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Reflect Orbital

Space-based mirrors delivering sunlight-on-demand

Principal Mission Operations Engineer

Full-Time
$110k - $185k/yr
Expert
Bachelor's
Hawthorne, CA, USA
In Person
Aerospace EngineeringSpacecraft & Launch Vehicle Systems

About the job

Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related STEM field.
  • At least 10 years of experience in satellite mission operations or a related field.
  • Experience leading operations for critical mission events such as launch, launch and early orbit phase, commissioning, or major anomalies.
  • Experience scaling operations by growing a team, a fleet, or an automation capability.
  • A solid understanding of spacecraft systems and subsystem interactions.
  • Proficiency with mission control software such as OpenC3 COSMOS, L3Harris InControl, or similar tools.
  • Strong programming and scripting skills; Python and C++ are preferred.
  • Experience with DevOps tools and practices, including Git, Docker, and continuous integration and continuous delivery.
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills.
  • Sound judgment and composure in real-time, high-pressure operational environments.
Responsibilities
  • Define the constellation operations concept, including shift models, automation strategy, operations center design, and ground network utilization.
  • Develop and maintain the operational framework, including flight rules, command authority, go/no-go processes, anomaly response, and readiness review standards.
  • Lead operations for launches, launch and early orbit phase, commissioning, and other critical mission phases.
  • Define the fault management and onboard fault detection, isolation, and recovery philosophy with flight software.
  • Work with ground software teams to define automation, mission planning, and fleet management capabilities needed by operations.
  • Lead high-severity anomaly investigations and the corrective actions that follow.
  • Plan and lead operational readiness activities, including simulations, dress rehearsals, and operator training and certification.
  • Mentor operations engineers and support hiring as the team grows.
  • Spend time on console, write procedures, and personally work anomalies while setting the operational standards for the team.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience operating multi-satellite constellations or fleets.
  • Experience establishing a mission operations center or operations processes from scratch.

About the company

R

Reflect Orbital

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Website

Reflect Orbital aims to provide Sunlight-as-a-Service by deploying a constellation of satellites with large Mylar mirrors that reflect sunlight onto Earth after dark. The system uses mirrors in low Earth orbit to target ground sites during nighttime or pre-dawn/post-sunset periods, enabling solar farms to extend operation hours and offering on-demand illumination for industries and emergencies. It differentiates itself by owning orbital assets and launch capabilities to control timing and targeting, monetizing space-based daylight rather than upgrading ground infrastructure. The goal is to deliver a scalable, reliable source of supplemental daylight and lighting from space to improve grid resilience and broaden energy and lighting options.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

Seed

Total Funding

$6.5M

Headquarters

Los Angeles, California

Founded

2021

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Lux led the May 2025 Series A, giving Reflect Orbital more capital for flight hardware.
  • The FCC cleared Eärendil-1 in July 2026, removing the biggest near-term regulatory hurdle.
  • ArtPrize's September 2026 partnership signals mainstream branding traction beyond energy customers.

What critics are saying

  • FCC approved only Eärendil-1; commercialization needs separate approval and fresh engineering proof.
  • Astronomers, DarkSky, and 2,000 commenters oppose it; litigation or stricter reviews can delay 2027 scaling.
  • A failed glare event or debris incident kills customer trust and blocks the 50,000-satellite vision.

What makes Reflect Orbital unique

  • Eärendil-1 targets on-demand nighttime sunlight, not communications, in 625-kilometer orbit.
  • Reflect Orbital combines SpaceX-style launch economics with deployable 18-meter orbital mirrors.
  • AFWERX awarded $1.25 million in June 2025, validating defense demand for responsive illumination.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Unlimited Paid Time Off

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

12%

1 year growth

17%

2 year growth

23%
SpaceNews
Oct 20th, 2026
AnySignal to deliver space-to-earth communications for three Reflect Orbital missions.

