Principal Spacecraft Operations Engineer - Secret Clearance
Core
Lead mission operations for a growing fleet of satellites, ensuring health, safety, and optimal performance across commissioning, orbit raising, and routine operations for commercial and government customers.
Role type
Principal Spacecraft Operations Engineer (Mission Lead)
Builds
Operational strategies, automation frameworks, ground software, and flight sequences for LEO constellations, interplanetary exploration, and defense missions.
Domain
Aerospace / Space Systems / Satellite Operations
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work
Required skills
Spacecraft subsystems knowledge (ADCS, EPS, C&DH, TCS, Propulsion, FDIR), Orbital mechanics, Rigid body dynamics, Software development (Python/C++), Mission operations leadership, Requirements validation, Ground software architecture, Simulation tools (FLATSAT, HITL, SIL, Digital Twins)
Preferred skills
Master's/PhD in Engineering, Satellite system design, Satellite ground systems, Modern dev practices (Git, CI/CD, Cloud), Agile/Jira, SIL/HIL testing frameworks
Technologies
Python, Ruby, C, C++, FLATSAT, HITL, SIL, Digital Twins, Jira, Git, CI/CD
Responsibilities
Set technical direction and strategy for mission operations; Advocate for operability in spacecraft and ground architecture; Own mission operations requirements and lead validation; Define automation strategy and develop software-driven methods; Design, develop, and test flight software sequences and ground software; Author interface specifications, CONOPS, and contingency procedures; Lead validation of flight products against simulation tools; Support AIT teams across integrated tests; Represent mission operations in design reviews and readiness gates.
Seniority
Principal, hands-on IC with team leadership
