Mission Control Engineer

constellr; United States; Remote; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Virtual Share Option Plan (VSOP)

Flexible work setup

Job summary

constellr seeks a Mission Control Engineer to operate and scale our Earth Observation satellite constellation. You will monitor, control, and optimize spacecraft performance, collaborating across Flight Operations, Flight Dynamics, Payload, Software, Data and Product teams.

Grow into hands-on satellite operations with real-time commanding and monitoring responsibilities. This role offers a fast-paced startup environment with direct impact on data reliability, availability and quality, plus

Job description

Our Mission

At constellr, we're harnessing the power of space to solve one of Earth’s greatest challenges: climate resilience & security in a changing world. Our thermal satellite constellation delivers the most accurate land surface temperature data on the market, equipping commercial players, governments, defence agencies, and global institutions with the thermal intelligence they need to make strategic decisions– from national security and infrastructure to agriculture and climate resilience. As a fast-scaling company with offices in Brussels, Freiburg, Munich, Washington and Toulouse, our multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and strategists is building the future of space-based Earth observation

Location: Remote - Germany
Team & Reporting Line: Flight Operations - Reporting to Lead Satellite Systems

Your Role

As a Mission Control Engineer, you will be central to operating and scaling our Earth Observation satellite constellation. You will monitor, control, and optimise spacecraft performance while working closely with the Flight Operations team and collaborating with Flight Dynamics, Payload, Software, Data, and Product teams across the company.

This role offers the opportunity to build and operate mission control systems from the ground up in a fast‑paced startup environment, with direct impact on the reliability, availability, and quality of the data we deliver to customers.

At constellr, you will help shape how our constellation and operations scale, owning critical operational capabilities, influencing system design, and seeing the immediate real‑world impact of your work. The role also provides a clear growth path into hands‑on satellite operations, with opportunities to take on real‑time spacecraft commanding and monitoring responsibilities and contribute directly to mission success in orbit.

Key responsibilities

Core Role

• Design, establish, and execute automated end‑to‑end tests for Mission Control System (MCS) and automation applications to ensure reliability and performance.

• Provide user support for MCS and automation tools, troubleshooting issues and ensuring smooth operational use.

• Integrate and onboard new satellites and data protocols into the MCS and automation ecosystem.

• Perform system maintenance and participate in on‑call rotations to ensure continuous availability and rapid incident response.

• Develop and maintain MCS components using Rust, contributing to the communications protocol stack, data processing pipelines, and core system infrastructure.

• Implement and enhance spacecraft commanding and telemetry handling in compliance with space industry standards (e.g., CCSDS, ECSS, PUS).

• Build and improve internal tools to increase efficiency, usability, and effectiveness of satellite operations.

• Ensure system security, reliability, and readiness for continuous 24/7 operational use.

• Contribute to the design and evolution of scalable systems capable of supporting a growing satellite constellation from a unified platform.

• Collaborate closely with operations teams, incorporating real operational feedback into MCS design and development.

• Expand expertise into adjacent domains, including space systems and advanced software engineering, with strong organizational support for professional growth.

• Document MCS tools, operational procedures, lessons learned, and best practices to enable knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

Optional (If you have this experience) - Involvement in satellite operations, your role will also include:

• Monitor and control spacecraft operations, ensuring the nominal health, safety, and performance of the satellite constellation

• Execute real‑time spacecraft commanding, telemetry monitoring, and analysis, responding promptly to off‑nominal conditions.

• Develop, validate, and maintain operational procedures for both routine activities and contingency scenarios.

• Collaborate closely with Flight Dynamics and Mission Planning teams to execute mission timelines and scheduling activities.

• Support the commissioning and early operations phases of newly launched satellites.

• Investigate anomalies, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective and preventive actions.

• Ensure high availability and smooth operation of the ground segment, participating in on‑call rotations as required.

• Interface with Payload and Data teams to support successful data acquisition, downlink, and processing operations.

• Participate in simulations, rehearsals, and operational readiness reviews to ensure mission preparedness.

About You

Essential Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.

• 2–3+ years of experience in satellite/spacecraft operations or in ground segment / Mission Control System development, either on the operations or software side.

• Solid understanding of spacecraft subsystems (e.g., AOCS, power, thermal, communications).

• Experience with telemetry analysis, command systems, and operational procedures.

• Proven ability to troubleshoot anomalies under time pressure using structured and methodical problem‑solving approaches.

• Strong software engineering background, with experience in a systems programming language (ideally Rust, but C, C++, or similar are acceptable; support will be provided to develop Rust expertise).

• Experience developing reliable software for operational environments, with a strong focus on correctness, robustness, and safety.

• Familiarity with Linux systems and server administration.

• Knowledge of space industry standards such as CCSDS, ECSS, or PUS (deep expertise not required; familiarity with the ecosystem is sufficient).

• Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset; ability to work closely with operations teams and the broader Mission Control organisation.

• Willingness to work in an operational environment, including shifts or on‑call duties when required.

• Experience with monitoring and data infrastructure tools such as Grafana (including IRM), InfluxDB, and PostgreSQL.

• Genuine interest in working at the intersection of spacecraft operations and modern systems software, with a willingness to deepen expertise in either domain.

• Ability to develop reliable, production‑grade software for 24/7 operational environments, with a strong focus on correctness, robustness, and safety.

Nice to have:

• Experience with LEO Earth Observation missions.

• Knowledge of mission planning systems and ground station networks.

• Experience with SCOS‑2000 and Mission Information Base (MIB) configuration.

• Background in Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) or in‑orbit commissioning.

• Experience working in a startup or fast‑scaling environment.

• Familiarity with cloud‑based infrastructure, distributed systems, or data pipelines.

• Understanding of satellite systems engineering principles.

• Exposure to or experience with AI‑assisted development tools or workflows.

Why Join constellr?

• Be part of an ambitious mission to launch the world’s first commercial thermal infrared constellation

• Play a defining role in scaling a company at the intersection of space, climate, and security

• Flexible work setup with remote and hybrid options

• Competitive compensation, including Virtual Share Option Plan (VSOP) for permanent employees

• Join a team committed to diversity, inclusion, scientific excellence, and real‑world impact