USRA is seeking a TELESCOPE SCIENTIST to serve as the Deputy to the SOFIA Telescope Assembly (TA) and Science Instrument (SI) Integration Manager within the NASA Platform Project.  The primary position will be based at the Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base in Palmdale, CA.  Domestic and international travel is required, particularly to the Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Minimum of a PhD from an accredited University with emphasis in Astronomy, Physics, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience  performing complex, scientific-technical programs
• Experience with multi-disciplined projects; including investigative science, engineering, proposal development, and procurement.
• Ability to quickly develop a profound understanding of the complex telescope assembly, its' control technologies and its' various optical, mechanical and electronic subsystems and software.
• Working knowledge to include detailed planning of optimized test sequences and procedures, data analysis and reporting of the results.
• Previous experience in the testing and commissioning of complex instrumentation systems and astronomical observing techniques, preferentially in the infrared, is essential.
• Working knowledge of project scheduling tools and management.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent Customer focus.
• Experience in collecting, analyzing and presenting proposal to project teams, upper management, and the Customer.
• Excellent inter-personal skills and ability to work on a diverse team environment.
• Fluent in German is a plus.
• Must be able to perform job duties during 8-10 hours of flight.

To apply:

E-mail your Resume or CV to: TS@sofia.usra.edu with salary requirements, list of publications, and a description of your research interest in Word or PDF with your last name and job number (S0817) as the document title. Please specify in your cover letter names and contact information of three (3) references and if you will require an employer sponsored Visa.

Visit: http://www.sofia.usra.edu  Look under the employment link for a detailed job description of this position as well as other positions we are  hiring for. 

WHO WE ARE:

Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is dedicated to advancing space sciences and exploration through innovation research, technology, and educational programs.

SOFIA Program:

The Stratospheric Obesrvatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) is a premier observatory for infrared and sub-millimeter astronomy.  A 747-SP aircraft will carry a 2.5-meter telescope designed to make sensitive infrared measurements on a variety of astronomical objects.  It will fly at an altitude up to 45,000 feet. First flight is expected in early 2009 and regular observing is expected to begin in 2010.  SOFIA is ajoint projet between NASA and German Aerospace Center. DLR.  USRA will operate the SOFIA Science Center at NASA's Ames Reseach Center for NASA. The aircraft observatory will be based at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base in Palmdale.