Mission Operations Specialist

Leapspace; Broomfield (CO); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity program

401(k) retirement plan

Growth opportunities

Flexible time off

Remote work flexibility

Health benefits

Job summary

Leapspace seeks a Mission Operations Specialist to plan, coordinate, and execute launch campaigns and mission operations from concept through post-flight review. You will develop timelines, procedures, and readiness documents while coordinating across engineering, manufacturing, test operations, propulsion, avionics, logistics, and leadership teams.

You will monitor readiness, identify schedule or technical risks, and drive mitigation strategies, ensuring safe, reliable, and repeatable access to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, systems engineering, physics, operations management, or related field.
• 2+ years in aerospace/launch operations, mission operations, flight test, defense, or other complex programs.
• Strong systems engineering and integration knowledge.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams in fast-paced environments.
• Experience developing operational procedures and mission plans.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong scheduling and planning skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically and ability to obtain required security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute launch campaigns, integrated vehicle testing, and mission operations from concept to post-flight review.
• Develop mission timelines, procedures, launch checklists, and readiness docs.
• Coordinate cross-functional execution among engineering, manufacturing, test operations, propulsion, avionics, logistics, and leadership.
• Support rehearsals, testing, countdown operations, launch execution, and recovery activities.
• Monitor readiness, identify risks, and drive mitigation strategies.
• Maintain configuration control of docs and procedures.
• Coordinate resources, facilities, equipment, and personnel for mission execution.
• Support customer mission planning meetings and regulatory coordination.
• Lead post-flight reviews, anomaly tracking, and lessons learned.

Skills

Systems engineering

Cross-functional coordination

Project planning

Technical documentation

Communication skills

US work authorization

Travel readiness

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Microsoft Project

Job description

As our Mission Operations Specialist, you will ensure LEAP's launch and test campaigns are planned, coordinated, and executed with precision. Working across engineering, manufacturing, test operations, and leadership, you will own the operational planning, mission execution, and readiness activities that enable safe, reliable, and repeatable access to space. You thrive in fast-paced environments, anticipate challenges before they become problems, and bring structure to complex technical operations. This role directly supports LEAP's mission to rapidly deliver responsive space access for commercial and national security customers.

About LEAP

LEAP is transforming space logistics with rapid-response, mass producible launch solutions designed to eliminate bottlenecks in space access. Leveraging proprietary propulsion technology and modern manufacturing techniques, LEAP delivers scalable and cost-effective, launch solutions for national security, commercial payload deployment, and global point-to-point logistics applications.

Description

Own Core Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute launch campaigns, integrated vehicle testing, and mission operations from concept through post-flight review.
• Develop mission timelines, operational procedures, launch checklists, and readiness documentation.
• Coordinate cross-functional execution between engineering, manufacturing, test operations, propulsion, avionics, logistics, and leadership teams.
• Support mission rehearsals, integrated systems testing, countdown operations, launch execution, and recovery activities.
• Monitor mission readiness, identify schedule or technical risks, and drive timely mitigation strategies.
• Maintain configuration control of operational documentation and mission procedures.
• Coordinate operational resources, facilities, equipment, and personnel to support successful mission execution.
• Support customer mission planning meetings and operational reviews.
• Provide support for FAA licensing activities, Range regulatory requirements, and associated launch regulatory coordination.
• Lead post-flight reviews, anomaly tracking, corrective actions, and lessons learned activities.
• Travel to test and launch sites to support mission execution as required.
• Operational procedures and work instructions
• Readiness Review presentations
• Countdown scripts and checklists
• Risk assessments and mitigation plans
• Configuration and operational documentation
• Post-flight reports

Impacts and Outcomes

• Drive operational readiness that enables LEAP to achieve launch, test, and customer delivery milestones.
• Execute missions safely, efficiently, and on schedule through disciplined planning and cross-functional coordination.
• Own operational planning activities throughout the mission lifecycle while maintaining accountability for schedule, quality, and execution.
• Identify operational, technical, and schedule risks early and implement mitigation strategies before they impact mission success.
• Continuously improve operational processes through lessons learned and standardized best practices.
• Support a culture of accountability, safety, execution, and operational excellence across the organization.

What You Bring to the Team

Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, Operations Management, or a related technical field
• 2+ years of experience supporting aerospace, launch operations, mission operations, flight test, defense, or other complex technical programs
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and multidisciplinary technical integration
• Experience coordinating cross-functional technical teams in fast-paced, high-accountability environments
• Experience developing operational procedures, mission plans, technical documentation, or test plans
• Strong project planning, organization, and schedule management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to identify operational risks and drive issues through resolution
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize multiple competing priorities while maintaining schedule commitments
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Teams
• Experience using Jira, Confluence, Microsoft Project, or similar project management tools
• Ability to travel to domestic test and launch sites as business needs require
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship
• Must be able to obtain and maintain any required U.S. Government security clearance

Bonus Points

• Previous experience supporting launch vehicles, spacecraft, missiles, or aviation programs
• Experience with launch countdown operations or mission control environments
• Familiarity with range operations and flight test campaigns
• Desired experience working with FAA Part 450 licensing and AFSPCMAN 91-710 Range Safety requirements or equivalent regulatory frameworks.
• Experience supporting Department of Defense, Space Force, NASA, or other government customers
• Knowledge of systems engineering, mission assurance, or configuration management
• Experience working in a startup or rapid-development aerospace environment
• Active U.S. Security Clearance
• PMP, CAPM, or other project management certification
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
• Familiarity with aerospace quality standards and mission assurance practices

Compensation

Salary Range: $140,000.00 - $180,000.00

The estimated salary range for this role reflects various compensation factors. The final offer depends on factors such as work experience, education, training, key skills, and business needs.

In addition, LEAP provides a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, which includes:

• Equity Program: Equity plan participation is available to all employees following an initial 90-day employment period and is performance-based. Equity allocations are determined on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed. Managers may make recommendations based on individual and team performance. All equity grants are subject to executive review and approval in accordance with the Company's equity plan.
• Retirement Planning: Save for the future with a 401(k) plan that includes competitive company matching.
• Growth Opportunities: Take advantage of a professional development stipend to advance your skills and expertise.
• Flexible Time Off: Enjoy PTO as needed and holiday breaks to help you balance work and life, including two week-long company winter breaks and paid leave to support a family member, bond with a new child, or manage your own health needs.
• Remote Work Flexibility: Our team operates on a hybrid model. We expect you to work with your team for specific details on work location.
• Health Benefits: LEAP provides comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage at minimal to no cost for employees. Coverage for dependents and HSA options are also available.
• Insurance Coverage: We cover basic life and long-term disability insurance, with options to add additional coverage to ensure peace of mind for you and your family.

LEAP is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace in Colorado. Our team brings together exceptionally talented and diverse individuals who are pushing the boundaries of space access and logistics. We welcome all qualified applicants and provide equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. This includes individuals with a criminal history, in compliance with applicable regulations. We actively encourage applications from minorities, women, Veterans, and people with disabilities. At LEAP, we strive to create a supportive and welcoming environment throughout the hiring process. If you're excited about making a real-world impact in space technology, we want to hear from you.