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Mission Operations Engineer

Multiple locations

Who We’re Looking For
The Mission Operations Engineer role ensures the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of spacecraft, payloads, and supporting ground systems throughout all mission phases. This position serves as a key interface between engineering, ground systems, and program leadership, executing command and control, monitoring spacecraft health and performance, identifying and mitigating anomalies, and optimizing mission outcomes. The role encompasses real‐time operations, planning, analysis, and cross-functional coordination to maintain mission success from launch through end‐of‐life.

Where You’ll Make an Impact 

  • Execute real-time command and control of spacecraft and payloads, following defined procedures and flight rules.
  • Monitor spacecraft telemetry for health, status, and performance across all subsystems.
  • Perform trend analysis, anomaly detection, fault isolation, and recovery actions in coordination with subsystem experts.
  • Generate, validate, and uplink command sequences, timelines, and operational products.
  • Lead or contribute to mission planning, including daily/weekly planning cycles, maneuver planning, and configuration management.
  • Maintain and update operations procedures, flight rules, contingency plans, and documentation.
  • Coordinate with ground station service providers to ensure coverage, data flow, and outage resolution.
  • Support pre-launch readiness: simulations, rehearsals, procedure validation, and mission readiness reviews.
  • Provide on-call or shift support during critical operations and nominal on-orbit activities.
  • Track and report spacecraft status, mission performance metrics, and operational risks to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of operational tools, automation, and workflows.
  • Ensure operational compliance with safety constraints, regulatory requirements, and configuration management processes.

 

What It Takes

  • Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, physics, computer science, or related technical field (or equivalent experience).
  • 3-5 years of experience operating spacecraft
  • Demonstrated experience in satellite or space mission operations, spacecraft engineering, or ground system operations.
  • Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems (ACS, power, thermal, comms, propulsion, GNC).
  • Familiarity with mission planning tools, ground control software, and telemetry/command processing systems.
  • Ability to interpret spacecraft telemetry, identify anomalies, and execute safe recovery procedures.
  • Experience working in real-time, high-reliability operations environments.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communications skills.
  • Ability to follow rigorous procedures while maintaining situational awareness and sound judgment.
  • Willingness to support shift, on-call, or critical event operations as mission needs dictate.

Nice-to-Have Experience 

  • Maneuver planning experience
  • On-call flight director or console lead experience
  • Software/scripting capability (Python, MATLAB, STK, etc.)
  • Experience with multi-satellite constellations
  • Experience with government or commercial space operations standards (CCSDS, Range Safety, etc.)

What You’ll Get 

Ownership – Lead the development and operation of EGSE systems across mission phases 
Innovation – Build custom tools and processes to accelerate integration and test 
Impact – Be a critical enabler for mission readiness and system-level success 
Growth – Join a rapidly growing engineering team at the core of hardware execution 
Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, FSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing 
Location: Rockville, MD

Compensation: $140,000 to $200,000 Annual Salary Depending on Experience

Additional Requirements 

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. 

Apply now. Join us in building the systems that enable Quantum’s spacecraft to launch, integrate, and operate with confidence.

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