Head of Mission Operations Verified today
About the role
ReOrbit is looking for an experienced Head of Mission Operations to lead the planning, execution, and delivery of mission operations for satellite launches, LEOP activities and customer handover. You will oversee a team of spacecraft engineers and operators, manage interfaces with launch providers, and ensure seamless handover of operational responsibilities to customers post-LEOP.
Mission Strategy & Leadership
- Lead development of mission operations implementation for all satellite launches and on-orbit activities, working closely with engineering teams and end customers.
- Oversee end-to-end mission lifecycle including integration, pre-launch operations testing, launch operations, commissioning, and handover to customer.
- Design and implement customer training and readiness assessments to ensure seamless handover at the right time.
- Manage all operations-related reviews including Mission Readiness Reviews (MRR), Flight Readiness Reviews (FRR), Hand-Over Reviews (HOR) and post-mission analysis.
Operations Leadership
- Manage a global network of mission operations centres and ground stations.
- Establish 24/7 operations capability with redundancy, resiliency, and secure communications. Assign KPIs and ensure design, training and operations support achieving them.
- Ensure all mission operations software, procedures, and teams are launch-ready.
- Ensure all team members are trained in liaising with and supporting the customer as they develop their own ops teams.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with satellite engineering, manufacturing, software, launch integration, and ground systems teams.
- Collaborate with customers to adapt training to their needs.
- Collaborate with international partners, ground station networks, and government agencies including regulatory bodies and space traffic coordination.
Team Leadership & Development
- Recruit, grow, and manage a high-performance mission operations team including flight directors, controllers, operations engineers, specialist engineers and analysts.
- Foster a culture of precision, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Develop training programs and simulations to ensure mission team readiness and ongoing certification.
Systems, Tools & Compliance
- Oversee development and deployment of mission operations software and tools.
- Ensure compliance with international and national regulations, including ITU filings, FCC licensing, and space situational awareness protocols.
- Implement best practices for cybersecurity and secure satellite command and telemetry.
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or related technical field.
- 10+ years of experience in satellite or space mission operations, including flight operations and ground control.
- Proven track record of leading successful satellite missions, from LEO to GEO.
- Experience in regulated, mission-critical environments such as NASA, ESA, or commercial space.
- Familiarity with space communication protocols, mission planning tools, and satellite bus subsystems.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and critical incident management skills.
- Willingness to travel internationally and participate in launch campaigns.
About ReOrbit
ReOrbit builds software-defined satellites with flexible, interconnected platforms designed to network and communicate with each other. The company develops in-house software and integrates best-in-class hardware components. Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland with subsidiaries in Bristol, UK, Bariloche, Argentina and Bengaluru, India.
Benefits
- Lunch vouchers, events, occupational health care and additional health insurance.
- Relocation support and integration into Finnish society.
- Inclusive, dynamic environment with team activities and social engagement.
Security clearance may be required for this position in accordance with applicable law and company policy.