AnySignal to deliver space-to-earth communications for three Reflect Orbital missions. LOS ANGELES - October 20, 2026 AnySignal, a leading provider of software-defined radios and space-based networking, today announced an agreement with Reflect Orbital to deliver space-to-earth communications for Reflect Orbital's inaugural satellite and two subsequent missions. The agreement includes the delivery of AnySignal's USX space transceivers for flight operations and the implementation of the AnyLink software for ground connectivity. This establishes AnySignal as Reflect Orbital's communications partner, integrating spacecraft radio hardware directly with ground network infrastructure. For these missions, Reflect Orbital satellites will utilize the AnySignal USX transceiver, a multi-band software-defined radio. The USX unit consolidates high-rate payload downlinks and Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&C) functions within a single hardware module. This configuration removes the need for separate radios for different frequency bands, reducing mass and cabling requirements on the satellite bus. The agreement involves the implementation of AnySignal's AnyLink software for ground operations. AnyLink functions as an interface that aggregates access to multiple ground-station-as-a-service (GSaaS) providers. The technology enables operators at Reflect to access different third-party ground networks through a single architecture. "AnySignal is excited to provide Reflect with full-stack communications for their upcoming missions," said CEO and Co-Founder John Malsbury. "This agreement reflects the power of AnySignal's operating system for the electromagnetic spectrum. The AnySignal operating system, including radio hardware and ground networking, solves technical RF problems so that innovative customers like Reflect Orbital can focus on their groundbreaking missions." "We selected AnySignal for both our flight radio and ground connectivity software because it delivers a true end-to-end comms solution," said Ben Nowack, Co-Founder and CEO, Reflect Orbital. "AnySignal has helped us de-risk early operations and let us focus on engineering the novel parts of our spacecraft." About AnySignal AnySignal is a U.S.-based aerospace and defense technology company building the operating system for the electromagnetic spectrum. The company designs, builds, integrates, and operates end-to-end radio-frequency (RF) systems for civil, commercial, and national security customers to sense, connect, and defend across land, air, sea, and space - providing the adaptable spectrum capabilities their missions depend on. For more information, visit: anysignal.com About Reflect Orbital Reflect Orbital is developing space-enabled infrastructure to deliver sunlight to precise locations on Earth. By redirecting sunlight from orbit, we aim to extend electricity generation at solar farms and provide light to help search-and-rescue teams find people at night and construction crews work more safely after dark. We believe reliable access to affordable energy is the foundation of human progress, a healthier planet and economic growth. Our mission is to unlock more of the sun's potential and deliver energy abundance to a world that urgently needs it. For more information, visit: https://www.reflectorbital.com/

The Hans India
Oct 16th, 2026
Skyroot wins twin-launch contract from US startup.

Skyroot wins twin-launch contract from US startup. In short. Reflect Orbital turns to Vikram rockets to deploy satellites for its sunlight-redirection venture Learn Hindi Created On: 17 Oct 2026 5:02 AM IST Share: Hyderabad: US-based Reflect Orbital has purchased two dedicated launches from Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace to deploy its planned spacecraft, marking a new commercial collaboration for India's private space sector. The agreement will provide Reflect Orbital with dedicated launch capacity and greater schedule certainty as it develops its satellite constellation. The launches will complement the company's other planned launches from sites in the US. Reflect Orbital is developing orbital mirrors designed to redirect sunlight towards specific locations on Earth. The company aims to extend electricity generation at solar farms and provide lighting for applications such as night-time search-and-rescue operations and construction work after dark. The company said it had recently received a licence from the US Federal Communications Commission to operate its first spacecraft. It is continuing to engage with astronomers, local communities and regulators as it prepares to scale its operations. Discover more News Subscription Service Telangana News Updates Local News Updates Skyroot co-founder and CEO Pawan Kumar Chandana said the partnership reflected the ambitions of global space missions that its Vikram rocket family was designed to serve. "We are pleased to partner with Ben and the Reflect Orbital team across two dedicated launches, providing schedule certainty and mission flexibility," he said. The agreement adds to Skyroot's commercial launch pipeline and signals international customer interest in its launch services. For India's private space sector, the deal highlights the opportunity to tap into global demand for dedicated satellite launches as new space-based businesses emerge. Securing repeat missions from international customers will be important for Skyroot to establish its commercial credentials, build a sustainable launch business and compete in the global market. Founded in 2018 by Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, Skyroot became India's first space-tech unicorn in May 2026 after raising nearly $60 million at a valuation of $1.1 billion, according to the company. For Reflect Orbital, securing dedicated launches is an important step towards deploying the spacecraft needed to deliver its proposed sunlight-redirection services. The collaboration brings together an Indian private launch provider and a US space startup pursuing applications that connect satellite technology with energy generation and emergency response.

