Senior Vehicle & Mission Operations Engineer
K2 Space Corporation · Los Angeles, CA · 1 wk ago
On-siteEngineering$130k–$180k/yrFull-time
Responsibilities
- Define and operationalize our Mission Operations concept for the first satellite mission, including procedures, tools, and real-time support systems
- Develop telemetry monitoring strategies, fault response frameworks, and command plans for pre-launch, LEOP, and nominal operations
- Collaborate closely with systems, software, and hardware teams to ensure operational readiness across all spacecraft subsystems
- Drive the roadmap for mission operations tooling, ground segment workflows, and long-term constellation management
- Serve as a key operator during on-orbit operations, responsible for real-time decision-making and coordination
- Operate spacecraft (interpret telemetry, send commands) during system tests at the factory, test facilities, launch sites, and during pre-launch operations
- Interface with customers to scope testing performed on their payloads, based on expected functions and failure modes of interest
- Assess risks associated with different integration and test approaches, justify test reductions and optimize vehicle build/test flows for at-rate production
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical, aerospace, mechanical, computer, or other relevant engineering discipline
- 1+ years of operating satellites on-orbit
- 5+ years of experience in an operations/integration/automation engineering role
- Experience testing and troubleshooting spacecraft and their related components and systems, including subsystem checkouts and system acceptance testing
- Familiarity with mission operations concepts such as LEOP, telemetry, commanding, fault protection, and anomaly resolution
- Experience building or contributing to custom tooling for telemetry, analysis, data pipelines, or operational dashboards
- Background in designing or scaling operational architectures for fleets or constellations
- Experience with scripting or automation tools (e.g. Python, Rust)
- Excellent conflict resolution and negotiation skills
Nice to Have
- Hands-on experience with HITL or Flatsat software verification testbeds
- Experience working with GAaaS providers.
- Experience with Linux systems
- Experience managing contractual interfaces (e.g. customer, launch vehicle)
Compensation and Benefits
Base salary range for this role is $130,000 - $180,000 + equity in the company
Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks