Job Description:
Job Description
AFRL has been the Space Systems and Hardware Integration for Novel Experiments (SSHINE) contract to AMA to provide services for space technology analysis, development, integration, experimentation, demonstration and evaluation in support of AFRL at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, NM.
Since 1962, AMA has been committed to exceeding customer expectations with the very best services and solutions, offering a range of Science, Engineering, Multimedia & Visualization, Information Technology, and Data Analytics solutions.
SSHINE will provide concept design, development, integration, test and evaluation, and engineering prototypes to demonstrate the viability of innovative space technologies along with cradle-to-grave support to ground, high-altitude balloon, near-space and spaceflight experiments and mission concepts, including concept development, requirements analysis, requirements definition, modeling and simulation, design, assembly, integration, and testing (AI&T), launch vehicle integration, ground system development/support, flight operations, user segment support, data acquisition, post-experiment analysis, technical reporting, technology transition, and/or decommissioning.
AMA is looking forward to providing qualified personnel to perform a variety of professional support. The SSHINE Incumbent Application is for employees currently performing work on this contract and interested in continuing their current position as part of AMA’s team under this contract in the following service categories:
- Administrative Assistant (Levels 1-3): General duties will be to perform secretarial and administrative duties at a junior level. Assist management with administrative tasks such as tracking and compiling information. Support meeting coordination, communications, and travel coordination. Prepare various reports detailing the administrative information handled by the position. Prepare, read, and answer correspondence. Perform duties of a highly confidential nature that may require comprehensive knowledge of organizational policies, practices, and procedures. May support timekeeping operations. Also support development of office events for leadership requiring logistical coordination, planning, and on-site support.
- Assembly, Integration, and Test Engineer (Levels 1-5): The Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) Engineer is responsible for developing, executing, and documenting test procedures for space technology systems ranging from CubeSats to ESPA-class spacecraft to ensure performance, functionality, and reliability in support of Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) space missions. This role involves integrating spacecraft hardware and software components, conducting space-qualified environmental testing, troubleshooting technical issues, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to refine mission designs.
- Business Manager: The Business Manager is responsible for analyzing financial data, supporting cost control, pricing strategies, and proposal development for Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) space technology programs under the SSHINE contract. This role plays a critical part in managing multiple concurrent task orders, forecasting costs, tracking expenditures, and providing financial insights to ensure on-time, on-budget performance across complex aerospace programs. The Financial Analyst supports rapid proposal responses, contract cost management, and compliance with Government financial reporting requirements.
- Buyer (Levels 1-3): The Buyer is responsible for, at a junior level, procuring materials, equipment, supplies, and services to support Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) space technology programs under the SSHINE contract. This role focuses on procurement of space-rated hardware, specialized aerospace components, commercial and non-commercial space systems, and technical equipment for spacecraft ranging from CubeSats to ESPA-class satellites. The Buyer I supports the full procurement lifecycle including sourcing, bid management, contract administration, vendor relationships, and Government property management while ensuring compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requirements and organizational policies.
- Design Analyst (Levels 1-5): Perform analyses and evaluations through experimental testing, modeling/simulation, and engineering analysis. Support development of space technology and flight experiment requirements, design, and interface control documentation. Support miscellaneous tasks such as trade studies, demonstrations, and analyses as directed by the Government Program Manager. Support design and fabrication of ground-based proofs-of-concept, experiments, and demonstrations; document tools and processes for reproducibility. Travel to other Government agencies and contractor locations for design and test reviews, briefings, conferences, and meetings. Draft, prepare, revise, and review design documentation (user guides, ICDs, test procedures, safety/risk plans); participate in reviews; conduct reliability and performance assessments. Support full life-cycle technology implementation: hardware design/fabrication, software/firmware development, laboratory research and validation testing, and re-engineering after testing.
- Engineer (Levels 1-5): Perform analyses and evaluations through experimental testing, modeling/simulation, systems engineering, and engineering analysis. This role focuses on the design, development, analysis, and integration of spacecraft systems ranging from CubeSats to ESPA-class satellites, supporting cradle-to-grave space mission lifecycles from concept development through flight operations.
