government and commercial space programs, Barrios offers an extensive range of engineering, software, and related technology integration services in support of the aerospace community. As a woman-owned and operated small business, we are a people-focused company that supports professional development, while working to ensure that you maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

Barrios employees actively participate in the growth of the commercial spaceflight industry through our partnerships with companies leading commercial space development, as well as successfully supporting NASA as our primary government customer. Our long history supporting Low Earth Orbit (LEO) on the International Space Station, and now Commercial LEO, lays the groundwork for future missions to the Moon through our work on Orion, Gateway, and the Space Launch System. 

Seeking a candidate to join a collaborative team of engineers and Information Technology (IT) professionals at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) responsible for the system administration of the laptops and IT networks onboard the International Space Station (ISS).

The System Administrator, Station Network Flight Controller (PLUTO) will:

• The selected candidate will serve as Flight Controller for the International Space Station
• Duties will require the successful completion of a training and skill certification process
• Candidate will progressively train and become certified for a position in the NASA Mission Control Center (MCC)
• Specifically, the candidate will train to be both an Orbital Communications Adapter (OCA) Officer and a Plug-in Port Utilization Officer (PLUTO)
• OCA is responsible for the transfer of data (procedural, imagery, experimental) between the MCC and the operational Local Area Network (LAN) onboard the International Space Station (ISS) and Artemis Program spacecraft to support crew, ground, and payload operations
• As a trained PLUTO, the candidate will conduct remote system administration functions onboard human spaceflight vehicles to manage network infrastructure equipment, Windows / Linux servers, and clients (laptops and tablets)
• Related flight controller duties include writing ground and on-orbit procedures, training materials, and other documentation
• Additional duties include providing operational support for the development, implementation, modification, testing, validation, and troubleshooting of spacecraft network and computer hardware, software, and subsystems while ensuring the safety of both the onboard crew and vehicles
• The candidate may also perform similar duties in support of other exploration and future lunar missions

Required Education/Experience/Skills:

This is an entry-level position with 0-5 years of experience. This position requires successful completion of a government background check before commencement of employment.

• Bachelor's of Science Degree or anticipate graduation within the next 4 months (start date May 19, 2025) or within 7 months (start date August 25, 2025) in Computer Engineering or other Engineering field, (ABET) Computer Science, Physics, or Mathematics required
• Knowledge of engineering principles and the ability to apply them to real-time operations is essential
• Excellent communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, leadership, teamwork, technical, and administrative skills are mandatory
• Have a demonstrated ability to plan, lead, and coordinate a wide range of tasks
• Demonstrate the ability to progress through flight controller and instructor certifications
• Able to apply technical knowledge and operations concepts to exercise effective decision making and initiative in a real-time and fast-paced operational environment
• Self-starter who excels in a dynamic environment that requires him/her to work effectively both alone or as part of a team
• Required to pass a standard flight controller physical examination and pass security clearances
• Shift work (nights, weekends, and holidays) is required
• Must be able to support infrequent travel domestically or internationally
• Understanding of personal computers and LAN architecture including routers, and wireless communication devices desired for specific flight control assignments
• Successful candidates are required to pass an Air Force Class III physical examination and be able to apply for and successfully receive and maintain a security clearance per eligibility requirements
• US Citizenship is required

Preferences:

• Candidate, as part of training for flight control positions and support of projects, will be taught skills necessary to operate and administrate computer and network systems in a mission support environment
• If not already familiar with those skills, candidate should be eager to learn them and assertively manage their own learning to grow in needed areas. Examples of such skills (ideal candidates will have one or more of these already) are as follows:
  • Practical experience in performing computer and network system administration (both Windows and Linux)
    
  • Demonstrated understanding of personal computers, network routing / infrastructure concepts, and client / server architecture
    
  • Practical experience in designing, operating, and maintaining of Active Directory, Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) and QEMU virtualization
    
  • Practical experience in data storage systems and concepts such as MDAM, iSCSI, NFS, CIFS, and network attached storage (NAS) systems
    
  • Experience designing and performing testing of software applications and systems
    
  • Experience in developing requirements
    
  • Knowledge of basic scripting
    
  • Experience developing and presenting training materials (presentations, classes, work instructions) to teach / convey technical concepts and skills
    
  • The ideal candidate should be passionate about the application of Information Technology (IT) to spaceflight and be a strong advocate for the astronaut user. Candidate must demonstrate the ability to progress through a flight controller certification

• Preferred position related experience 0-5 years. 

• Russian, Japanese, or European language skills are a plus.

Essential Requirements:

• 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
• This position may require some commuting and traveling to other installations as needed

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity; for immediate consideration, apply now!

Barrios Technology is a drug-free workplace, which is imperative to the health and safety of all employees and is required as a condition of receiving contracts from federal agencies. Please remember that regardless of the legalization of marijuana in several states, possession and use continues to be illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This includes the use of some CBD products. A post-offer, pre-employment drug test is a condition of employment.

Barrios Technology is an Equal Employment Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.