Principal Vehicle & Mission Operations Engineer (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Principal Vehicle & Mission Operations Engineer (Aerospace): Define and operationalize mission operations concept for first satellite mission, including procedures, tools, and real-time support systems with an accent on telemetry monitoring, fault response, and command plans. Focus on collaborating with teams for operational readiness, driving tooling roadmap, and real-time decision-making during on-orbit operations.

Location: Los Angeles, CA. U.S. Person required (ITAR export control regulations)

Salary: $180,000 - $210,000 + equity

Company

Building the largest and highest-power satellites for missions from LEO to deep space, backed by $450M from leading investors, with multiple launches planned through 2026-2027.

What you will do

• Develop mission operations procedures, telemetry strategies, fault response frameworks, and command plans for pre-launch, LEOP, and nominal operations
• Collaborate with systems, software, and hardware teams to ensure operational readiness across spacecraft subsystems
• Drive roadmap for mission operations tooling, ground segment workflows, and constellation management
• Serve as key operator for real-time decision-making and coordination during on-orbit operations
• Operate spacecraft during factory tests, launch sites, and pre-launch; interface with customers on payload testing
• Assess risks, optimize integration/test flows for at-rate production

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, aerospace, mechanical, computer, or relevant engineering discipline
• 10+ years in operations/integration/automation engineering, including 4+ years operating satellites on-orbit
• Experience testing/troubleshooting spacecraft, subsystem checkouts, and system acceptance testing
• Familiarity with mission operations: LEOP, telemetry, commanding, fault protection, anomaly resolution
• Experience building custom tooling for telemetry, analysis, data pipelines, or dashboards
• Background in operational architectures for fleets/constellations; scripting/automation (e.g., Python, Rust)
• Excellent conflict resolution and negotiation skills

Nice to have

• Hands-on with HITL or Flatsat software verification testbeds
• Experience with GAaaS providers and Linux systems
• Managing contractual interfaces (customers, launch vehicles)

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits: paid time off, medical/dental/vision, life insurance, paid parental leave
• Equity in the company
• Fast-paced startup environment focused on groundbreaking space missions
• Encourages non-traditional career paths and motivated individuals