Principal Mission Operations Engineer Verified today
About the role
As Principal Mission Operations Engineer, you will set the direction for how Reflect operates spacecraft as the fleet grows. You will define the operations concept, flight rules, fault management approach, and automation roadmap that takes the company from a few satellites to a full constellation. You will lead operations for critical activities and build the team around you.
This is a hands-on role on a small team. You will spend time on console, write procedures, and work anomalies yourself while setting the operational standards the rest of the team builds on.
Responsibilities
- Define the operations concept for the constellation, including shift models, automation strategy, operations center design, and ground network utilization
- Develop and maintain the operational framework: flight rules, command authority, go/no-go processes, anomaly response, and readiness review standards
- Lead operations for launches, LEOP, commissioning, and other critical mission phases
- Define the fault management and onboard FDIR philosophy with flight software
- Work with ground software to define automation, mission planning, and fleet management capabilities operations needs
- Lead high-severity anomaly investigations and corrective actions
- Plan and lead operational readiness activities, including simulations, dress rehearsals, operator training and certification
- Mentor operations engineers and support hiring as the team grows
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM field
- 10+ years of experience in satellite mission operations or related field
- Experience leading operations for critical mission events (launch, LEOP, commissioning, or major anomalies)
- Experience scaling operations, whether growing a team, a fleet, or an automation capability
- Solid understanding of spacecraft systems and subsystem interactions
- Proficiency with mission control software (e.g. OpenC3 COSMOS, L3Harris InControl, or similar)
- Strong programming and scripting skills (Python, C++ preferred)
- Experience with DevOps tools and practices (Git, Docker, CI/CD)
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
- Sound judgment and composure in real-time, high-pressure operational environments
- Experience operating multi-satellite constellations or fleets is a plus
- Experience standing up a mission operations center or operations processes from scratch is a plus
Benefits
- Broad choice of medical, dental, and vision coverage; Reflect covers 100% of each base-policy
- Access to HSA, FSA, and 401K
- Unlimited paid time off
- Healthy lunches provided daily