Mission Operations Responsible Engineer/Scientist Verified today
About the Role
Lead the planning, design, and execution of spacecraft operations for the Interplanetary Program's first mission. You will own how the spacecraft is operated from defining the operations architecture, working directly with science and instrument teams, to executing operations that maximize science data collection within real-world spacecraft constraints.
Key responsibilities include:
- Define the operations architecture for a complex, multi-instrument science mission
- Work directly with multiple science and instrument teams
- Execute operations to maximize science data collection
- Automate spacecraft operations to increase spacecraft capability and efficiency
- Make decisions with incomplete information and under time pressure
This is a senior, highly technical role on a lean team in a fast-moving commercial environment. During critical mission phases including launch, commissioning, cruise maneuvers and early operations, this position will require shift work and on-call availability. Occasional travel (less than 10%) to partner institutions and mission integration sites may be required.
About You
- Bachelor's degree in planetary science, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related technical discipline
- 5+ years of experience in planetary missions with demonstrated progression into increasing ownership
- Experience with scripting (e.g., Python) for data analysis or operational tasks
- Proficiency working in Linux/Unix environments
- Ability to reason through cross-subsystem interactions and their operational implications
- Excellent communication skills across technical disciplines: engineering, science, software
Nice to Have
- Experience with deep-space mission operations, including surface or orbital science campaigns
- Experience designing onboard autonomy, automated scheduling systems, or ground-based automation frameworks for flight operations
Compensation
Hiring range: $164,000 to $246,000 USD. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, generous PTO and sick leave policy, parental leave, and an annual learning and development stipend.