- Information Technology (Levels 1-5): Responsible for managing and supporting IT infrastructure for Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) space technology programs, including servers, networks, software applications, and cloud computing architectures. This role focuses on ground system IT infrastructure, Mission Operations Center systems, classified and unclassified networks, and hardware/software-in-the-loop testing environments supporting missions ranging from CubeSats to ESPA-class satellites.
- Security (Levels 1-5): Supports the development of security plans and details of security policies. Supports implementation and design of security countermeasures to respond in the event of a security breach. Supports coordination of security rules and internal access authorization with IT Operations leadership and management. Configures and maintains user access and accounts. Supports ensuring compliance with security policies and procedures as well as industry-specific regulations. Supports evaluation and recommends security and equipment updates as necessary. Prepares and maintains technical documentation. Supports periodic risk management audits to ensure company security is updated and as effective as possible. May support security policy training and education. Research and supports implementation of latest security threats and methods to counteract security risks.
- Software Engineer (Levels 1-5): The Flight and Ground Software Engineer support the development, testing, and maintenance of software solutions for space technology programs at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This role focuses on flight software for spacecraft ranging from CubeSats to ESPA-class satellites, ground station software, and mission operations center applications. This position provides hands-on software development, testing, and integration support for space missions throughout their lifecycle from concept through operations.
- Systems Engineer (Levels 1-5): Support development of government flight experiments and space technology requirements, mission scope, design tradeoffs, CONOPS, conceptual designs, and mission analyses. Perform analyses and evaluations through experimental testing, modeling/simulation, and engineering analysis. Prepare documentation for systems engineering activities, including input into Government Reference Designs. Support MBSE: model development, evaluation, and testing throughout the program life cycle. Support modeling and simulation tasks across the program life cycle. Support specialized systems engineering (mechanical, thermal, electrical, structural) for spacecraft and balloon designs. Support development of space technology and flight experiment requirements, design, and ICDs. Support flight experiment mission and operations planning: procedures, CONOPS, LEOps, simulator/ground testing, ops center planning, training, etc.
- Technician (Levels 1-5): Supports or leads the fabrication, assembly, and installation of apparatus and control instrumentation used to test experimental or prototype mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, hydromechanical, or structural spacecraft, instruments, ground systems, or subsystems, and tests and records results, utilizing engineering principles and test technology. Participates in conversations with engineering personnel to resolve fabrication problems relating to specifications and to review test plans. Fabricates precision parts for test apparatus, using metalworking machines such as lathes, milling machines, and welding equipment, or interprets specifications for workers fabricating parts. Examines parts for conformance with dimensional specifications, using precision measuring instruments. Coordinates and participates in installing unit or system to be tested in test fixtures, connecting valves, pumps, hydraulic, mechanical or electrical controls, cabling, tubing, power source, and indicating instruments. Activates controls to apply electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical power and subject test item to successive steps in test cycle. Monitors controls and instruments and records test data for engineers' use.
Salary Range for these positions is $39,665 - $207,877, depending on position, education, experience, and location.
The primary location for these positions is on-site at Kirtland, AFB in Albuquerque, NM.
Must be a US Citizen. Ability to pass a background investigation is required, and a security clearance is required for most positions. Drug screening may be required including random testing depending on the position.
If you are an incumbent employee performing work on the RISE contract and are interested in continuing your current position as part of AMA’s team under the SSHINE contract, please use the “Apply" link above to register with us. The registration process is quick, and all information you provide will be kept strictly confidential. We also ask that you share your current resume.
We look forward to you becoming part of the AMA SSHINE team should we be selected for this exciting contract.
Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is proud of our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. AMA is a small business with a wide reach; headquartered in Hampton, VA, AMA has operations in Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Dallas and Houston, TX; Denver, CO; Mountain View, CA; and Edwards Air Force Base, CA. With over 60 years of experience, AMA specializes in aerospace engineering, science, analytics, information technology, and visualization solutions. AMA combines the best of engineering, science, and mathematics capabilities with the latest in information technologies, visualization, and multimedia to build creative solutions. We offer competitive salaries and a substantial benefits package, including but not limited to paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave, salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting, tuition reimbursement, short/long term disability plans, and a variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
AMA is committed to the professional growth of every employee, understanding that the successes of our employees drive our success. We provide a work environment that is engaging, collaborative, and supportive. To learn more about our company, please visit our website at www.ama-inc.com/careers and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
AMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited under federal, state, or local laws.
