Payload Communications Manager

Job Summary:

Payload Communications Manager (Paycom) Console Operator serves as the primary voice between the ground and members of the International Space Station crew concerning payload issues and activities. The Paycom is responsible for crew advocacy in the Payloads Operation and Integration Center (POIC). They also provide a U. S. payload crew perspective on experiment operations to ground support personnel and is the primary interface between the POIC cadre and the Johnson Space Center (JSC) Capsule Communicator (CapCom). Paycoms are also responsible for interacting with Payload Developers (PDs) and International Partners (IPs). Tasks and assignments tend to be complex non-routine and/or require a greater level of expertise. Receives assignments in the form of objectives with goals and process to meet goals outlined. Duties are performed under limited supervision.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

• Serves as a certified Paycom participating in ISS stage operations ISS docked missions and required simulations. Performs coordinates monitors and manages NASA payload communications with the crew on-orbit. Including:

  • Realtime communications Space-to-Ground (S/G) voice

  • U.S. payload-related email

  • Crew messages (shared function with Timeline Change Officer TCO)

  • Log all payload-related S/G voice and/or video traffic between the crew and the ground regarding NASA payloads regardless of location and all significant ground traffic with other control centers that may affect payload operations.

  • Coordinates the S/G enablement of Payload specialists ensuring adherence to defined procedures and protocols

  • Provides a U.S. payload crew perspective to ground support personnel

• Facilitate ISS Payload Crew Training.

• Coordinates and works closely with other experienced payload cadre to evaluate new procedures payload planning products Change Requests and Payload Regulations.

• Represents the Paycom Group at various ISS meetings (such as the Mission Execution Panel (MEP) Training Panel and simulation planning meetings).

• Paycom Console Operators provide office and console support. Shift rotations will include 12:30-8:30am 5:00am-1:00pm 8:30am-4:30pm Central Time and some weekends/holidays (dependent on ISS crews schedules).

• Previous console certification or experience that demonstrates superior operational and soft skills.

• Working knowledge of ISS systems and payload facilities understanding both interfaces and impacts of utilized resources.

• Knowledge of POIC Team members their roles and responsibilities to support payload hardware software and the crew aboard the ISS.

• Knowledge of ISS crew payload training and expected capabilities.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to lead a team and support a team as a directable teammate.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Verbal communication using the English language.

• Must be able to quickly organize thoughts and activities.

• Technically capable of understanding and summarizing data from Payload Investigators and other flight controllers. Make quick decisions in a high-pressure environment and clearly and succinctly verbalize instructions or information to astronauts aboard ISS.

• Listening and interpersonal skills are essential.

• Able to monitor multiple voice loops simultaneously and understand people whose first language is not English.

• Able to do shift work.

• Able to adapt to constantly changing real-time operations and schedules on-board the ISS. Attention to detail over prolonged periods of time required.

• Capable of accomplishing flight controller certification in a specified timeframe and maintaining that certification.

• Must be able to type proficiently in order to keep a running log of real-time activities.

• Able to use PC/laptop with usual suite of Microsoft applications (Word PowerPoint Outlook Excel etc.). Able to learn unique computer applications used by POIC flight controllers.

• While in training modules must be able to stand walk stoop crouch or kneel for significant amounts of time as part of training facilitation. Must be able to climb stairs to get in and out of training modules.

• Occasional travel.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Analytical - Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data.

• Design - Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail.

• Problem Solving - Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reasoning to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Technical Skills - Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.

• Interpersonal Skills - Remains open to others ideas and tries new things.

• Oral Communication - Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions.

• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Able to read and interpret written information.

• Teamwork - Exhibits objectivity and openness to others views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Puts success of team above own interests; Supports everyones efforts to succeed.

• Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.

• Diversity - Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences.

• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Supports organizations goals and values.

• Judgment - Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.

• Motivation - Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence.

• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Sets goals and objectives.

• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions.

• Quality - Monitors own work to ensure quality.

• Quantity - Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity.

• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions. Uses equipment and materials properly.

• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment.

• Dependability - Follows instructions responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions.

• Initiative - Seeks increased responsibilities; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Requires a minimum of a B.S. degree in a field of engineering or science or equivalent experience in a technical field and 0-2 years of relevant experience.

Other Essential Duties

• Follows all import/export requirements consulting with facility import/export personnel as required.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Basic Knowledge of ISO and/or AS9100

• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing/6 Sigma/Kaizen

• Knowledge of specific software (design analysis ERP)

Other Qualifications

• US Citizenship with ability to attain/maintain government security clearance.

Certificates Licenses Registrations

• Ability to travel (domestically/internationally) approximately /-10%.

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