Vehicle & Mission Operations Engineer (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Vehicle & Mission Operations Engineer (Aerospace): Author test procedures and lead integration campaigns for spacecraft hardware and software with an accent on confirming flight worthiness and real-time decision-making. Focus on operating spacecraft during factory tests, launch sites, and on-orbit phases, interpreting telemetry, sending commands, and resolving anomalies.

Location: Los Angeles, CA. Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR (U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or protected individuals).

Salary: $100,000 - $150,000 + 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

• Author manual and automated test procedures to confirm spacecraft hardware and software flight worthiness.
• Lead high-visibility integration campaigns for development and flight hardware at factories, test facilities, and launch sites.
• Operate spacecraft by interpreting telemetry and sending commands during system tests and pre-launch operations.
• Serve as key operator during on-orbit operations for real-time decision-making and coordination.
• Interface with customers to scope payload testing based on functions and failure modes.
• Identify off-nominal conditions, drive issue resolution, and communicate status, risks, and mitigations to the team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, aerospace, mechanical, computer, or relevant engineering discipline.
• 1+ years in integration/test/automation engineering (includes internships and extracurricular projects).
• Competency with analog/digital circuits, sensors/instrumentation, and software.
• Familiarity with RF, fluids, statics, mechanics, and data acquisition systems.
• Experience testing/troubleshooting spacecraft components, subsystem checkouts, and system acceptance testing.
• Familiarity with mission operations: LEOP, telemetry, commanding, fault protection, anomaly resolution.
• Experience in clean room with ESD-sensitive equipment; operating vehicles in mission/production settings.

Nice to have

• Hands-on with HITL or Flatsat software verification testbeds.
• Proficient in Python and/or Rust; experience with Linux systems.
• Excellent conflict resolution and negotiation skills.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits: paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave.
• Fast-paced Series C space startup environment thriving on hands-on spacecraft work.
• Equity in the company; many other perks.
• Encourages non-traditional career paths and reasonable accommodations.