Mission Manager

KSAT Inc.

7600 E Eastman Ave, Suite 415 Denver, Colorado 80231 ksat.no

Introduction 

With headquarters in Tromsø, Norway, Kongsberg Satellite Services AS (KSAT) supplies ground station services for satellite communications. KSAT is the world’s largest supplier of telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) and data acquisition services for non-geostationary satellites. Founded in 1968, KSAT has grown to over 550 employees with an annual revenue of approximately $200M+. About 50% of KSAT’s annual revenue comes from the US. The wholly owned subsidiary KSAT Inc. (aka. KSAT USA) is located in Denver, Colorado and is rapidly growing in response to strong US Government and industry demand for commercial ground segment services. As a result of KSAT’s continued growth in the US, more critical talent is needed.

Summary of Position 

KSAT is seeking a mid-career Mission Manager to join the Satellite Operations Team in Denver. This team is responsible for executing the successful operation of a variety of space missions throughout all mission phases.

The Mission Manager will primarily be the technical POC through all mission phases and integration into KSAT’s satellite operations service. This includes owning the mission throughout the lifespan, coordinating activities both within KSAT and with customers, identifying and leading service improvements, and more. This individual will coordinate deliverables across teams to ensure customer’s missions are fully integrated and prepared for satellite operations. This individual will also be responsible for ground system requirements management and major phase/gate meetings such as PDR and CDR. During operations, the Mission Manager will act as Flight Director for the missions. The individual should also be able to mentor and support the ops team. The Mission Manager will work closely with the US Satellite Operations Lead to manage satellite programs and report on deliverables and progress to the customers. This role will include involvement in high-pressure situations that require calm, collected, and deliberate action.

The preferred candidate will have a deep familiarity with spacecraft systems and the systems engineering lifecycle, along with a demonstrated capability to perform in high-stress, high-stakes situations. This position will report to the US Satellite Operations Lead. The role will be local to the Denver region with flexible teleworking opportunities. Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.

Joining The KSAT Team Means

• Opportunity to work across the commercial, civil, and defense space industry
• Flexible work environment
• Experience in an international company with a global footprint and opportunities to work across cultures
• Engaging team: inspire small, dedicated, “A-class” teammates. Being part of a nimble and passionate “start-up” team, with the financial security and product technology readiness level of an established company – the best of both worlds

Compensation 

The base salary range is between $110K - $140K

Benefits Package Highlights

• Four weeks of PTO annually
• $0 individual medical insurance with generous coverages
• Flexible working environment
• Fitness expense reimbursement program
• Tuition reimbursement program
• International travel opportunities

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Technical POC for KSAT’s satellite operations customers,
• Own the spacecraft mission lifecycle from contract award through end of mission,
• Contribute to program reviews and proposals,
• Manage ground system requirements and verification and validation,
• Lead anomaly investigations,
• Vehicle and ground software testing,
• Mentoring and training the satellite operations team,
• Identify opportunities to improve operational processes, automation, and efficiency in satellite operations,
• Support on-console and on-call shifts

Qualifications And Skills

• Required
  • 7+ years of satellite operations or related experience,
  • 5+ years of experience with tools such as Confluence, Sharepoint, Grafana, and other collaboration tools,
  • 3+ years of technical program management, preferably in the aerospace industry
  • Excellent communication skills in high-pressure environments
• Preferred
  • Previous experience in spacecraft AI&T
  • Working with international partners
  • Working on US Government spacecraft
  • Experience with multiple mission control software suites

• Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in an engineering, computer science, or scientific discipline, or related field or equivalent experience,
• Other
  • US Citizenship Required
  • Ability to obtain US Secret Clearance, if required
  • Ability to support systems handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

Travel

• Travel is estimated at 10%
• Occasional travel to customer sites within the United States and to KSAT’s Headquarters in Norway