Sr. Mission Operations Engineer

Be more than just an employee number! Join Terran Orbital, a leader in innovation, manufacturing, and operations in the satellite industry. We are a pioneer in the miniaturization of space technologies and the delivery of responsive space solutions. We are a unique, fast-growing, and trusted team focused on quickly and economically designing, building, launching, and operating state-of-the-art satellites for advanced mission constellations.

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Senior Mission Operations Engineer to join our growing team. Reporting to the Manager, Mission Operations, the Senior Mission Operations Engineer develops the overall mission operations concept of operations and architecture, including tasking, procedures, anomaly resolution, vehicle control interface, ground segment infrastructure, analysis methodology, customer management, mission operations contract assessment, and automated data delivery methods. Above all else, the Senior Mission Operations helps guide the mission operations and ground station teams as the Terran Orbital fleet grows. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in guiding mission operations engineers, spacecraft operators, and ground station managers & engineers to manage continuous operations, cost, and technical performance proactively as required for projects and programs
• Work with the design, integration, and testing engineering teams to ensure on-orbit operations are an essential aspect of overall vehicle development and acceptance
• Support the development of systematic methods for scheduling and operating Terran Orbital’s space & ground segments
• Develop and assess operations procedures associated with vehicle commissioning, mission operations, and ground operations
• Coordinate with the development team to ensure compliance with all associated licensing and regulations (e. g. FCC, NOAA, etc.). Participate in company engineering and programmatic discussions to ensure compliance with all regulations for on-orbit vehicle and ground station network
• Guide improvements to Terran Orbital's Command Control, Data Diagnostics database, and ground software systems
• Participate in engineering team design discussions to provide feedback and help develop innovative vehicle architecture and operations for future missions aimed at achieving full vehicle/fleet automation and on-board data management
• Analyze the performance of on-orbit programs, ensuring mission operations efforts and development are within project scope and budget
• Assess spacecraft mission operations contractual agreements/offers and provide senior leadership with informed cost estimates, rationales, and recommendations for ground and mission operations expansion. Prepare and present supporting quotations and proposals
• Act as the primary interface to customers of on-orbit programs/projects
• Mentor, coach, and lead employees to achieve peak productivity and performance
• Oversee and provide direction during critical Mission Operations activities, which may include periods of off-hours work

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or similar engineering or technical field

• 5+ years of experience with spacecraft mission operations, preferably leading others
• A working knowledge of spacecraft system engineering and space-to-ground communications
• Able to manage a diverse set of programs and requirements therein
• Ability to disseminate critical engineering effectively and clearly
• Strong verbal and written communication skills 
• Critical thinking and ability to operate under high stress and rapidly evolving situations
• Energy and passion for inventing and creating new solutions, challenging the status quo, and driving positive change 
• Ability and willingness to go above and beyond one’s comfort zone when it comes to learning about other engineering disciplines

Additional Differentiators  

• Working knowledge of RF systems, ground network systems, and/or guidance, navigation, and control systems
• Experience with the development of spacecraft mission CONOPs definitions
• Experience with spacecraft design

Benefits

• 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• 401(K) Match
• Unlimited PTO

Salary Range $120,000.00 - 160,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, unlimited flex time off, covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

About Terran Orbital 

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com.

Physical Demands 

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require lifting or moving objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifting or moving objects up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment 

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers 

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance. Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hr@terranorbital.com.

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.