Senior Mission Operations Engineer - Ground Segment Verified today
About Vast
Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure. Haven Demo's 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Haven-1 is expected to become the world's first commercial space station when it launches in 2027. Vast recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line leveraging space station components.
The Role
You will be a foundational member of the Ground Segment group within Mission Operations, responsible for planning and execution of Vast missions.
Responsibilities
- Take ownership of large impact initiatives with engineers across disciplines to support development of spacecraft operations, ground operations procedures, flight rules, products and processes, culminating in safe and successful operations of newly launched spacecraft
- Provide technical and operational leadership as the operations expert in planning for and execution of pre-flight testing and checkouts of ground systems to ensure spacecraft and ground systems are ready for flight
- Lead operations of Vast's crewed and uncrewed missions for vehicle commissioning, on-orbit operations, anomaly resolution and final deorbit
- Perform deep-dive analysis of vehicle and ground system telemetry and deliver informed summaries and recommendations to mission stakeholders
- Formulate and lead execution of workflows facilitating improvements to processes and systems with a focus on advancing Mission Operations
- Strategize and lead efforts to iteratively improve Mission Systems, Mission Operations Software and ground processes in collaboration with Mission Systems Engineering and Ground Software Engineering teams
- Work closely with Mission Management to translate customer requirements to a Concept of Operations
- Mentor and coach junior Mission Operations Engineers
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, software engineering, or other engineering discipline
- 5+ years of experience in the operation of complex systems
- Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with other engineering disciplines
- Demonstrated ability to critically think in high stress environments and rapidly evolving situations
- Ability to disseminate critical engineering and technical information effectively and clearly
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Strong demonstrated technical leadership ability
- Willing to support 24/7 operations during mission critical phases
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Experience in human spaceflight mission operations
- Master's degree in a technical field
- 3+ years working in a spacecraft design, build, and test environment
- Technical knowledge in spacecraft systems engineering: avionics, propulsion, attitude control, communications, orbital mechanics, life support systems, thermal and power control systems
- Technical knowledge in Space-to-Ground Communication Systems: RF, Ground Stations, Modems, Antenna Systems
- Experience building from scratch a system, process and team to perform complex operations of an aerospace system such as launch vehicle, satellite, or crew capsule
- Software Engineering Skills: C++, Golang, Javascript, React, Software Architecture, Databases, Cloud
- Matlab or Python/Octave proficiency
- Proficiency at using the command line and scripting languages
- Strong Technical Writing skills
- Strong mentorship and leadership skills
Additional Requirements
- Ability to travel up to 20% of the time
- Willingness to work overtime or weekends to support critical mission milestones
Compensation
Senior Mission Operations Engineer: $137,000 - $195,000 USD. Compensation will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand.
Full-time employees receive company equity and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off with 20+ days vacation for exempt staff; paid parental leave; disability and life insurance; 401(k) plan; ClassPass credits; mental healthcare through Spring Health; free snacks, coffee, cold drinks, and dinner; subsidized lunch.
Employment Details
Full-time exempt position located in Long Beach, California.
Export Control
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore must either be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. Section 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.