Flight/Spacecraft Operator

Xona; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading navigational intelligence company is seeking a Flight/Spacecraft Operator to manage day-to-day operations for a satellite constellation. Responsibilities include real-time mission operations, coordinating tasks across teams, and providing updates on satellite health. Ideal candidates must have experience with direct control of satellites or similar machinery, strong knowledge of communication systems, and be available during anomalies. Scripting skills in Python or Bash are a plus. This role offers a unique opportunity in the aerospace industry.

Qualifications

• Experience with direct on-console control of machinery.
• Strong understanding of communication systems.
• Availability outside of normal hours during anomalies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong documentation skills for critical events.
• Some scripting knowledge with Python, Bash.

Responsibilities

• Lead real-time mission operations for the satellite constellation.
• Coordinate tasks across different locations and time zones.
• Understand the full Ground and Satellite tech stack.
• Provide updates on satellite status to stakeholders.
• Participate in mission readiness reviews and simulations.
• Prepare for on-call duties for anomalies.
• Assist with task automation through scripting.

Skills

Direct on-console control of satellites, aircrafts, drones or other machinery

Understanding of TT&C/communications systems

Extended availability during anomalies

Excellent verbal & written communication skills

Excellent documentation skills

Scripting knowledge (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.