Flight/Spacecraft Operator

Xona Space; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Xona Space in Burlingame, CA, seeks a Flight/Spacecraft Operator to own day-to-day spacecraft operations for a growing constellation. You will oversee real-time mission execution from checkout through routine operations and anomaly resolution.

You will define operational concepts, lead flight ops actions, and serve as the key liaison between active spacecrafts and system owners. This role demands on-call readiness and strong scripting ability.

Qualifications

• Experience operating satellites or similar vehicle systems in real-time.
• Strong understanding of TT&C and ground station partnerships.
• Willingness to work outside normal hours for anomalies or special operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead real-time mission operations, including commanding and monitoring spacecraft.
• Coordinate shifts across locations and time zones to distribute tasks.
• Deep dive into ground and satellite tech stack for nominal and anomaly conditions.
• Provide updates on satellite state to stakeholders and raise issues promptly.
• Participate in readiness reviews, rehearsals, and simulations.
• Be prepared for on-call duties during anomalies or special ops.
• Assist with automating repetitive tasks via scripting or domain knowledge.

Skills

Satellite ops experience

TT&C knowledge

Ground station coordination

On-call readiness

Communication skills

Scripting (Python/Bash)

Tools

Python

Bash

Job description

Xona is the navigational intelligence company bringing real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth.

With Pulsar – the world’s most advanced PNT satellite infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit – Xona will offer a future-proof, backwards-compatible global positioning system optimized for absolute precision, superior power, and robust protection.

We are seeking a Flight/Spacecraft Operator to own and lead day-to-day spacecraft operations for a growing constellation of satellites. This role is responsible for ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient mission execution across all phases of flight—from early on-orbit checkout through routine operations and anomaly resolution.

The role will help define operational concepts, lead flight ops actions, and act as the primary intermediary between the active spacecrafts and the system owners.

Responsibilities

• Assume the role of primary Flight Operator for the Xona’s constellation, and lead real-time mission operations, including commanding, monitoring, and contingency response
• Coordinate with other Operators shifts across different locations and time zones to efficiently organize and distribute tasks
• Deep dive into the full Ground and Satellite tech stack, to understand the system as a whole for both nominal scenarios and anomaly conditions
• Provide frequent updates on the state of the satellites to key stakeholders and raise any issues in a timely manner
• Actively participate in mission readiness reviews, rehearsals, TVAC testing, and Day-In-The-Life (DITL) simulations
• Prepared for on-call duties during any anomalies or special spacecraft operations
• Assist with automating any mundane or repetitive tasks by providing any valuable domain knowledge or directly help with scripting

Required Skills/Qualifications

• Previous experience with direct on-console control of satellites, aircrafts, drones, or other machinery
• Strong understanding of TT&C/communications systems and partnering with Ground Station provider
• Extended availability outside of normal working hours during anomalous situations or special circumstances for spacecraft ops
• Excellent verbal & written communication skills to efficiently update the progress
• Excellent documentation skills to routinely keep track of any critical events/actions across the ground and space stack
• Some scripting knowledge with Python, Bash, etc.

For U.S. Roles

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. Green Card holder), or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

For U.K. Roles

To comply with U.K. regulations, this role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, and successful candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).

For Canada Roles

Successful candidates must obtain and hold a security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.