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Flight Ops Lead - Starlab

NanoRacks

NanoRacks

Operations
Webster, TX, USA
Posted on Jan 30, 2026

Starlab Space is a US-led joint venture and partner network that is ensuring continued human present in low-earth orbit and dedicated to providing a seamless transition of microgravity research from the International Space Station into the new commercial space station era. Our global team combines decades of flight heritage and human spaceflight experience, from habitat infrastructure and robotic arms to daily payload operations and more.

We firmly believe in space as a tool for transformation, one that can exponentially improve life on earth. Our organization is headquartered in Webster, TX near Johnson Space Center.

Learn more about us at https://starlab-space.com/.

As we move forward in our mission to create our Starlab commercial space station, we continue to grow our incredible team of experts. We are seeking a qualified individual to serve as the Flight Operations IPT Lead under our Mission Segment. The lead of the Flight Operations team is focused on the development and implementation of operational paradigms for the Starlab mission and program, and will develop the strategy, tactical plan, and supporting rationale for the way we conduct mission operations.

Job Duties Summary:

  • Own and implement the definition of Starlab’s overarching mission operations architecture, as well as the development of key flight operations concepts and implementation plans.
  • Oversee the development of training plans and standards for both the onboard crew and ground-based operations and support teams.
  • Establish the mission control staffing and certification plan, and manages the multi-partner team supporting Starlab flight operations around the world.
  • Provide technical expertise and insight regarding operations standards and concepts in Starlab program and corporate decisions and discussions.
  • Coordinate the transition from design phase into operations jointly with counterparts across the Starlab program team.
  • Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and technical objectives for flight operations or flight software.
  • Drive technical decisions and ensure compliance with safety standards and airworthiness requirements.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for stakeholders, customers, and management regarding project status within the Flight Operations IPT.

What we are looking for:

  • 12+ years of progressive experience with a bachelor’s degree; fewer years of experience may be considered with more advanced degrees.
  • Must have at least seven years of experience in spaceflight operations, human spaceflight operations strongly preferred.
  • Must have significant organizational leadership experience, including at least three years as a team lead or supervisor. Operations-oriented leadership experience preferred.
  • Experience managing critical team efforts in a mission-oriented context.
  • Experience preparing for and presenting at major mission and/or customer reviews.
  • Experience in risk management, schedule & cost management, configuration management, and requirements management.
  • Experience identifying, characterizing, and effectively mitigating operational risks. Bonus points for establishing effective mitigations that require negotiations and compromise among multiple partners or teams.
  • Experience with development and implementation of certification criteria for critical operations positions. This includes both long-term qualification and proficiency requirements as well as mitigation and/or development options when certification criteria are not fully achieved.
  • Experience working within partner agreements and across multiple contracts.
  • This role requires strong and clear communication within Starlab, across joint venture partners, and with government agencies. Strong communication, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required.
  • Comfort and willingness to work in an international and multi-timezone context, and with team members from multiple partner organizations and suppliers.
  • Flexibility and adaptability, including the ability to work extended hours when required and adjust to shifting priorities and workloads.

Starlab offers a comprehensive, total compensation package, which includes competitive salary, a discretionary annual bonus plan, unlimited paid time off (PTO), a comprehensive health benefit package, retirement savings, wellness program, and various other benefits. When you join our team, you’re not just an employee; you become part of a dynamic community dedicated to innovation and excellence.

To meet obligations and signed agreements with NASA which allow access to necessary and critical data to perform these duties, you must be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from NASA, which authorization would not be granted for persons born in, or who have current or dual citizenship in, Russia, China (PRC) or any country from the designated countries list (https://www.state.gov/state-sponsors-of-terrorism/) that is on the State Sponsors of Terrorism list.

Starlab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.