Sr. Mission Operations EngineerDepartment: Mission Systems
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Hawthorne, California
Reporting To: George Motter
Compensation: $174,000 - $196,000 / year
DescriptionThe Sr. Mission Operations Engineer will perform the development, integration, testing, and execution of mission operations concepts for crewed and uncrewed lunar rover programs supporting exploration, science, and technology demonstration objectives on the Lunar surface.
This role is responsible for defining operational architecture, developing mission procedures, coordinating with NASA and partner operation teams, leading simulation and training activities, supporting mission readiness, and executing real-time surface operations. The successful candidate will serve as a key interface between flight software, systems engineering, vehicle development, communications, science, and mission operations teams to ensure safe, efficient, and successful lunar surface missions.
The ideal candidate brings a strong systems-thinking mindset, experience in flight operations or aerospace systems, and the ability to operate in high-tempo, mission-critical environments.
What you'll do:- 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
- Coordinate 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
What you'll bring: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
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
