Spacecraft Mission Operator, Senior Operator

BlackVe, Inc.; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible time off

401(k) with company contribution

Job summary

BlackVe, Inc. Spacecraft Mission Operator Senior role based in Albuquerque, NM, seeks a dedicated professional to support real-time and offline operations across multiple missions.

You will monitor telemetry, execute commands, and respond to anomalies to ensure safe, continuous operations. You will collaborate with engineers and ground system specialists, participate in rehearsals, and contribute to a culture of disciplined operations, rapid problem-solving, and ownership in a mission-first

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, related technical field or equivalent professional experience (minimum 5+ years in spacecraft mission operations).
• Ability to obtain Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
• Experience supporting on-orbit spacecraft operations and satellite subsystems in mission control environments.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems and telemetry/command execution.

Responsibilities

• Spacecraft Monitoring & Commanding: Real-time telemetry monitoring, execute commands, maintain situational awareness of multiple assets.
• Anomaly Detection & Response: Identify unexpected behavior, escalate issues, support root-cause analysis.
• Ground System Operations: Operate mission control software and infrastructure; coordinate with ground network providers.
• Mission Planning & Scheduling: Execute daily pass plans, payload operations, maintenance activities, and long-term timelines.
• Operations Documentation: Maintain logs, configuration tracking, handovers, and update procedures.

Skills

Spacecraft Operations

Telemetry Analysis

Real-time Decision Making

Communication

Education

Bachelors in Aerospace Engineering

Systems Engineering

Physics

Tools

Mission Control Software

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Spacecraft Mission Operator, Senior Operator

Position Title: Spacecraft Mission Operator

Work Location: Alburquerque, NM

Clearance Requirement: Ability to obtain Top Secret/SCI security clearance.

Employment Type: Full-time

About Us: BlackVe, Inc. is a mission-first, dynamic, and innovative national security-focused company focused on emerging space and advanced technologies dedicated to pushing the boundaries of engineering excellence in support of our government customers.

Job Description:

We are seeking a dedicated and highly capable Spacecraft Mission Operator to support real-time and offline operations for multiple spacecraft missions. As part of the Mission Operations team, you will execute procedures, monitor satellite health and performance, respond to anomalies, and ensure safe, continuous spacecraft operations across all mission phases.

You will collaborate closely with spacecraft subsystem engineers, flight software, and ground system specialists to ensure mission readiness, maintain continuous mission operations, and support a rapidly expanding mission portfolio. You will contribute to and be part of building a culture that rewards innovation and disciplined operations, values rapid problem-solving, and prioritizes accountability, ownership, and collaboration.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions:

• Spacecraft Monitoring & Commanding: Perform real-time monitoring of spacecraft telemetry, execute commands, and maintain situational awareness of multiple on-orbit assets.
• Anomaly Detection & Response: Identify unexpected spacecraft or ground system behavior, elevate issues appropriately, and support root-cause analysis and recovery actions.
• Ground System Operations: Operate mission control software and supporting infrastructure; coordinate with ground network service providers as required.
• Mission Planning & Scheduling: Execute daily pass plans, payload operations, maintenance activities, and long-term operational timelines.
• Operations Documentation: Maintain mission logs, configuration tracking, shift handovers, and contribute to operations procedure development and updates.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate with engineering, program management, and mission operations leadership to support mission objectives and technical requirements.
• Operational Readiness: Participate in rehearsals, validation activities, and test events to ensure spacecraft systems and procedures are ready for real-time use.
• This position is based in Albuquerque, NM, with occasional travel to other company locations or partner facilities as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, related technical field or equivalent professional experience (minimum 5+ years in spacecraft mission operations) in lieu of a degree.
• Ability to obtain Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
• Experience supporting on-orbit spacecraft operations and satellite subsystems in mission control environments.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems, their operational interactions and behavior, spacecraft telemetry, and command execution.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret technical data, develop and execute operations procedures, and make informed decisions in high-pressure environments.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance
• Direct experience operating or supporting multi-spacecraft constellations.
• Familiarity with RF communications, ground station architecture, or flight dynamics.
• Proficiency in scripting or data analysis tools such as Python or MATLAB
• Proven experience developing and executing spacecraft CONOPS
• Background in national security space operations or high-pressure mission environments.

Why Join Us:

• Mission first-Always. We prioritize delivering results that directly support space and intelligence community programs and national security objectives.
• We operate as one team, grounded in trust, accountability, and open collaboration, where individuals actively support one another to achieve shared mission success.
• Work on high-impact programs across space, ISR, and advanced technology domains supporting DoD and IC customers.
• Ownership-driven culture is founded in teamwork where every employee is an owner, with equity participation and a direct stake in our success.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package, including flexible time off; 401(k) with company contribution
• Constant opportunities for program and professional impact.

This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(A)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorization from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable.