Mission Operations Engineer (Entry-Level) - Millennium Space Systems

Millennium Space Systems; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Health savings accounts

Retirement savings plans

Life and disability insurance

Paid and unpaid time away

Job summary

Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing company, seeks an Entry-Level Mission Operations Engineer to lead on‑orbit activities and support the full mission lifecycle from design to launch. The role requires real-time satellite ops, CONOPS understanding, and the ability to adapt to high‑pressure anomalies.

Candidates must hold a relevant engineering degree, be eligible for US citizenship and security clearance, and be prepared to work 24/7 as mission needs arise, on-site at a U.S. facility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or related field.
• Experience with real-time satellite command and control operations.
• Knowledge of satellite subsystems, ground systems, and CONOPS design.
• Willingness to support 24/7 operations and odd hours.
• Ability to obtain US citizenship and security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead technical authority for on‑orbit spacecraft operations.
• Support mission lifecycle from proposal to on‑orbit operations.
• Develop operational concepts and on‑orbit procedures.
• Assist in fault detection, autonomy, and onboard command/control.
• Contribute to mission rehearsals and anomaly responses.
• Coordinate with ground and space vehicle teams across the lifecycle.

Skills

Real-time ops

Satellites

US Citizenship

24/7 Support

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Java

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering/Related Field

US security clearance eligibility

Tools

Spacecraft C2 software

Job description

Mission Operations Engineer (Entry-Level) - Millennium Space Systems Company:

Millennium Space Systems, a part of Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS), is a fast, agile small satellite company focused on national security space. Our missions have direct impact to global security, like missile warning and Earth observation. Our team is curious, bold and innovative. We take risks, innovate and explore new techniques and technologies. We influence change because we challenge the status quo. And when we watch our satellites launch, we know each one of us made it happen.

Job Summary:

As a Mission Operations Engineer, you will be the lead technical authority for Millennium’s on-orbit spacecraft. Your work will encompass the entire spacecraft mission life cycle, from the proposal phase to spacecraft and mission design, through space vehicle integration and test, and culminating with launch and on-orbit operations. You will be responsible for all facets of the mission design, including definition of operational concepts, development of on-orbit procedures, and innovation of advanced methods of spacecraft operation unique to each space mission. Mission Operations requires composure in high-pressure situations, in-depth knowledge of both the space vehicles and ground segment, and an ability to respond to anomalous scenarios in real-time. You will be directly responsible for Millennium’s critical on-orbit assets.

This position’s internal job code is Systems Engineer. Our team is currently hiring for a Level 1-2.

Position Responsibilities:

• Support a team of spacecraft and subsystem engineers during launch and early orbit activities to commission the space vehicle(s) for service
• Perform duties of lead technical authority during mission operations for both the space and ground segments
• Support every aspect of the mission lifecycle, from proposal/mission modeling, design, integration and test, space vehicle shipment, launch and on-orbit operations, to decommissioning
• Assist in the ground and mission operations requirements, and flow mission requirements back to the space vehicle team including: Mission concept of operation and design reference missions
• Future vehicle designs by cataloguing lessons learned from on‑orbit exercises
• Support the ground segment design, including command and control, mission planning, mission data processing, and the associated infrastructure to support all activities
• Implement and test space vehicle fault and autonomy, including fault detection and response, autonomous space vehicle behavior, and on‑board command and control
• Implement methods of operational automation, to reduce day‑to‑day operator responsibilities
• Assist in the creation and execution of space vehicle simulator tests to validate mission/fault/autonomy design
• Assist in the creation and execution of in‑factory flight vehicle tests to validate mission design compatibility with flight hardware
• Conduct critical ground segment testing, including radio‑frequency compatibility testing, remote ground facility interface testing, and acceptance testing of critical ground assets/locations
• Support anomaly response team when off‑nominal vehicle conditions arise
• Contribute to customer briefings/debriefings for orbital events
• Assist in the mission “sequence of events” for bus commissioning, payload checkout/calibration, and mission operations
• Contribute to Mission Rehearsal events to train the mission team and to validate the mission design

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non‑US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement
• Experience with real‑time satellite command and control operations
• Demonstrated knowledge of satellite subsystems, ground systems, spacemissions, and CONOPS design
• Willingness to support 24/7 operations as required and occasional off‑nominal working hours during critical 24/7 mission operations activities
• This position requires the ability to obtain a US Security Clearance for which the US Government requires US Citizenship. A final U.S. TS/SCI clearance Post Start is required

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

• Level2: Two (2) or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience M .S. in STEM related field
• Extended knowledge of satellite systems engineering, including all satellite subsystems: Guidance, Navigation, and Control; Electrical Power; Thermal Control; Telemetry, Tracking, and Command; Propulsion; etc.
• Experience with Spacecraft Command & Control software systems
• Experience in leading multidisciplinary technical teams, especially to resolve anomalous scenarios
• Familiarity with software and scripting tools such as MATLAB, Python, C/C++, Java, etc.

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company’s Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

Drug Free Workplace:

Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, is a Drug Free Workplace (DFW) where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Total Rewards:

• Competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities
• Health insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Health savings accounts
• Retirement savings plans
• Life and disability insurance programs
• Programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary pay range: Level 1: $66,000 - 117,000 Level 2: $82,000 - 145,000

Location and Security:

This position is located at a facility that requires special access. Applicants MUST be U.S. citizens and eligible for a security clearance. Additionally, applicants must be willing to apply for and maintain a security clearance. Millennium is DDTC‑registered, ITAR‑compliant Company.

Eligibility and Compliance:

• Category = Engineering
• Language Requirements: Not Applicable
• Education: Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent
• Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.
• Export Control Requirement: This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
• Safety Sensitive: This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.
• Security Clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post‑Start is required.
• Visa Sponsorship: Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.
• Contingent Upon Award Program This position is not contingent upon program award.
• Shift: Shift 1 (United States of America)

Equal Opportunity:

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. EEO is the law Boeing EEO Policy Request an Accommodation Applicant Privacy Boeing Participates in E‑Verify E-Verify (English) E-Verify (Spanish) Right to Work Statement Right to Work (English) Right to Work (Spanish)

Boeing is committed to protecting, connecting and exploring our world and beyond, safely and sustainably. From the seabed to outer space, you can contribute to work that matters with a company where diversity, equity and inclusion are shared values. We’re committed to fostering an environment that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive of every teammate, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.