Mission Operator - Entry Level

CesiumAstro; Westminster (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Health, dental, vision benefits

HSA/FSA

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Retirement plans

Job summary

CesiumAstro is seeking a Mission Operator to monitor and support spacecraft operations, perform command and control tasks, and ensure safe mission execution. You will work with mission ops, flight software, systems engineering, and ground systems teams in a fast-paced environment.

The role involves routine operations, anomaly response, mission planning, and readiness exercises, with documentation of logs and events. A collaborative, detail-oriented professional will thrive in this role.

Qualifications

• Background in spacecraft operations and mission operations principles.
• Familiar with telemetry, tracking, command, and spacecraft communications.
• Experience with Linux/UNIX and mission planning tools.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to work in mission-critical operations.
• Proficiency with TT&C systems.
• Experience with Jira/Confluence.

Responsibilities

• Monitor spacecraft health, telemetry, and subsystem performance during routine and contingency operations.
• Execute spacecraft command sequences and operational procedures per mission plans.
• Monitor spacecraft communications and telemetry to ensure safe operations.
• Support launch, early orbit operations, commissioning, and routine mission activities.
• Document operational activities and mission events per procedures.
• Identify and escalate anomalies or unexpected behavior for resolution.
• Coordinate with engineering and mission ops teams during troubleshooting.

Skills

Telemetry concepts

TT&C systems

Linux/UNIX

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Collaborative teamwork

Tools

Jira

Confluence

SharePoint

Mission control software

Job description

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At
CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

The Mission Operator is responsible for monitoring and supporting the safe operation of spacecraft throughout mission execution. This role performs spacecraft command and control activities, monitors spacecraft health and status, executes operational procedures, and responds to off-nominal conditions under the guidance of senior operators and mission leadership.

Working in a fast-paced mission operations environment, the Spacecraft Vehicle Operator collaborates with mission operations, flight software, systems engineering, spacecraft engineering, and ground systems teams to ensure successful spacecraft operations. This role supports routine mission activities, anomaly response, mission planning, and operational readiness while adhering to established operational procedures and mission requirements.

ESSENTIAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor spacecraft health, telemetry, and subsystem performance during routine and contingency operations.
• Execute spacecraft command sequences and operational procedures in accordance with approved mission plans.
• Monitor spacecraft communications, command execution, and telemetry to ensure safe vehicle operations.
• Support launch, early orbit operations, commissioning, routine mission operations, and end-of-life activities as assigned.
• Document operational activities, system status, and mission events in accordance with established procedures.
• Identify, document, and elevate spacecraft anomalies, unexpected behavior, or operational concerns.
• Assist in executing contingency procedures and recovery activities under established operational guidelines.
• Support anomaly investigations by collecting operational data and documenting mission events.
• Coordinate with engineering and mission operations teams during troubleshooting activities.
• Participate in mission simulations, rehearsals, and operational readiness exercises.
• Support mission planning activities by reviewing operational timelines and command products.
• Verify operational products, command sequences, and mission procedures prior to execution.
• Collaborate with mission planning, systems engineering, and ground systems teams to ensure mission readiness.
• Maintain accurate operational logs, reports, and mission documentation.
• Support continuous improvement of operational procedures and mission execution processes.
• Collaborate with mission operations, flight software, systems engineering, spacecraft engineering, and ground systems teams to support mission success.
• Participate in shift handovers, operational briefings, and mission status reviews to ensure continuity of operations.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, mission reliability, and process effectiveness.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Basic understanding of spacecraft operations, spacecraft subsystems, orbital mechanics, and mission operations principles.
• Knowledge of telemetry, tracking, command, and spacecraft communications concepts.
• Familiarity with mission planning, operational procedures, and anomaly response processes.
• Ability to interpret technical procedures, telemetry data, and operational documentation.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and situational awareness.
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, mission-critical operations environment.
• Experience with mission control software and associated operational tools.
• Familiarity with ground control systems supporting spacecraft and mission operations.
• Experience with Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&C) systems.
• Experience with mission planning, spacecraft operations, and related software tools.
• Proficiency with Linux or UNIX operating systems preferred.
• Experience with collaboration and knowledge management platforms such as Confluence, SharePoint, or equivalent.
• Experience with issue and task tracking tools such as Jira or equivalent.

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.

CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.