Operations Specialist I, Aerospace & Defense (US)

Company Introduction:

Airspace is a tech-enabled freight forwarder that’s redefining how the world’s most critical packages are delivered. Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, Airspace has employees who are based around the world. Our European headquarters is in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

As a recognized leader in AI and machine learning, our team leverages data and patented technology to coordinate logistics across a global network of drivers and airlines. Our goal is to deliver those packages that are truly mission-critical in a way that is faster, more transparent, more secure, and more accountable than ever before. The items we deliver range from organs for transplant, to parts for critical machinery including grounded aircraft and highly sensitive components such as semiconductors.  

Airspace has been rated one of America’s best Startup Employers and listed as one of CNBC’s Disruptor 50 companies. Airspace has the support of leading investors such as Telstra Ventures, HarbourVest Partners, Defy Partners, DBL Partners, and Scale Ventures. To date the company has raised more than $140m. 

The company is growing rapidly and serving more places around the world than ever before. We are looking for passionate, motivated individuals who want to make an IMPACT every day to help us execute on our mission of reshaping the world of time-critical logistics. 

 

Set the Foundation for Time-Critical Order Execution

Airspace moves the shipments that can't be late — for hospitals waiting on an organ, a grounded aircraft waiting on a part, or a production line waiting on a component. As an Operations Specialist I, you're one of the first people to touch a new order, and how well you set it up determines whether everything downstream goes smoothly.

This is where every Airspace Operations career starts. You'll learn the platform, the players (customers, Commanders, and agent service providers), and the judgment calls that come with time-critical logistics. The role is deliberately structured to build your foundation fast, so that by the time you're ready to advance, the fundamentals are second nature.

 

What You'll Do

Operate the Airspace Platform

• Set up new orders by adhering to standard work practices and client-specific SOP instructions
• Apply transit accessorials (e.g., wait time, parking, tolls) in PT as reported — for charges that are not auto-generated by the system
• Navigate and interpret carrier booking and tracking systems relevant to the order
• Accurately confirm job milestones are completed correctly and on time
• Rapidly move between competing priorities without losing accuracy

Solve Problems as They Arise

• Source driver coverage for any segment of an order
• Use situational awareness to request or deny additional driver incentives when necessary
• Update, manage, and/or change shipment documentation as needed
• Apply training and tenured knowledge to find solutions to common or uncommon issues
• Follow escalation procedures and guidance from senior team members when a situation exceeds your judgment

Keep Customers Informed

• Professionally relay delays, issues, and updates through verbal and written communication
• Anticipate disruptions (weather, traffic, carrier delays) and proactively offer alternatives to meet or beat required delivery times
• Place orders on behalf of customers who are unable to use the online portal

Stay Responsive Across Channels

• Timely acknowledgment and action on all email, phone, and text requests
• Consistently meet minimum metric expectations for phone availability and acceptance
• Proper use of phone statuses; adherence to All Hands on Deck and Off-Phones guidelines
• Stay independently informed by reviewing all communications provided throughout company platforms

Maintain a Balanced Level of Performance

As an OS I, you'll be expected to meet minimum metric requirements and customer service standards appropriate for an entry-level position. Specific metrics vary by sector and will be communicated by your direct reporting supervisor. Expectations increase with each advancement.

 

Requirements

• Prior logistics experience preferred, but not required — we'll train you on the platform, the workflows, and the judgment calls
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable on the phone with customers under time pressure
• High attention to detail — small errors in time-critical logistics have outsized consequences
• Ability to multitask and shift rapidly between competing priorities
• Comfortable following structured processes while also using judgment when a situation falls outside the standard playbook
• Willingness to obtain any certifications required for your assigned sector (e.g., Dangerous Goods handling, where applicable)
• Available to work the shift pattern required by your team, including some evenings, weekends, or holidays as the network requires
• Available for 2 weeks of training in person on-site in our Carlsbad, CA headquarters

 

Advancement to Operations Specialist II

Advancement is a gate, not a timeline — tenure alone doesn't move you forward. To advance to OS II, you'll need to demonstrate all of the following:

• Minimum of 6 months in the OS I role
• Consistently meeting or exceeding OS I performance standards, tracked through ongoing 1:1 check-ins and confirmed at your first structured Semi-Annual Review (SAR)
• Demonstrated proficiency across all OS I responsibilities with minimal supervision
• Manager recommendation, confirming readiness to independently own the additional judgment calls required at OS II

 

Your First 90 Days

Get fluent in the Airspace platform, order lifecycle, and the standard work practices that keep time-critical shipments on track. Build working relationships with your team, your supervisor, and the Commanders and agent partners you'll coordinate with daily. By day 90, you should be handling the full OS I workload independently, with escalation as your safety net rather than your default.

 

Compensation

• Hourly pay range: $20-23/hr
• High-quality health, vision, and dental care plan options
• 401K company contribution program
• Professional learning and training reimbursements

 

Core Values:

• We are One Team. We believe we all accomplish more when we are working together.
• We make an Impact. We are determined to have a positive influence on our environment, our customers, our industry, and our world.
• We are Passionate. We care deeply about our mission and are not afraid to raise the bar.
• We are Transparent. We pride ourselves on having open, honest, and sincere communication with our team and customers.
• We are Innovative. We never settle and are always striving to improve our product, service, and ourselves.

 

Airspace is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Additionally, Airspace participates in the E-Verify program for all locations.