Mission Operations Engineer Verified today

About the role

Vast is seeking a Staff Mission Operations Engineer to support the development of human-rated space station systems. You will report to the Senior Manager, Crew Operations & Training and work in Long Beach on a full-time, exempt basis.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and deliver training and human-in-the-loop testing programs, materials, and certifications for console flight controllers and astronaut crew members across multiple platforms.
• Identify and implement improvements to training systems, human-in-the-loop testing, Mission Systems, Mission Operations Software, and ground system architecture in collaboration with Mission Systems Engineering and Ground Software Engineering teams.
• Translate customer requirements including payloads, science objectives, and research activities into a Concept of Operations with Mission Management.
• Support development of spacecraft operations training programs and crew procedures with knowledge of ground procedures, flight rules, hazard controls, and processes.
• Provide operational expertise in pre-flight testing, checkouts, and readiness campaigns to ensure training systems, spacecraft, and ground systems are flight-ready.
• Train for and operate crewed and uncrewed missions for vehicle commissioning, on-orbit operations, anomaly resolution, and deorbit.
• Analyze spacecraft telemetry and deliver summaries and recommendations to mission stakeholders and engineering disciplines.
• Train for and lead the flight control team in real-time mission execution as directed.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience in human spaceflight mission operations, human-in-the-loop testing campaigns, or spaceflight operations crew and flight control team training development and execution.
• Master's degree in a technical field.
• 3+ years in spacecraft design, build, and test environments.
• 10+ years operating and training complex spaceflight systems, with demonstrated on-console leadership as a flight, mission, or operations director.
• Technical knowledge of spacecraft systems engineering: avionics, propulsion, attitude control, RF and optical communications, orbital mechanics, life support, thermal and power control systems.
• Technical knowledge of Space-to-Ground Communication Systems: RF, ground stations, modems, antenna systems.
• Software Engineering Skills: C++, Golang, Javascript, React, Matlab, Python/Octave, software architecture, databases, cloud platforms.
• Proficiency with command line interfaces and scripting languages for spaceflight ground systems.

Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time.
• Willingness to work overtime or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
• Must be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing (U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee with granted status).

Compensation and benefits

Base salary: $162,000-$230,000 USD, based on experience, education, skills, and market demand. Full-time employees receive company equity and benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage; 20+ days vacation for exempt staff (cashable); paid parental leave; short and long-term disability and life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; ClassPass credits; Spring Health mental healthcare; free snacks, coffee, cold drinks, and dinner; subsidized lunch.