Senior Space Mission Operations Engineer

Viasat, Inc.•Carlsbad, CA

14h

About The Position

As a Senior Space Mission Operations Engineer, you will bridge the gap between spacecraft design and mission execution. You bring deep expertise in spacecraft operations, systems engineering, and mission architecture, and are motivated by solving complex operational challenges across both space and ground systems. The Space Mission Operations & Engineering team will serve as the authority for mission CONOPS development, transforming mission objectives into operational architectures, system requirements, and flight software constraints. The team will lead end-to-end operational design and readiness activities, ensuring seamless integration of mission operations concepts from initial mission planning through spacecraft commissioning and routine on-orbit operations. In this role, you will act as the primary technical authority for spacecraft operations, owning mission execution strategies while collaborating closely with spacecraft subsystems, flight software, satellite operations, and ground systems teams.

Requirements

Experience spanning spacecraft development, integration & test, launch preparation, commissioning, and on-orbit operations
Proven experience developing spacecraft CONOPS and supporting mission operations for LEO or similar missions
Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems (EPS, ADCS, thermal, communications, payload) and their operational interactions
Demonstrated ability to translate mission objectives into operational concepts, requirements, and executable procedures
Experience leading cross-functional engineering efforts across spacecraft, software, and ground teams
Proficiency in scripting or data analysis tools such as Python or MATLAB
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or related field
Strong communication skills with demonstrated ability to make sound real-time operational decisions in high-pressure environments, including troubleshooting complex issues, interpreting system data, directing operational holds, reprioritizing test activities, and developing effective workaround solutions
U.S. citizenship

Nice To Haves

Experience developing mission concepts of operations (CONOPS), operational architectures, and mission execution strategies for spacecraft programs
Experience supporting spacecraft integration, verification, validation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and software-in-the-loop (SIL) test campaigns
Background in spacecraft commissioning, launch and early orbit operations (LEOP), on-orbit testing (IOT), and anomaly resolution
Experience designing operational automation, command products, mission planning tools, or flight operations software
Familiarity with spacecraft telemetry analysis, fault management, fault detection and isolation (FDIR), and state-of-health monitoring
Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE), digital engineering, or requirements development using tools such as Cameo or SysML
Familiarity with configuration and change management processes, including tools such as Git
Experience leading mission simulations, operational rehearsals, and readiness reviews
Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical field
Experience with MBSE tools (e.g., Cameo, SysML) for system architecture and modeling
Ability to obtain or hold an active U.S. Government security clearance (Secret or Top Secret/SCI)

Responsibilities

Lead development of end-to-end spacecraft CONOPS, including mission timelines, operational scenarios, and contingency strategies across all mission phases (launch, commissioning, nominal operations, and end-of-life)
Own spacecraft operational strategy, including commanding approaches, telemetry monitoring, signatures & constraints, turn-on procedures, fleet automation strategies, and fault detection, isolation, & anomaly response
Translate mission objectives and stakeholder constraints into actionable system and subsystem-level requirements
Lead cross-functional coordination between spacecraft subsystems (GNC, propulsion, EPS, thermal, communications), flight software, satellite operations, and ground systems teams as well as senior leadership/executives
Lead the architecture and development of mission operations automation, command products, and operational workflows, that enable efficient multi-mission execution, reduce operational risk, and support rapid anomaly detection, diagnosis, and recovery across the spacecraft lifecycle
Oversee Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing to validate CONOPS, flight software updates, and operational procedures
Plan, develop, and execute a repeatable in-orbit test (IOT) playbook to validate performance, functionality, and mission readiness. Analyze test results, identify and resolve anomalies, and produce comprehensive technical reports documenting findings, recommendations, and operational impacts.
Author and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), state of health (SOH) procedures, and contingency plans for mission operations
Maintain daily trending of spacecraft state of health post-handover to predict future failures or out-of-limit conditions
Lead mission simulations and rehearsals to ensure operational readiness and risk mitigation
Present technical content and lead discussions at major program milestones (SRR, PDR, CDR)
Serve as the primary technical authority during on-orbit operations and anomaly scenarios 24/7 for the life of the vehicle
Mentor and train engineering and operations teams, ensuring they remain confident, prepared, and aligned during mission-critical events