Log In
Sign Up
At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in August 2025. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.
Vast is looking for a Mission Operations Engineer II, reporting to the VP, Mission Operations to ensure we can successfully prepare for and fly our spacecraft missions.
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:
- 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 testing and checkouts to ensure spacecraft and ground systems are ready for flight
- Monitor on-orbit spacecraft and remediate or escalate issues
- Analyze telemetry and deliver to disciplines for further analysis
- Author procedures and flight rules for the safe and reliable operation of on-orbit spacecraft
- Create training materials and conduct training for console operators
- Identify areas for improvement of the Mission Operations Software and collaborate with the ground software team to implement them
- Work closely with Mission Management to ensure customer requirements are translated to a Concept of Operations that balances all needs
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical, aerospace, software engineering, or other engineering discipline
- 2+ years of experience in the operation of complex systems
- Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with other engineering disciplines
- Willing to occasionally 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)
- Strong Technical Writing skills
Additional Requirements:
- Ability to travel up to 20% of the time
- Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
Salary Range: California
$100,000—$145,000 USD
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 15 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, free catered meals and snacks and beverages, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks.
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
