Senior Satellite / Mission Operations Engineer

Own the Spacecraft. Own the Mission. Own the Outcome.Xplore is a highly differentiated, venture-backed commercial space company. We design, build, and operate satellites and sensors that collect high-fidelity Earth observation data, enabling insights that support social, economic, environmental, and security outcomes across the globe.Every image we collect contains trillions of spectral data points - revealing the physical and chemical state of Earth in ways conventional imaging cannot see. Our multi-sensor satellite captures and combines multi-modal remote sensing data with edge computing and high-throughput communications capabilities to generate spatial insights for our customers around the world.We are building the operational backbone of a scalable space infrastructure company.This role is not a shift-based satellite monitoring, this is ownership of mission-critical spacecraft from launch through full constellation scale.If you want to help operate next generation small satellites in orbit — and design the systems that make it software-defined, autonomous, resilient, and scalable — this role is for you.The MissionWe are hiring a Senior Satellite / Mission Operations Engineer to serve as a technical authority for Xplore’s on-orbit fleet.You Will Lead Spacecraft Operations Across The Full LifecycleLaunch and Early Orbit Operations (LEOP)Commissioning and calibrationRoutine mission executionAnomaly response and recoveryAutomation and autonomy developmentConstellation scalingYou will improve current processes and architect them to be technically superb and operationally efficient.What You Will OwnMission Architecture & CONOPSDefine and evolve mission concepts of operation across multiple mission profilesArchitect operational frameworks from LEOP through decommissioningDesign scalable reference missions for multi-sensor spacecraftLaunch & Commissioning LeadershipLead spacecraft operations from launch to deorbitDevelop and validate commissioning sequencesExecute payload checkout, calibration, and performance verificationOn-Orbit Technical AuthorityLead anomaly detection, root cause analysis, and recovery planningMake real-time mission-critical decisionsOwn spacecraft health monitoring and operational performanceExecute and validate on-orbit software updatesAutonomy & ScalabilityDesign automation-first operations to support constellation growthBuild fault management and autonomy frameworksDevelop FlatSat and simulation-based validation pipelinesReduce operator burden through intelligent systemsGround & System IntegrationDefine mission operations and ground segment requirementsArchitect command and control interfacesIntegrate and optimize commercial ground networksValidate RF compatibility and remote interfacesYour decisions will directly influence spacecraft reliability, scalability, and company value.Why This Role Is DifferentYou will architect, improve and automate operationsYou will operate advanced multi-sensor spacecraft with edge compute capabilitiesYou will shape both spacecraft design and ground infrastructureYou will work in a high-agency environment where technical judgment drives outcomesYour impact will be visible in orbit.This is a builder's role.RequirementsRequired QualificationsU.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident3-5+ years of hands-on satellite operations or spacecraft systems experienceReal-time command and control experience in LEO missionsDemonstrated leadership in anomaly investigation, root cause analysis, and recovery operationsFluency working in Linux-based operational environmentsStrong programming ability (Python required; C/C++ or Rust preferred)Experience developing operational procedures, documentation, and operator trainingB.S. in Aerospace, Electrical, Systems, Software, or related engineering disciplineAdditional RequirementsAbility to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlinesAbility to work on an “on-call” basis on a weeklong rotational schedule Preferred QualificationsDeep expertise in spacecraft subsystems and payload operations, including Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS) and guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), with strong grounding in control theory, stability analysis, and on-orbit performance evaluation.Experience with orbit determination and state estimation techniques (e.g., Kalman filtering, batch least squares, covariance analysis), including analysis of tracking data and validation of orbit and attitude solutions.Experience with mission and collection planning for remote sensing or communications satellites, including development or operation of collection planning systems, mission CONOPS definition, and optimization under orbital, attitude, power, thermal, and communications constraints.Experience designing or implementing spacecraft autonomy and fault management systems.Strong understanding of ground systems architecture, including ground station integration, commercial gateway services, and ground network performance optimization for reliable command and telemetry operations.Experience scaling operations from single spacecraft missions to multi-spacecraft or constellation operations.Strong systems engineering discipline, including requirements development, verification and validation (V&V), and cross-functional technical integration.What Success Looks Like (First 6 Months)Establish CONOPS for two new programsFully validated operational procedures via simulation and FlatSatMeasurable increase in automation of recurring mission tasksStrengthened anomaly response framework and recovery playbooksImproved spacecraft operational efficiency and reliability metricsBenefitsPay Range Compensation and Benefits: USD $130k - $160k / per yearYour actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.Base salary is just one part of your Total Rewards at Xplore. As an employee, you will also receive access to comprehensive 100% company-funded medical, vision, and dental coverage, life and ADD insurance for you and your qualified dependents, and various other company perks such as free beverages and snacks, weekly team lunches, regular team outings, and special rewards. Additionally, Xplore offers an equity incentive plan (ESOP) for qualified full-time employees.The HSA qualified health plan is available for full-time employees working 30 hours or more per week.Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)Each full-time employee earns PTO at a rate of 1.33 days per month, and a minimum of 13 paid federal holidays are provided each year for full-time employees. Note: Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law.Who Thrives At XploreXplore is built around curious, driven engineers and builders who want to put real hardware in space and see it work.Our Team MembersAre energized by building, launching, and operating spacecraftEnjoy tackling hard technical problems that require creativity, persistence, and teamworkThrive in an environment surrounded by high-performing peers who push each other to do their best workTake pride in designing systems that move from idea to hardware to orbitApproach challenges with intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and a strong sense of ownershipWe're a tight-knit group that loves what we do—and the people we do it with.Why Join NowSpacecraft already on orbitConstellation scaling underwayExpanding government and commercial demandNext-generation mission architecture in developmentThe engineers who join at this stage will define how Xplore operates for the next decade.If you’re ready to command spacecraft, design autonomous mission systems, and help define how a new generation of satellites operates—we want to hear from you.More About XplorePlease click for company websitePlease click to view company videoEEO/Additional RequirementsXplore 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.