Flight/Spacecraft Operator

Zoomcar; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading navigation technology firm in Burlingame, CA is seeking a Flight/Spacecraft Operator to manage day-to-day spacecraft operations for satellites. This role involves leading real-time mission operations, ensuring safe and efficient execution of missions. Candidates must have direct control experience with spacecraft and strong communication skills. The position offers a salary range of $100K to $150K. Candidates should expect on-call duties for spacecraft operations, requiring a commitment to flexibility and collaboration across different time zones.

Qualifications

• Experience with satellite, aircraft, or machinery control.
• Understanding communications systems and Ground Station partnership.
• Ability to communicate progress efficiently.
• Capability to document critical events/actions.

Responsibilities

• Lead real-time mission operations for satellites.
• Coordinate task distribution across time zones.
• Participate in mission readiness reviews.
• Provide satellite state updates to stakeholders.
• Prepare for on-call duties during anomalies.

Skills

Direct on-console control experience

Understanding of TT&C systems

Extended availability

Excellent communication skills

Strong documentation skills

Scripting knowledge (Python, Bash)

Job description

Location

Burlingame, California

Employment Type

Full time

Location Type

On-site

Department

Engineering Mission Operations

Compensation

• $100K – $150K • Offers Equity

The final job level and salary will be determined based on a range of factors including the candidate’s education, qualifications, knowledge, skills, abilities, and relevant experience. The listed salary range is provided to offer insight into potential compensation, but it’s not a guarantee of the final offer. While we include the full range to be transparent, offers most often fall within the middle portion rather than the top.

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.

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.

Compensation Range: $100K - $150K