Satellite Operations Engineer

About Xplore:

Xplore is at the forefront of the next space revolution. We're pioneering a first-of-its-kind multi-sensor satellite constellation in low Earth orbit, designed to deliver a new class of innovative and affordable space data products. This revolutionary system will transform industries with valuable insights for Earth observation, space domain awareness, and astronomy. Join Xplore and be part of a team that's pushing the boundaries of space exploration and shaping the future of space data infrastructure. Chart your course with Xplore.

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Xplore is a venture-backed space technology startup based in Redmond, WA. we're building the future of space data with a revolutionary multi-sensor satellite constellation in low Earth orbit. Our proprietary sensors capture unprecedented detail, unlocking a new frontier of insights for a wide range of applications:

• Commercial: Empowering businesses with game-changing data for informed decision-making.
• Government: Providing critical intelligence for security and strategic planning.
• Defense: Sharpening situational awareness for a safer tomorrow.
• NGOs and Research: Fueling discovery and innovation across scientific fields.

Xplore is an equal opportunity employer; employment with Xplore is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Xplore participates in E-Verify. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. All persons hired must be a current U.S. citizen or current lawful permanent resident of the U.S.

Position Description:

This role needs a hands-on doer with the desire to work as an individual contributor and set up the concept of operations.

If you have successfully operated commercial or other small satellites on-orbit, leading a small spacecraft operations team, you may have just the kind of experience we are looking for.

You will tackle the challenge of ensuring our satellite's seamless operation in space. Your key role will be to execute satellite operation procedures, troubleshoot anomalies, and implement corrective actions to guarantee optimal performance and safety. You will also design and implement automation solutions for tasking, monitoring, and maintaining the health and safety of our satellite on orbit.

Who We Are Looking for:

These represent the character and type of characteristics of the talent we are looking for to join the Xplore Team :

Xplore is a startup founded by successful serial entrepreneurs with expertise in venture and the space industry, who have a track record of building high value companies, from scratch. We are on an exciting mission to produce satellite data and achieve global impact — creating value for commercial and government customers, as well as scientists, researchers and non-profits.

Our company and culture is designed around smart, fun-loving individuals who:

• Seek a successful career personally and financially

• Love being surrounded by "A" players who bring their all to the job

• Take pride in the work created, are self-driven and naturally wired for performance

• Embrace challenges and find solutions working with other talented, innovative and collaborative team members

• Source data and tools to push the envelope of innovation – getting Xplore to launch, and beyond

At the office we drive each other to be the best engineers, developers and contributors we can be. After hours, our minds don't stop working – we share ideas and keep the conversation going as new ideas strike.

Xplore folks enjoy intellectual and physical challenges- they work out, build flight-worthy aircraft, make hand-crafted furniture, build massive LEGO sets, compete in sailing regattas, capture award-winning photos in the National Parks, and more.

Responsibilities

As a hands-on individual contributor, you will be responsible for all facets of the mission design, including update of operational concepts, development and test of on-orbit procedures, and innovation of advanced methods of spacecraft operation unique to each space mission – heavily focused on automation. Satellite Operations requires composure in high-pressure situations, in-depth knowledge of both the space vehicles and ground segment, and an ability to respond to anomalous scenarios in real-time. You will be directly responsible for Xplore’s critical on-orbit assets.

• Flight operations, maintenance, telemetry validation & verification, failure mode analysis, ADCS subject matter expert (SME) for constellation operations and anomaly resolution of Xplore’s fleet of spacecraft in LEO.
• Lead maintenance and version control of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and internal vehicle handbook references.
• Launch & Early Operations and routine spacecraft commanding in both the console operator and flight controller roles.
• Impactful role in the development of flight software, ground & control interfaces, operations engineering tool sequencing, and more, focused on strategic direction of flight operations requiring increasingly less human-in-the-loop intervention.
• Interface directly with spacecraft manufacturer on both sustainment of the current generation as well as aiding in the design of hardware, software architecture, and definition of flight operations ConOps for the next generation of spacecraft.
• Crucial role in qualification training of new constellation operations engineers.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• U.S. Person – U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident.  
• B.S. in Computer Science (or) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical/Space Engineering.
• 3 years’ experience in satellite operations, satellite system engineering, or equivalent.
• Experience with real-time satellite command and control.
• Working knowledge of satellite subsystems, ground systems, space missions.
• Desire to work as an individual contributor to set up the concept of operations

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ Years of experience in operating on-orbit satellites with at least 2 years’ experience operating GOMSPACE spacecrafts.
• Detailed familiarity with ground systems and extensive knowledge of commercial gateway services are required. Proficiency in configuring, managing, and troubleshooting ground systems is essential. Ability to analyze and optimize commercial gateway services for seamless communication between ground stations and orbiting satellites is also necessary.
• Demonstrated expertise in satellite subsystems and payloads, including a strong understanding of spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control.
• Experience with Linux systems and proficient in using command-line software. Strong programming experience in C/C++ or Python.
• B.S. and M.S. in Computer Science (or) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical/Space Engineering

Top Priorities to be completed during the first six months:

• Draft the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) plan for the initial spacecraft, encompassing the stages of launch and early orbit (LEOP), commissioning, maneuvering, and disposal.
• Achieve first-light for Xplore’s first spacecraft quickly after deployment, without compromising system safety.
• Outline of the structure for documenting Satellite Operations, which a small operations team can consume, implement, and execute.
• Utilize the FlatSat to create and verify operational procedures as well as updates for the spacecraft.
• Collaborate with engineers from Major Tom (ground software) to integrate and test initial level procedures.

Compensation

The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $120k - $160k per year. Xplore has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States, which allows us to pay employees competitively and consistently in different geographic markets. Individual base pay depends on various factors, in addition to primary work location, such as complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills.

Benefits

Stock Option Plan

The company offers an equity incentive plan for qualified full-time employees.

EEO/ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Xplore is an equal opportunity employer; employment with Xplore is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This employer participates in E-Verify. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. All persons hired will be required to be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or 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.

Health Care Plan
Employees (and their families) can be covered by medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. The HSA qualified plan is for full-time employees working 30 hours or more per week.

Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
Full time employees earn PTO at a rate of 1.33 days per month. There are a minimum of 13 paid holidays each year for full-time employees.

Stock Option Plan
The company offers an equity incentive plan for qualified full-time employees.

EEO/ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Xplore is an equal opportunity employer; employment with Xplore is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This employer participates in E-Verify. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. All persons hired will be required to be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or 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.

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