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Mission Operations Engineer

Astranis

Astranis

Operations
San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted on Nov 18, 2023

Astranis is on a mission to bridge the digital divide by connecting the four billion people worldwide who currently lack internet access. We're doing this by building the next generation of smaller, more cost-effective spacecraft to bring the world online.

As a team, we’ve launched two satellites into orbit, signed ten commercial deals worth over $1 billion in revenue, raised over $500 million from top global investors, and recruited a team of over 300 world-class engineers. We all work out of our (legendary) San Francisco office, which was once used to build ships during the World Wars.

Our satellites, which operate from geostationary orbit (GEO), weigh only 400 kg and utilize a proprietary software-defined radio payload. Each satellite can connect over two million people, and we’re very excited for the impact we’ll soon have in the Philippines, Peru, Mexico, and more!

Backed by substantial funding and a passionate, collaborative team, we offer a rewarding work environment where you'll learn and make a significant impact, no matter where you are in your career.

Apply and join us on our journey towards global connectivity!

As a Mission Operations Engineer you will be working closely with hardware engineers to figure out how their hardware should be operated, and writing procedures we will use to safely and reliably operate the satellite. You will get a chance to work with some incredibly smart people who have flown things in space before. No prior space experience is needed, you just need to enjoy getting your hands dirty with real hardware, and be okay with tackling ambiguous challenges.

This role will contribute to both commercial and US Government programs.


Role

  • Play a large role in the design and development of our satellite operations system and team
  • Work with satellite engineers to design, create, test, and execute satellite operations procedures, including commissioning procedures and nominal operations procedures
  • Investigate anomalies and work with the mission operations and engineering team to safely resolve them
  • Automate manual processes using scripting and software tools
  • Work with our ground software team as the user and requirements owner for tools that will help us operate our fleet of satellites
  • Lead commanding activities during the launch and commissioning of our first production satellite
  • Develop tools and processes to enable the Mission Operations team to maintain a high level of service uptime for our customer



Requirements

  • 2-6+ years total experience with satellite or spacecraft mission operations, not including internships.
  • 1+ years experience with on-console spacecraft operations.
  • Experience scripting in any language - Python preferred
  • Experience doing telemetry analysis and anomaly investigation
  • Experience designing and executing satellite operations
  • Basic understanding of satellite subsystems (hardware and software)
  • Highly motivated, self-starting, and able to perform duties autonomously without supervision
  • A passion for working in a fast-paced environment and hands-on development and testing
  • Don't meet them all? Not a problem. Please apply even if you do not meet all these criteria.


Bonus

  • Experience building operational software tools and user-friendly UIs
  • Experience with software development tools such as Git and Phabricator
  • Experience operating GEO satellites
All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity, robust benefits, and bonuses.

What we offer:
Base pay is a single component of Astranis's total rewards package, which may also include equity in the form of incentive stock options, performance bonuses, high quality company-subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance benefits, flexible PTO, 401(K) retirement, and free on-site catered meals.
Astranis pay ranges are informed and defined through professional-grade salary surveys and compensation data sources. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, and the level and scope of the position.
Base Salary
$120,000$150,000 USD
U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required
(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))
Our mission and our products are meant to connect the world and everyone in it, regardless of gender, race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.
All employees of Astranis are required to be vaccinated by the start of their employment. Mandatory vaccinations support our commitment to making our workplace and public facilities as safe and welcoming as possible. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals who are not able to get the vaccine due to qualifying medical or religious reasons.