Senior Mission Operator

CesiumAstro; Westminster (MD); On-site; USD 54,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Benefits package

Job summary

CesiumAstro is seeking a Senior Mission Operator to monitor and support spacecraft operations from launch through end-of-life under the guidance of senior operators. You will execute commands, monitor health and telemetry, and coordinate across mission operations, flight software, systems engineering, and ground systems to ensure safe and successful missions.

The role requires strong analytical skills, excellent communications, and hands-on experience with mission control software.

Qualifications

• Understanding of spacecraft operations and subsystems.
• Telemetry, tracking, command concepts.
• Mission operations principles and anomaly response processes.
• Ability to interpret procedures, telemetry, and docs.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
• Attention to detail and situational awareness.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work in a mission-critical operations environment.
• Experience with mission control software and related tools.

Responsibilities

• Monitor spacecraft health, telemetry, and subsystem performance.
• Execute command sequences and procedures per mission plans.
• Monitor communications and telemetry to ensure safe vehicle operations.
• Support launch, early orbit ops, commissioning, and end-of-life activities.
• Document operations, system status, and events per procedures.
• Identify and elevate anomalies and operational concerns.
• Assist in contingency procedures and recovery activities.
• Support anomaly investigations with data collection and logs.
• Coordinate with engineering and mission ops during troubleshooting.
• Participate in simulations, rehearsals, and readiness exercises.
• Review timelines and command products for mission planning.
• Verify procedures and commands prior to execution.
• Collaborate to ensure mission readiness and logs are maintained.
• Lead continuous improvement of operational procedures.

Skills

Spacecraft operations

Telemetry/TT&C

Analytical thinking

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Effective communication

Situational awareness

Documentation

Operational planning

Tools

Jira

Confluence

SharePoint

Linux/UNIX

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 Senior 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.

$39.55 - $46.74 an hour

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 torace, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.