Who We're Looking ForThe Mission Operations Engineer role ensures the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of spacecraft, payloads, and supporting ground systems throughout all mission phases. This position serves as a key interface between engineering, ground systems, and program leadership, executing command and control, monitoring spacecraft health and performance, identifying and mitigating anomalies, and optimizing mission outcomes. The role encompasses real-time operations, planning, analysis, and cross-functional coordination to maintain mission success from launch through end-of-life.
Where You'll Make an Impact - Execute real-time command and control of spacecraft and payloads, following defined procedures and flight rules.
- Monitor spacecraft telemetry for health, status, and performance across all subsystems.
- Perform trend analysis, anomaly detection, fault isolation, and recovery actions in coordination with subsystem experts.
- Generate, validate, and uplink command sequences, timelines, and operational products.
- Lead or contribute to mission planning, including daily/weekly planning cycles, maneuver planning, and configuration management.
- Maintain and update operations procedures, flight rules, contingency plans, and documentation.
- Coordinate with ground station service providers to ensure coverage, data flow, and outage resolution.
- Support pre-launch readiness: simulations, rehearsals, procedure validation, and mission readiness reviews.
- Provide on-call or shift support during critical operations and nominal on-orbit activities.
- Track and report spacecraft status, mission performance metrics, and operational risks to internal and external stakeholders.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of operational tools, automation, and workflows.
- Ensure operational compliance with safety constraints, regulatory requirements, and configuration management processes.
What It Takes- Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, physics, computer science, or related technical field (or equivalent experience).
- 3-5 years of experience operating spacecraft
- Demonstrated experience in satellite or space mission operations, spacecraft engineering, or ground system operations.
- Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems (ACS, power, thermal, comms, propulsion, GNC).
- Familiarity with mission planning tools, ground control software, and telemetry/command processing systems.
- Ability to interpret spacecraft telemetry, identify anomalies, and execute safe recovery procedures.
- Experience working in real-time, high-reliability operations environments.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communications skills.
- Ability to follow rigorous procedures while maintaining situational awareness and sound judgment.
- Willingness to support shift, on-call, or critical event operations as mission needs dictate.
Nice-to-Have Experience - Maneuver planning experience
- On-call flight director or console lead experience
- Software/scripting capability (Python, MATLAB, STK, etc.)
- Experience with multi-satellite constellations
- Experience with government or commercial space operations standards (CCSDS, Range Safety, etc.)
What You'll Get Ownership - Lead the development and operation of EGSE systems across mission phases
Innovation - Build custom tools and processes to accelerate integration and test
Impact - Be a critical enabler for mission readiness and system-level success
Growth - Join a rapidly growing engineering team at the core of hardware execution
Compensation - Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, FSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing
Location: Hawthorne, CA
Compensation: $140,000 to $200,000 Annual Salary Depending on Experience
Additional Requirements
Apply now. Join us in building the systems that enable Quantum's spacecraft to launch, integrate, and operate with confidence.
