Mission Operations Engineer

About the role

The company seeks a Mission Operations Engineer to join our Engineering team.  You will be at the forefront of our satellite and specialty sensing operations, ensuring the seamless functioning, monitoring, and maintenance of our fleet of satellites in space. Your primary responsibility will be to execute satellite commissioning campaigns, design and update operations procedures, troubleshoot anomalies, and implement corrective actions to ensure optimal performance and longevity of our satellites. In addition, you will be responsible for designing and implementing automation solutions related to monitoring and maintaining the health and safety of satellites on orbit.

This position can be performed remotely from an approved location.

Responsibilities

• As mission operations engineer, you will be responsible for flawless execution of simultaneous missions and an increasing manifest with a small team of operators.

• Collaborate with engineers across all disciplines to execute satellite operation plans and maintain continuity of satellite services.

• Analyze telemetry data and satellite health reports to assess system performance, identify potential issues, and proactively implement preventive measures.

• Troubleshoot and resolve anomalies and system malfunctions, utilizing established procedures and your technical expertise to restore satellite functionality promptly.

• Plan and coordinate satellite maneuvers, including orbit corrections and station-keeping, to optimize satellite positions and performance.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support the integration of new satellites into the fleet and ensure a smooth transition from launch to operational phase.

• Identify areas of operational improvement and then propose and execute on fixes that enhance fleet reliability, safety, and efficiency.

• Support on call shift work on a regular basis

• Occasional travel to San Jose for launch support or other operational needs

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science or a related field, or equivalent experience

• 4+ years of project or industry experience operating or automating complex systems

• Experience with Python, Julia, or another high-level scripting language

• Strong systems level understanding of satellite operations in both ground and space segment aspects

• Strong communication and teamwork abilities, with a collaborative approach to problem-solving

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make critical decisions under pressure.

• Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively

Nice-to-have Skills

• Experience with automating complex systems

• Operations experience with spacecraft, ground stations, or other complex communication systems

• In depth understanding of satellite subsystems, including power, propulsion, communication, and payload

• Experience leading satellites through LEOP campaigns and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders

• Familiarity with industry standards and best practices in satellite operations, including ITU and FCC regulations

Salary

The salary range for this role is $140,000 - $195,000 , plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be determined based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location as assessed during the interview process.

About the company

Founded in 2021, the company is an end-to-end Space Systems Provider that designs, builds, and operates LEO satellite constellations delivering mission-critical data. Our revolutionary, integrated technology stack enables customers to optimize every dimension of their missions for faster time-to-orbit and superior constellation remote sensing performance. Our state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Silicon Valley is optimized for manufacturing spacecraft and rapid, flexible payload integration at scale. From climate monitoring to national security, the company is dedicated to delivering Earth Intelligence for a safer and more resilient world.

Taking Care of Our Team

At the company salary is only part of our total compensation package. In addition to salary, full-time employees receive equity compensation as well as benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401k retirement plan, short & long term disability and life insurance. We also offer three weeks paid vacation for new employees, along with 12 paid holidays, unlimited sick time and paid parental leave.

Our mission embraces the entire planet and we believe our team should too.  The company is dedicated to creating a diverse and dynamic company and workforce. We believe in equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or gender identity. We value diversity in the workplace, and that starts with our applicants. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't check all the boxes, and we look forward to reviewing your application! In addition, if you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

The company is currently registered and able to hire in the following states:

AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IL, IA, ID, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA

ITAR/EAR Requirements

This position requires access to export controlled information. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations applicable to that information, applicant must either be (A) a U.S. person, defined as a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, (B) eligible to access the export controlled information without a required export authorization, or (C) eligible and reasonably likely to obtain the required export authorization from the applicable U.S. government agency. The Company may, for legitimate business reasons, decline to pursue any export licensing process.