Sr. Mission Operations Engineer

About the role

The Sr. Mission Operations Engineer will develop, integrate, test, and execute mission operations concepts for crewed and uncrewed lunar rover programs supporting exploration, science, and technology demonstration objectives on the Lunar surface.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of a Mission Concept of Operations (ConOps)
• Define operational strategies for lunar surface traverses, science activities, resource utilization missions, and contingency scenarios considering terrain, power availability, communications opportunities, thermal constraints, and mission objectives
• Develop mission timelines, command plans, operational constraints, and decision support products
• Establish operational requirements and provide operational input throughout vehicle design and development
• Optimize rover utilization to maximize mission success and surface productivity
• Develop surface exploration strategies for permanently shadowed regions, polar operations, and extended-duration missions
• Serve in senior mission control positions during simulations and flight operations
• Monitor health and performance using telemetry and engineering data
• Cook anomaly response and recovery efforts during mission execution
• Support mission decision-making and operational risk assessments
• Lead mission execution reviews and daily operational planning cycles
• Lead development and execution of mission simulations and operational exercises
• Develop crew, operator, and flight controller training materials
• Support mission readiness reviews, operational acceptance testing, and certification activities
• Support verification and validation of mission operations capabilities

Requirements

• Basic Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) or 4 years of equivalent work experience, 8 years of professional experience in aerospace mission operations, spacecraft operations, robotics operations, or a related technical field, Experience supporting flight missions, mission control centers, or other complex operational systems, Experience developing operational procedures, mission timelines, and other mission documentation
• Preferred Qualifications: Experience with spacecraft, robotic systems, or other complex engineered systems, Experience working in mission-critical or other fast-paced operational environments, Experience creating or maintaining technical documentation, procedures, or operational products, Experience supporting lunar or planetary surface operations, robotic missions, or autonomous vehicle operations, Experience supporting NASA, commercial space, or international space exploration programs, Experience with delay-tolerant operations or autonomous mission execution concepts, Experience using mission planning, mission analysis, or flight operations software tools, Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems, including power, thermal, command and data handling (C&DH), communications, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), and flight software, Familiarity with NASA, DoD, NOAA, commercial spaceflight, or international space operations standards, Experience applying systems engineering principles to troubleshoot technical or operational issues, Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal formats and collaborate with cross-functional teams

Qualifications

• Basic Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) or 4 years of equivalent work experience, 8 years of professional experience in aerospace mission operations, spacecraft operations, robotics operations, or a related technical field, Experience supporting flight missions, mission control centers, or other complex operational systems, Experience developing operational procedures, mission timelines, and other mission documentation
• Preferred Qualifications: Experience with spacecraft, robotic systems, or other complex engineered systems, Experience working in mission-critical or other fast-paced operational environments, Experience creating or maintaining technical documentation, procedures, or operational products, Experience supporting lunar or planetary surface operations, robotic missions, or autonomous vehicle operations, Experience supporting NASA, commercial space, or international space exploration programs, Experience with delay-tolerant operations or autonomous mission execution concepts, Experience using mission planning, mission analysis, or flight operations software tools, Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems, including power, thermal, command and data handling (C&DH), communications, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), and flight software, Familiarity with NASA, DoD, NOAA, commercial spaceflight, or international space operations standards, Experience applying systems engineering principles to troubleshoot technical or operational issues, Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal formats and collaborate with cross-functional teams

Skills

• Strong systems-thinking mindset
• Experience in flight operations or aerospace systems
• Ability to operate in high-tempo, mission-critical environments

Benefits

Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration

Equity ownership in the company

Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support

401(k) plan with company match

Flexible PTO and parental leave

Home office set up reimbursement

Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site

Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks