OCC Manager (IS-0301-13/14/15) presso Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution · Burlington, Stati Uniti d'America · Onsite
- Senior
- Ufficio in Burlington
OPENING DATE: November 6, 2025
CLOSING DATE: January 5, 2025
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: High Energy Astrophysics Division
LOCATION: Burlington, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position requires access to export-controlled work. The candidate must be a U.S. person (citizen, permanent resident or be a national of a country eligible to be approved on an export license.)
This is a career ladder opportunity with promotion potential to grade 15. Selection for this position to be made at the grade 13, 14, or 15 grade level.
Candidates may be non competitively promoted to the next grade level , up to grade 15, upon the recommendation of the supervisor based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance and qualifications of the employee.
CLOSING DATE: January 5, 2025
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: High Energy Astrophysics Division
LOCATION: Burlington, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position requires access to export-controlled work. The candidate must be a U.S. person (citizen, permanent resident or be a national of a country eligible to be approved on an export license.)
This is a career ladder opportunity with promotion potential to grade 15. Selection for this position to be made at the grade 13, 14, or 15 grade level.
Candidates may be non competitively promoted to the next grade level , up to grade 15, upon the recommendation of the supervisor based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance and qualifications of the employee.
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
- Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
- Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
- Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
- The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
- Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTION
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.
SUMMARY
This position is for the OCC Manager in the Operations Control Center (OCC) of the Chandra X-ray Observatory within the High Energy Astrophysics Division. Since its launch on July 23, 1999, the Chandra X-ray Observatory has been NASA's flagship mission for X-ray astronomy. The OCC Manager is responsible for and supervises all aspects of ground support operations for the Chandra Observatory. The Manager supervises and coordinates three teams within the OCC: the Ground Operations Team (GOT), which conducts communications with the CXO via NASA’s Deep Space Network; the Integration Team (INT), which develops and maintains ground operations software, and the Facility Support Team (FST) which is responsible for all hardware in the facility ranging from computer and internet technology to HVAC. Collectively, these teams form the Integrated Support Team. As lead, the OCC Manager provides managerial oversight of the OCC Data System, including its software, facility infrastructure, and hardware. In addition, the OCC Manager works with the Flight Operations Team Manager and the INT Manager to track evolving requirements for the data system software and to develop and implement configuration changes. The Integrated Support Team receives all data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory Center, processes data for Flight Operations, and handles all command processing for the Chandra X-ray Observatory Center. The OCC Manager reports directly to the Flight
Director.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.
SUMMARY
This position is for the OCC Manager in the Operations Control Center (OCC) of the Chandra X-ray Observatory within the High Energy Astrophysics Division. Since its launch on July 23, 1999, the Chandra X-ray Observatory has been NASA's flagship mission for X-ray astronomy. The OCC Manager is responsible for and supervises all aspects of ground support operations for the Chandra Observatory. The Manager supervises and coordinates three teams within the OCC: the Ground Operations Team (GOT), which conducts communications with the CXO via NASA’s Deep Space Network; the Integration Team (INT), which develops and maintains ground operations software, and the Facility Support Team (FST) which is responsible for all hardware in the facility ranging from computer and internet technology to HVAC. Collectively, these teams form the Integrated Support Team. As lead, the OCC Manager provides managerial oversight of the OCC Data System, including its software, facility infrastructure, and hardware. In addition, the OCC Manager works with the Flight Operations Team Manager and the INT Manager to track evolving requirements for the data system software and to develop and implement configuration changes. The Integrated Support Team receives all data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory Center, processes data for Flight Operations, and handles all command processing for the Chandra X-ray Observatory Center. The OCC Manager reports directly to the Flight
Director.
MAJOR DUTIES
1. Support the acquisition and maintenance of hardware and sofware. Coordinate the deployment of new hardware and software to minimize the impact on flight operations. Coordinate the development of software systems by managing teams of computer hardware and software specialists. Key responsibilities that include maintain a schedule of developing deliverable and verified software for data organization, archiving, and retrieval; assessing project resource needs (e.g., hardware, staff) and allocating resources appropriately; creating schedules, evaluating schedule impacts, and setting milestones; conceiving and assigning tasks to team members and tracking their progress; providing technical direction at both the subsystem and system levels; conducting technical reviews of major software projects to ensure the appropriateness of technical approaches; and ensuring that all developed software systems meet the needs of scientific users.
2. Provide overall human resources management to the team of Computer and Internet technology Specialists by planning and assigning work; setting priorities; establishing deadlines; developing performance plans and conducting annual performance reviews; recommending performance awards; recommending and/or taking necessary disciplinary action; giving advice, counsel or instruction to team members on both technical and administrative matters; determining training needs and arranging training as appropriate; interviewing and hiring new team members; and approving leave.
3. Determine the direction that the applications development needs to take to achieve the desired results. Interface with OCC, Flight Operations Team (FOT), and Science Operations Team (SOT) staff at the highest project levels to obtain information regarding their needs as the users of the system. Determine how unit/system testing will be accomplished, develop a testing schedule, and modify software/hardware requirements as needed, based on testing results to ensure that the software and hardware systems and applications developed meet the needs of the scientific users.
4. Direct the team leaders in developing specifications, designs; designing,
implementing, debugging, and installing complex programs and/or hardware to support scientific data analysis and reduction and systems level software and documentation; producing and maintaining hardware infrastructure, program libraries; and verifying and documenting generated software. Develop, plan, execute, and manage all OCC contracts to sustain the OCC ground system hardware and software. Software and hardware changes will be tracked, and system changes will be scheduled to support operations without impact to continuing flight operations.
5. Work with OCC Systems Engineering staff to develop procedures for problem reporting, change control and management of regression testing. Monitor OCC data system software maintenance activity at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and develop processes, plans, and procedures for the integration of software and hardware systems under remote configuration management and for the transition of maintenance responsibilities.
6. Perform integration of the OCC data system. Supervise the Integration Team (INT) to install, regression test, and hand over the OCC data system to the FOT and members of the Integrated Support team (IST). Integration will involve the use of test hardware, and the incumbent will develop and evolve operational strategies for testing software without impacting Chandra operations. Develop and maintain documentation recording system changes, revise existing documentation. Act as a liaison to MSFC and contractor developers and managers to coordinate the installation of OCC data system software. Ensure that other OCC staff understands the scope and schedule for software
changes.
7. Manages the OCC non-scientific staff. Oversees staff hires for the INT, GOT and FST. Oversees and facilitates training of the INT, GOT and FST. Oversees schedules the teams in response to support requirements provided by the Integrated Support Team (IST), Manager for FOT real-time support and OCC Data System systems management activity. Assures readiness of the teams to respond to OCC Data System and CXC mission contingencies. Performs short- and long-term planning for required resources based on current team needs and trend analysis of team performance in support of on-orbit operations.
8. Works closely with the Flight Operations Team to respond to reconfiguration needs and provide an interface with the IST for matters relating to OCC Operations.
9. Works closely with the Network and Security Manager and the Systems Manager to fully understand and be able to utilize the full capabilities of the OCC Data System and train the cadre in all aspects of OCC Data System operation.
10. Participates in ONLS and OFLS training activities provided by MSFC and MSFC software developers and in customized off-the-shelf (COTS) training provided by commercial software vendors.
11. Participates in the development of all OCC systems' operating and maintenance procedures and FOT support procedures.
12. Provides the OCC technicians with information on OCC Data System hardware failures and contingency maintenance requirements.
13. Develops performance standards for and evaluates work performance of subordinate employees; approves leave; assigns work to OCC Console Operator staff based on priorities and the capabilities of employees; and effects minor disciplinary measures. Develops and maintains console operator training and procedure manuals.
2. Provide overall human resources management to the team of Computer and Internet technology Specialists by planning and assigning work; setting priorities; establishing deadlines; developing performance plans and conducting annual performance reviews; recommending performance awards; recommending and/or taking necessary disciplinary action; giving advice, counsel or instruction to team members on both technical and administrative matters; determining training needs and arranging training as appropriate; interviewing and hiring new team members; and approving leave.
3. Determine the direction that the applications development needs to take to achieve the desired results. Interface with OCC, Flight Operations Team (FOT), and Science Operations Team (SOT) staff at the highest project levels to obtain information regarding their needs as the users of the system. Determine how unit/system testing will be accomplished, develop a testing schedule, and modify software/hardware requirements as needed, based on testing results to ensure that the software and hardware systems and applications developed meet the needs of the scientific users.
4. Direct the team leaders in developing specifications, designs; designing,
implementing, debugging, and installing complex programs and/or hardware to support scientific data analysis and reduction and systems level software and documentation; producing and maintaining hardware infrastructure, program libraries; and verifying and documenting generated software. Develop, plan, execute, and manage all OCC contracts to sustain the OCC ground system hardware and software. Software and hardware changes will be tracked, and system changes will be scheduled to support operations without impact to continuing flight operations.
