Mission Operations Technical WriterDepartment: Mission Systems
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Hawthorne, California
Compensation: $120,000 - $146,000 / year
DescriptionThe Mission Operations Technical Writer will assist in developing, maintaining, and controlling all mission operations documentation required to safely and effectively conduct operations throughout the mission lifecycle. This role works closely with Flight Controllers, Systems Engineers, Mission Directors, Training Leads, Software Developers, and Program Management to create clear, accurate, and configuration-controlled operational products.
The successful candidate will translate complex technical concepts into concise, actionable documentation, including operational procedures, flight rules, console handbooks, mission operations manuals, contingency response guides, training materials, and mission readiness documentation. The position requires exceptional technical writing skills, systems thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to function effectively in a dynamic space operations environment.
The ideal candidate brings a strong system-thinking mindset, experience in flight operations or aerospace systems, and the ability to operate in high-tempo, mission-critical environments. This position reports to Sr. Director of Mission Systems & Operations.
What you'll do:- Develop, edit, maintain, and validate mission operations documentation, including operational procedures, flight rules, contingency procedures, and operational guides
- Create and maintain mission timelines, operational workflows, and other documentation supporting mission planning and execution
- Ensure operational documentation aligns with mission requirements, design specifications, system architecture, verification data, and applicable program requirements
- Support mission rehearsals, integrated simulations, certification activities, and operational readiness by updating documentation based on test results and lessons learned
- Collaborate with engineers, mission planners, flight operations personnel, cybersecurity teams, and other technical subject matter experts to develop and maintain accurate technical documentation
- Manage document lifecycle activities, including document reviews, approvals, publication, version control, configuration management, and compliance with organizational quality standards
- Evaluate documentation processes and recommend improvements to enhance consistency, operational efficiency, and knowledge management
- Develop technical illustrations, annotated graphics, templates, and standardized documentation to improve usability and support operational execution
What you'll bring:Basic Qualifications- 3+ years of professional experience in technical writing, process planning, technical documentation, or a related field
- Experience developing technical documentation (e.g., operational procedures, technical manuals, work instructions, or mission documentation) and collaborating with technical subject matter experts to produce and maintain documentation
- Experience with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
Preferred Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in a STEM, Communications, English, Journalism, Marketing, or Writing field OR a minimum of 5 years of directly relevant professional experience in lieu of a degree
- 5+ more years of professional technical writing experience supporting aerospace, defense, satellite operations, mission operations, or another highly regulated technical environment
- Experience using document management systems, configuration management tools, or electronic procedure software
- Experience supporting spacecraft, satellite, launch vehicle, human spaceflight, or defense space programs
- Experience with mission operations centers and real-time spacecraft operations.
- Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems, including power, thermal, command and data handling (C&DH), communications, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), and flight software.
- Experience developing flight rules, contingency procedures, operational constraints, console handbooks, or similar operational documentation
- Experience with NASA, DoD, NOAA, commercial spaceflight, or international spaceflight standards and documentation practices
Benefits and Perks- 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
