Junior Mission Operations Engineer — Spacecraft Telemetry & Ops

Quantum Space; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Quantum Space in Hawthorne, CA is seeking a Mission Operations Engineer I to support spacecraft operations, telemetry analysis, and real-time monitoring of next‑gen space systems. You’ll assist with commanding, anomaly identification, and procedure development in a fast-paced, mission-focused team.

This early-career role emphasizes hands‑on experience, collaboration with operations, systems engineering, and ground software teams to ensure safe, reliable mission execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical engineering, physics, computer science, or a related technical field.
• Foundational understanding of spacecraft subsystems including ADCS, power, communications, thermal, and propulsion.
• Familiarity with scripting and data analysis tools such as Python or MATLAB.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to follow structured operational procedures.
• Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work rotating shifts including occasional nights, weekends, or holidays.

Responsibilities

• Execute routine and contingency spacecraft operations under supervision, including command uplink, telemetry monitoring, and health assessments.
• Monitor spacecraft performance in real time, identifying anomalies, off-nominal trends, and potential issues.
• Support the development, testing, and validation of operational procedures, command sequences, and mission products.
• Analyze spacecraft telemetry data to support performance trending, troubleshooting, and mission reporting.
• Coordinate with ground stations and network service providers to support successful spacecraft communication passes.
• Participate in mission rehearsals, operational readiness reviews, and post-pass analyses.
• Collaborate with mission operations, systems engineering, and ground software teams to support spacecraft performance and operational objectives.
• Document operational findings, lessons learned, and recommended improvements to procedures and tools.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance mission reliability, operational efficiency, and spacecraft performance.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Analytical thinking

Troubleshooting

Attention to detail

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Physics

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Quantum Space in Hawthorne, CA is seeking a Mission Operations Engineer I to support spacecraft operations, telemetry analysis, and real-time monitoring of next‑gen space systems. You’ll assist with commanding, anomaly identification, and procedure development in a fast-paced, mission-focused team.

This early-career role emphasizes hands‑on experience, collaboration with operations, systems engineering, and ground software teams to ensure safe, reliable mission execution.