Deccan Chronicle
Oct 14th, 2026
US firm buys two dedicated launches from Skyroot.

US firm buys two dedicated launches from Skyroot. 14 October 2026 11:02 AM Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace has secured an agreement with US firm Reflect Orbital for two dedicated Vikram rocket launches to deploy its future spacecraft. Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram rocket family will provide dedicated launch capacity for US-based Reflect Orbital's planned spacecraft deployment. (Representational image) Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace has secured an agreement with US-based Reflect Orbital for two dedicated launches using its Vikram rocket family to deploy the American company's future spacecraft. The agreement will provide Reflect Orbital with dedicated launch capacity and flexibility in scheduling its missions. The launches will complement the company's other planned missions from launch sites in the United States. Reflect Orbital develops and operates orbital mirrors designed to direct sunlight to specific locations on Earth. The company plans to use the technology for applications such as remote search-and-rescue operations and supporting solar farms in generating clean energy. Reflect Orbital co-founder and CEO Ben Nowack said access to launch capacity remained a challenge for the space industry and that the partnership with Skyroot would help secure access to space for its missions. Discover more News subscription service E-paper access South India news Nowack said the company had recently received authorisation from the US Federal Communications Commission to operate its first spacecraft. He added that Reflect Orbital would continue engaging with astronomers, local communities and regulators as it expanded operations. Skyroot Aerospace co-founder and CEO Pawan Kumar Chandana said the agreement covered two dedicated launches and would provide Reflect Orbital with scheduling certainty and mission flexibility. The agreement adds to Skyroot's commercial launch commitments and supports Reflect Orbital's phased spacecraft deployment plans. Skyroot's Vikram-1 launch vehicle recently reached orbit on its maiden flight, marking a milestone for India's private space sector. ( Source: Deccan Chronicle) Download the Deccan Chronicle Android and iOS app on your phone for news and views from around the world - accurate and immediate.

FOX 17
Sep 18th, 2026
ArtPrize returns to Grand Rapids with record-breaking ambitions and a mission to space.

ArtPrize returns to Grand Rapids with record-breaking ambitions and a mission to space. Posted 4:54 PM, Sep 18, 2026 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - ArtPrize returned to Grand Rapids Friday, kicking off what organizers are calling the event's biggest year in almost a decade - and for the first time, the winning piece could end up in space. WATCH: ArtPrize kicks off in Grand Rapids with a mission to space Organizers announced at the start of this year's festival that the winner of the competition will have their artwork sent to space. In partnership with California aerospace startup Reflect Orbital, ArtPrize will digitize the winning artist's piece, engrave it into a plaque, and then attach it to a satellite where it will be sent into orbit. "I'm not sure an arts organization has ever gone to space before," ArtPrize Deputy Director Coleman Brook said. The two-week event features the world's largest string instrument, and organizers are hoping to break a world record for the largest attendance at a fashion show. "ArtPrize is bigger and better this year, and we think this is the year that really solidifies it as Art City, USA," Brook said. The event is expected to draw more than 1 million visitors and features 1,025 entries, the most since 2018. Brina Tiemeyer, a longtime attendee, said the event draws people from well beyond the local area. "This event is great," Tiemeyer said. "I bring my kids every year." Not everyone in attendance planned their visit around the festival. Matt and his mother Beverly, visiting from out of state, said they stumbled upon ArtPrize by chance. "When we drove into town, just to check out the town, we realized that this big event was going on, so we've just really started the process of bouncing from place to place, and it's been super cool," Matt said. Among the pieces that caught their attention was a replica of the Mackinac Bridge built from 20,009 K'NEX pieces, on display inside the Amway. The artist behind the piece, James Derck, said the massive build started last winter as a way to have fun with his kids. He said to get the piece to the hotel he had to split it into five, six-foot sections and pack it into an enclosed trailer. "I was incredibly nervous every time we hit a bump, but it got here totally fine," Derck said. Midway through day one, he said he's been blown away by the public's reaction. "Right now I'm just being humbled by this experience. This was entirely put together as just a project to do with my kids, and I'm happy to be here," Derck admitted. This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

