Senior Mission Operations Engineer
$140,000–$190,000 year
On-site · Irvine, California, United States
Job Summary
Senior Mission Operations Engineer leads the development, integration, and execution of mission operations across the spacecraft lifecycle, serving as the primary operational integrator between engineering, ground software, and flight teams. Responsibilities include defining and validating operational constraints, developing and validating procedures and flight rules, coordinating cross-team mission execution, supporting real-time operations and on-call decisions, mentoring junior engineers, driving risk assessments and readiness activities, and ensuring operational readiness for rehearsals and flight. The role emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration, preparedness, and continuous improvement to deliver high-quality operational products on schedule. TS/SCI clearance is required or the ability to obtain it; ITAR/export-control considerations apply. Bachelor's degree in aerospace or related field (or equivalent experience) preferred; hands-on experience with mission operations systems and scripting (Python/MATLAB) is desirable.
Required Qualifications
- 3+ years' experience in mission operations, spacecraft operations engineering, or related aerospace operations roles
- Deep understanding of mission operations concepts including constraints, procedures, ground systems, anomalies, and test-to-flight workflows
- Strong cross-disciplinary communication skills with the ability to interface effectively between engineering and operations teams
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and solve complex technical and operational issues
- Experience leading operational activities, rehearsals, or real-time operations
- Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or related field, or equivalent work experience
- Hands-on experience with mission operations systems, ground software, or operations simulation environments
- Experience contributing to or developing procedures, flight rules, or constraints
- Familiarity with mission risk frameworks (hazards, FMEA, fault trees) or readiness assessments
- Scripting experience (Python, MATLAB) for operations automation, analysis, or workflow improvements
- Experience with mission planning, console operations, or operations process development
- Enthusiasm for working on small, fast-paced teams in rapidly evolving mission environments
Additional Requirements
- U.S. citizen or national, or U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
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