About the position
Xplore is seeking a skilled individual to join our team as a Satellite Operations Engineer. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for ensuring the seamless operation of our innovative satellite constellation in low Earth orbit. Your primary focus will be on executing satellite operation procedures, troubleshooting any anomalies that arise, and implementing corrective actions to maintain optimal performance and safety of our satellites. You will also play a crucial role in designing and implementing automation solutions that enhance tasking, monitoring, and the overall health and safety of our satellites in orbit. As a Satellite Operations Engineer, you will oversee all aspects of mission design, which includes updating operational concepts, developing and testing on-orbit procedures, and innovating advanced methods of spacecraft operation tailored to each unique space mission. This role demands composure in high-pressure situations, a deep understanding of both the space vehicles and ground segment, and the ability to respond effectively to anomalous scenarios in real-time. You will be directly responsible for managing Xplore's critical on-orbit assets, ensuring their functionality and reliability. Your responsibilities will include flight operations, maintenance, telemetry validation and verification, failure mode analysis, and anomaly resolution for Xplore's fleet of spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO). You will serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS) during constellation operations, lead the maintenance and version control of standard operating procedures (SOPs), and engage in launch and early operations as well as routine spacecraft commanding in both console operator and flight controller roles. Additionally, you will have a significant impact on the development of flight software, ground and control interfaces, and operations engineering tool sequencing, all aimed at reducing the need for human intervention in flight operations. Collaboration will be key in this role, as you will interface directly with spacecraft manufacturers to sustain current generation spacecraft and assist in designing hardware, software architecture, and defining flight operations concepts for the next generation of spacecraft. You will also play a crucial role in the qualification training of new constellation operations engineers, ensuring that they are well-prepared to contribute to our mission.
Responsibilities
- Execute satellite operation procedures and troubleshoot anomalies to ensure optimal performance and safety.
- Design and implement automation solutions for tasking, monitoring, and maintaining satellite health.
- Oversee all facets of mission design, including updates of operational concepts and development of on-orbit procedures.
- Lead maintenance and version control of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and internal vehicle handbook references.
- Conduct flight operations, maintenance, telemetry validation & verification, failure mode analysis, and anomaly resolution for spacecraft in LEO.
- Serve as the ADCS subject matter expert (SME) for constellation operations.
- Engage in launch and early operations and routine spacecraft commanding in both console operator and flight controller roles.
- Contribute to the development of flight software, ground & control interfaces, and operations engineering tool sequencing.
- Interface with spacecraft manufacturers for sustainment and design of next-generation spacecraft.
- Train new constellation operations engineers.
Requirements
- 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, and space missions
Nice-to-haves
- 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.
- Proficiency in configuring, managing, and troubleshooting ground systems.
- Ability to analyze and optimize commercial gateway services for seamless communication between ground stations and orbiting satellites.
- Demonstrated expertise in satellite subsystems and payloads, including spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control.
- Experience with Linux systems and proficiency in 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.
Benefits
- Stock Option Plan
- Health Care Plan including medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays) with a minimum of 13 paid holidays each year.