WOOD-TV
Sep 18th, 2026
ArtPrize top winner will be sent to space.

ArtPrize top winner will be sent to space. Posted: Sep 18, 2026 / 11:03 AM EDT Updated: Sep 18, 2026 / 05:09 PM EDT GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The piece that wins the ArtPrize 2026 public vote grand prize will go to space. Not the entire physical work: Rather, it will be digitized, placed on a laser-engraved plaque and sent into low-Earth orbit with California-based aerospace startup Reflect Orbital. After a Reflect satellite launches sometime next year, it will spin through the sky 500 kilometers above Earth at 18,000 mph. "I am very just over the moon to say that this year, one of the artists who are participating in ArtPrize is going to space," ArtPrize Director of Exhibitions JoLee Kirkikis said as the "out-of-this-world" partnership was announced at a Friday morning news conference at Kendall College of Art and Design in downtown Grand Rapids. "Over the 10 years that I've been with ArtPrize, I've seen a lot of impossible things happen and come to life here in Grand Rapids," Kirkikis told News 8. "And the last several years, I've had a personal interest in space and watching that frontier get reexplored and I was like, 'How cool would it be to put a living artist in space?' They actually get to see it." "It's kind of the most exclusive placement you can put a piece of art," ArtPrize Deputy Director Coleman Brook said. "And to have Grand Rapids be the one to plant that flag is truly an honor." "I'm not sure an arts organization has ever gone to space before," he added. Reflect's primary mission is solar energy: It's working on mirror technology to redirect sunlight straight toward solar farms. "We are delighted to partner with ArtPrize to send an engraved copy of this year's public grand prize artwork into space aboard our satellite, Earendil-1," Sam Harrison, director of business development for Reflect Orbital, said in a statement. "Art, like space, excites the imagination and brings communities together. We are proud to use our technology to support the arts and share that excitement with the ArtPrize community." The satellite is named for a character from J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" mythology who carries a magical jewel across the sky as a star. Neither the carrier nor launch site for the satellite has yet been confirmed, Brook said. "We are exploring a multiyear partnership with Reflect Orbital to possibly have additional space placements as well as potentially see some of their nighttime sunlight," Brook said. Continuing the space theme, this year's ArtPrize grand prize trophy will be made with moldavite, a glass formed during a meteorite impact. West Michigan-based Rockhound Rock Shop will create the award. "Grand Rapids has an amazing heritage and history with astronauts," Brook said, mentioning native Roger B. Chaffee, a Grand Rapids native who died when Apollo 1 caught fire during testing. "It's... in alignment with Grand Rapids breaking ground for new things in the arts. The Calder sculpture was the very first piece of public art installed by the National Endowment for the Arts, so I think it's very fitting that Grand Rapids has an arts organization that is the first one to space." Voting for ArtPrize 2026 begins Friday. Awards will be announced Oct. 3. The public vote and juried grand prize winners each get $100,000, and there are number of smaller category awards.