5. Work with OCC Systems Engineering staff to develop procedures for problem reporting, change control and management of regression testing. Monitor OCC data system software maintenance activity at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and develop processes, plans, and procedures for the integration of software and hardware systems under remote configuration management and for the transition of maintenance responsibilities.
6. Perform integration of the OCC data system. Supervise the Integration Team (INT) to install, regression test, and hand over the OCC data system to the FOT and members of the Integrated Support team (IST). Integration will involve the use of test hardware, and the incumbent will develop and evolve operational strategies for testing software without impacting Chandra operations. Develop and maintain documentation recording system changes, revise existing documentation. Act as a liaison to MSFC and contractor developers and managers to coordinate the installation of OCC data system software. Ensure that other OCC staff understands the scope and schedule for software
changes.
7. Manages the OCC non-scientific staff. Oversees staff hires for the INT, GOT and FST. Oversees and facilitates training of the INT, GOT and FST. Oversees schedules the teams in response to support requirements provided by the Integrated Support Team (IST), Manager for FOT real-time support and OCC Data System systems management activity. Assures readiness of the teams to respond to OCC Data System and CXC mission contingencies. Performs short- and long-term planning for required resources based on current team needs and trend analysis of team performance in support of on-orbit operations.
8. Works closely with the Flight Operations Team to respond to reconfiguration needs and provide an interface with the IST for matters relating to OCC Operations.
9. Works closely with the Network and Security Manager and the Systems Manager to fully understand and be able to utilize the full capabilities of the OCC Data System and train the cadre in all aspects of OCC Data System operation.
10. Participates in ONLS and OFLS training activities provided by MSFC and MSFC software developers and in customized off-the-shelf (COTS) training provided by commercial software vendors.
11. Participates in the development of all OCC systems' operating and maintenance procedures and FOT support procedures.
12. Provides the OCC technicians with information on OCC Data System hardware failures and contingency maintenance requirements.
13. Develops performance standards for and evaluates work performance of subordinate employees; approves leave; assigns work to OCC Console Operator staff based on priorities and the capabilities of employees; and effects minor disciplinary measures. Develops and maintains console operator training and procedure manuals.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Basic Requirements: Candidates for the grade 13 must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 12 level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position, such as assisting in the operations of a significant facility (with an operations budget in excess of $1,000,000) or operations of a secure facility, or experience with project management techniques.
Candidates for the grade 14 must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade (13) level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position such as assisting the operations of a significant facility or operations of a secure facility or experience with project management techniques. and supervising 3 or more employees.
Candidates for the grade 15 must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade (14) level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position such as assisting in the operations of a significant facility and operations of a secure facility, and experience with project management techniques and supervising 3 or more employees.
Candidates for the grade 14 must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade (13) level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position such as assisting the operations of a significant facility or operations of a secure facility or experience with project management techniques. and supervising 3 or more employees.
Candidates for the grade 15 must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade (14) level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position such as assisting in the operations of a significant facility and operations of a secure facility, and experience with project management techniques and supervising 3 or more employees.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:
• Knowledge of management techniques, discipline and procedure requirements sufficient to manage a group of 10-20 people.
• Knowledge of ground systems both hardware and software used in support of spacecraft missions sufficient for decision making.
• Knowledge of software tools used in ground support systems for spacecraft mission operations
• Skill in oral and written communication, including the preparation of clear, concise reports for CXC and NASA Management.
• Basic knowledge of database software and scripting, programming in modern languages, basic knowledge of all aspects of the software development life cycle including code, integration, test and changes/problems to reporting procedures
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
• Knowledge of management techniques, discipline and procedure requirements sufficient to manage a group of 10-20 people.
• Knowledge of ground systems both hardware and software used in support of spacecraft missions sufficient for decision making.
• Knowledge of software tools used in ground support systems for spacecraft mission operations
• Skill in oral and written communication, including the preparation of clear, concise reports for CXC and NASA Management.
• Basic knowledge of database software and scripting, programming in modern languages, basic knowledge of all aspects of the software development life cycle including code, integration, test and changes/problems to reporting procedures
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience related to this job, the starting and ending dates of the job (month and year), and the average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact [email protected]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact [email protected]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in our workplace. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/
