International Space Station Flight Controller

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!  We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA’s pursuits in deep space exploration. As NASA’s largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the United States.  We have an exciting opportunity for an ISS Flight Controller to join the team with Barrios Technology, a teammate company.

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. 

This posting is for two International Space Station (ISS) Flight Controller positions. The applicant will have the opportunity to interview with both teams. An individual in this position will work as either a Communications RF On-Board Networks Utilization Specialist (CRONUS) or Environmental and Thermal Operating Systems (ETHOS) flight controller.

The CRONUS Flight Controller serves as a technical expert for the ISS Command and Data Handling and Communications and Tracking Systems. Flight controllers with the CRONUS call sign are responsible for operating the communications and command systems onboard ISS from a flight control console located in the Mission Control Center (MCC) Houston. These individuals are also responsible for training astronauts, cosmonauts, and peers on those systems. Personnel will be expected to complete NASA led flight controller and instructor certifications for this area of expertise.

The Environmental and Thermal Operating Systems (ETHOS) flight controller and instructors manage the execution and training for crew on life support systems that include monitoring the oxygen, nitrogen, ventilation, CO2 scrubbing, total and partial pressure sensors, trace contaminant removal, vacuum resources for payloads, water recovery and recycling, and urine processing systems. Within the internal thermal control systems ETHOS operates the low and moderate temperature water loops located in the US Lab, Node 2, and Node 3 modules, and manages the shell heaters located on every US module. Consumables tracking, trending, and planning is also a major and dynamic function that ETHOS deals with on a daily basis. Troubleshooting system failures and assisting in planning crew repair activities is fairly common within the ETHOS console due to the high number of unique and critical systems that are required for crew health and ISS habitability. ETHOS flight controllers and instructors have the significant and critical role of leading the flight control teams and crew in responding to vehicle emergencies including fire, rapid depressurization and a toxic atmosphere.

Initial training and duties will be as an entry-level flight controller often working evening, night and weekend shifts during non-complex operations. After a period of time (usually 1 to 2 years) as an MPSR, the employee will be trained as a FCR and/or as an Instructor. As a FCR, the individual will work primarily day shifts, complex operations, and on-call during other shifts. As an Instructor the individual will support shifts as needed, develop training materials, and instruct astronauts and flight controllers. It is anticipated that personnel will eventually achieve all 3 certifications (MPSR, FCR and Instructor).

Specific flight controller duties include maintaining a safe environment for astronauts onboard ISS; monitoring of real-time status and performance of the ISS systems; controlling ISS system operations from mission control; reporting status and anomalies to mission managers; determining mission impacts and implementing corrective actions from malfunctions; test and verification of operational products and analysis; integrating requirements with other systems and organizations.

Specific Instructor duties include the development of lesson plans and instruction materials; conduct of lessons in classrooms, in trainers and simulators; conduct of onboard training sessions; conduct of crew and flight controller evaluations; writing training facility requirements.

Required Education/Experience/Skills:

This is an entry-level position. Preference is for 0-2 years of related 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 2 months (start date January 2026) in Physics, Mathematics or Engineering (ABET)
• 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
• Candidate must have a demonstrated ability to plan, lead, and coordinate a wide range of tasks
• Candidate must demonstrate the ability to progress through flight controller and instructor certifications
• Candidate must be able to apply technical knowledge and operations concepts to exercise effective decision making and initiative in a real-time and fast-paced operational environment
• Candidate should be a self-starter who excels in a dynamic environment that requires him/her to work effectively both alone or as part of a team
• Candidate is required to pass a standard flight controller physical examination and pass security clearances
• Shift work (nights, weekends, and holidays) is required
• Candidate must be able to support infrequent travel domestically or internationally. Russian, Japanese, or European language skills are a plus
• Understanding of personal computers and LAN architecture including routers, and wireless communication devices desired for specific flight control assignments
• Successful candidates must be a US Citizen and be able to apply for and successfully receive and maintain security clearance per eligibility requirements

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills:

• Previous experience in flight control, technical integration, or systems engineering is highly desired
• Excellent communication (in both written and verbal), integration, coordination, and presentation skills
• Excellent interpersonal and team working skills
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a team and independently
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint).

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.