Satellite Operations Engineer, Bellevue, Washington

About Xplore:

Xplore is at the forefront of the next space revolution. We are a venture-backed company and are launching revolutionary satellites designed to deliver a new class of innovative and affordable space data products and edge computing services. Join Xplore and be part of a team that's pushing the boundaries of space exploration and shaping the future of space data infrastructure.

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.

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

• 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
• Must be a current U.S. citizen or current lawful permanent resident of the U.S.

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:

• Implement 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.
• 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.

Benefits

Compensation

The base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $130k - $160k per year.

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

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.

Company Culture

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

·      Enjoy building, launching, and operating in the space industry

·      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

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

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

Come join us!

More About Xplore

Please click for company website

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.