Vast is looking for a Principal Mission Operations Engineer, reporting to the Director, Ground Segment and Mission Operations, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. At Vast, Mission Operations Engineers work to ensure the successful execution of our spacecraft missions. They work cross functionally with engineers from other disciplines from the very early stages of mission design through on-orbit decommissioning. The Mission Operations Engineer is responsible for mission operations including authoring procedures to operate the spacecraft, ensuring mission ops runs efficiently, and ensuring the integrity and validity of commands sent to and telemetry received from the spacecraft.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities: 

• Coordinate with our customer’s Mission Operations Centers for the successful execution of customer missions
• Work closely with Mission Management to ensure customer requirements are translated to a Concept of Operations for the mission that balances the needs of all payloads
• Work with engineers across disciplines to complete the Launch and Early Orbit (LEOP) phase of a mission resulting in the successful commissioning of a newly launched spacecraft
• Participate in customer payload testing and checkouts to ensure spacecraft are ready for flight
• Monitor on-orbit spacecraft and remediate or escalate issues
• Analyze telemetry and deliver to disciplines for further analysis
• Author procedures for the safe and reliable operation of on-orbit spacecraft
• Lead the creation of training materials and training for console operators
• Identify areas for improvement of the Mission Operations Software and collaborate with the ground software team to implement them

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical, aerospace, software engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 7+ years of experience in the operation of systems enabling human spaceflight
• ability to work cross-functionally with other engineering disciplines
• Willing to work mission operations at any time of day during mission critical phases
• Proficient at using the command line and scripting languages

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Software Engineering Skills (C++, Golang, Javascript, React, Software Architecture, Databases, Cloud)
• Matlab or Python/Octave Proficiency
• Familiarity with the satellite design, build, and test process
• Familiarity with Ground Communication Systems (RF, Ground Stations, Modems, Antenna Systems)
• Master’s degree in aeronautical, aerospace, software engineering, or other engineering discipline

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time
• Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones