Satellite Operator
Sidus Space
Sidus Space (NASDAQ: SIDU) is a space mission enabler providing flexible, cost-effective solutions, including satellite manufacturing and technology integration, AI-driven space-based data solutions, mission planning and management operations, AI/ML products and services and space and defense hardware manufacturing. With its mission of Space Access Reimagined®, Sidus Space is committed to rapid innovation, adaptable and cost-effective solutions, and the optimization of space system and data collection performance. With demonstrated space heritage, including manufacturing and operating its own satellite and sensor system, LizzieSat®, Sidus Space serves government, defense, intelligence and commercial companies around the globe.
Strategically headquartered on Florida’s Space Coast, Sidus Space operates a 35,000-square-foot space manufacturing, assembly, integration and testing facility and provides easy access to nearby launch facilities. But it’s our people who truly set us apart. We foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and agility, empowering our team to innovate and evolve in a rapidly changing industry. Join us at Sidus Space to be part of something extraordinary and help shape the future of space access!
Job Summary
The Satellite Operator will take day-to-day direction from the Flight Director (Satellite Mission Operations Team Lead). This position will support the LizzieSat® Mission Control Center (MCC). The Satellite Operator is responsible for the direct communication between the MCC and constellation of LizzieSat® satellites.
The successful candidate will be responsible for all ground communication with the satellites. This includes scheduling and initiating communications between the satellite and Ground Station (GS) during line-of-sight passes, downlink of satellite bus & payload telemetry and payload data, uplink data files and command plans to the satellite, as well as manual commanding of the satellite when necessary. The Satellite Operator will be the primary user of the satellite Command and Data Handling (C&DH) subsystem. He/she/they should also have a strong desire to learn about all aspects of the LizzieSat® satellite, all of its subsystems and payloads, functions and Concepts of Operations (ConOps).
The Satellite Operator will be an integral part of the rapidly expanding LizzieSat® Mission Operations team. In addition to working closely with other members of the operations crew, such as the Flight Director, Orbit Analyst, Mission Planner, and Satellite Bus/Payload Engineers, he/she/they will often interact with non-console positions within the Mission Operations department, as well as members of the Engineering & Design team. This position is a rotating shift and will regularly require night and weekend support. Additional shifts outside of the regular schedule may also be required in support of real-time special events such as new satellite launches or pre-flight tests.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Responsible for ground communications with the satellite, including:
- Schedule contact times with the ground station
- Initiate communications at the scheduled start time
- Downlink stored telemetry and payload data
- Uplink time-tagged command plans and other data as needed
- Send commands to satellite as needed
- Work with other members of the Mission Operations team, both 24x7 operations console positions as well as other members of the team.
- Establish program control processes to ensure mitigation of risk.
- Interact with company leaders and build a lasting professional network through engaging activities and social events.
- Support during all mission phases. (e.g., launch and commissioning, nominal & off-nominal operations, end of mission activities)
- Maintenance and evolution of the Satellite Ground System
- As an early member of this team, will be expected at a future date to assist with the training of new team members.
- Other duties as assigned**
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Science, or another relevant field preferred. Experience in lieu of education may be considered.
- Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and Microsoft Teams.
- Proficiency with cloud-based applications and usage for high rate, robust, secure data transfer
- Competence to apply their knowledge to develop solutions for technical problems
- Highly motivated to learn
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to define, implement, validate, and implement satellite command & control procedures
- Ability to analyze problems and strategize for best solutions
- Ability to work both independently and with a team.
- Ability to multi-task efficiently; working on multiple activities, multiple subsystems, and multiple missions simultaneously
- Experience working with configuration managed products and documents
- Experience with DevSecOps, Git, Jira, and Confluence.
Desired Skills and Experience:
- Five (5+) years’ experience in…
- Experience with 24 x 7 real-time Satellite Operations
- Experience with Satellite Command & Control Software
- Experience with InControl software
- Experience with modeling and simulation software such as ANSYS, Systems Tool Kit (STK), or Orbit Determination Took Kit (ODTK).
- Experience with Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD
- Experience with DOORS, CRADLE, DevOps, JAMA, Jira or other systems lifecycle tools.
- Experience with automated satellite operations
- Experience operating large constellations of satellites
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods sitting, standing and/or walking on hard surfaces.
- Ability to regular lift and/or move up to 30 pounds
Travel Requirements
- Travel required: <10% (or as needed to support key events)
Shift/Schedule: This position supports 24/7/365 mission operations and may require 12-hour shifts. This position is 100% onsite in Merritt Island, Florida.
Drug-Free Workplace
Sidus Space is a Drug-Free Workplace where post-offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria are met as outlined in our policies
Total Rewards and Perks:
At Sidus Space, we ask a lot of our team members, which is why we give so much in return. In addition to a competitive salary, a Best-in-Class benefit program with a generous employer paid portion as well as a matching 401(k) on Day ONE, we offer a lot of perks, including:
- Jeans every day
- Regular onsite food trucks
- 5 free company t-shirts for Manufacturing Staff or credit to the Company Store
- Paid Time Off - Up to 4 weeks of vacation, 5 sick days, and 11 paid holidays – 5 of which can be floated
- Adjustable stand-up desks
- Employee referral bonus program
- Educational assistance and professional training opportunities
- Company golf outings and other social events
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
- All candidates selected will be subject to background investigation and drug screen
- To conform to Export Control Requirement under U.S. Government International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., 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.
- Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
SIDUS SPACE is an Equal Opportunity Employer fostering a respectful work culture that values all contributors. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information on “EEO Is the Law,” please visit https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf
Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation
Applicants wishing to receive information on Sidus Space’ Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at people@sidusspace.com