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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). Specific tasks include:

• 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 crew’s schedules).

Applicant must have a minimum 3 years of specialized experience, which has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience is defined as professional working experience that included the following: 

• 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 time-frame 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.

Education:

Requires a minimum of a B.S. degree in a field of engineering or science, or equivalent experience in a technical field, plus approximately three (3) years concentrated experience in the specialty area.

Skill Requirements

The successful candidate is a high energy individual that has outstanding leadership and people skills, is innovative and not afraid to step out of their comfort zone.  Position requires the candidate to be a self-starter and the ability to learn quickly. The individual must be forward thinking, a strong and proven problem solver and adaptable to changing priorities. Critical thinking is a must.