Senior Mission Operations Manager

Senior Mission Operations ManagerDenver, CO | Full Time | Senior LevelThe MissionSpace is the infrastructure layer for humanity's next industrial revolution. While reusable rockets have opened the door, true economic transformation requires orbital logistics that are as accessible and reliable as commercial aviation. At Lux Aeterna, we're building that future by developing the first fully reusable satellite platform built for reliable reentry, recovery, and rapid redeployment, transforming space from a one-way street into a two-way highway for innovation and commerce.The OpportunityWe are seeking an exceptional Senior Mission Operations Manager to take end-to-end ownership of Lux Aeterna's Delphi-1 spacecraft, running it on orbit and bringing it home. This role spans mission operations leadership through commissioning, on-orbit, deorbit, reentry, and recovery.You will be the Mission Operations Lead: building the concept of operations, standing up the mission ops team, training the console, running rehearsals, and ultimately commanding the vehicle in flight. This role will then transition into the responsible party for developing how Lux Aeterna manages fleet flight operations, from team building, process development, all the way through realization for a fleet-based satellite operating model.This is the seat for someone who wants real ownership early and who wants to grow into the person responsible for our missions in flight.This is a unique opportunity to:Own a full reusable-spacecraft mission mission operations on-orbit, reentry, recovery, and refurbishment hand-offBuild Lux Aeterna's mission operations function from zero: CONOPs, procedures, flight rules, and the team that flies the vehicleServe as Mission Manager / Flight Director on console for first-of-kind reusable-satellite flightsWork directly with the founders and technical leadership to shape how Lux Aeterna executes and flies missionsGrow into the mission operations leader for the Delphi platform and follow-on programsWhy Lux Aeterna?Pioneering Technology: We're developing the first reusable satellite platform with controlled return capability, fundamentally transforming space from a one-way journey to a two-way highwayReal Impact: Your work will enable new industries in space manufacturing, research, and logistics while pioneering sustainable space infrastructureSpeed & Autonomy: We maintain parallel hardware development streams and empower engineers to innovate rapidly while upholding rigorous aerospace standardsWorld-Class Team: Work alongside experts from leading aerospace companies and research institutions, building technology that will reshape humanity's access to spaceThe RoleYou are the single accountable owner for whether the mission flies, executes, and comes home as planned. You start in the program manager seat and transition into Mission Manager / Flight Director as the vehicle approaches launch.Author the Concept of Operations, console procedures, flight rules, anomaly playbooks, and mission timeline — partnering with GNC, FSW, GSW, and AvionicsStand up the Mission Operations Center, lead rehearsals, and drive the Flight Readiness and Mission Readiness ReviewsHire, train, and certify the mission operations team (internal or external): console operators, flight directors, payload operators. Define the on-call rotation that supports flightServe as Mission Manager / Flight Director from pre-launch through on-orbit and own the call to proceed, hold, or abort, and run real-time coordination with KSAT, SpaceX, the range, customers, and recovery partnersLead the post-flight debrief; feed lessons learned into Delphi block upgrades and follow-on missionsRequired QualificationsBS in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or equivalent technical field (or equivalent practical experience)7+ years in aerospace or other high-stakes hardware programs, with a mix of program/project management and operations experienceDirect experience in a mission operations, flight test, or launch environment including console time, procedure authorship, or flight-director-style real-time decision making in aerospace programs.Strong technical fluency. Comfortable reading ICDs, requirements, and engineering analyses, and pushing back when the plan and the physics disagreeTrack record of running cross-functional teams without formal authority and getting senior engineers to commit and deliverExcellent written communication: procedures, flight rules, status, and exec-level reporting that people actually trustHigh composure under pressure and sound judgment with incomplete informationComfort with ambiguity and bias toward action over analysis paralysisAbility to operate effectively in fast build-test-iterate environments with high ownership and minimal supervisionDesired ExperiencePrior tour as a Flight Director, Mission Manager, Mission Director, or Lead Mission Operator on an orbital or reentry programExperience standing up a mission ops organization from zero: hiring, training, certifying operators, building the MOCFamiliarity with reentry, recovery, or asset-return operations (capsule, glider, booster, or experimental vehicle)Working knowledge of FAA Part 450, range safety, and human-spaceflight-adjacent safety standards (SSCMAN 91-710, AFSPCMAN, NASA STD)Hands-on with ground-segment / MCC tooling like commanding, telemetry, mission planning, pass scheduling including KSAT or equivalent ground-network experienceFamiliarity with CCSDS, telemetry decom, and ground-segment integrationEarly-stage startup or new-program experience, especially in hardware or deep-tech companiesComfort building lightweight systems and processes that scale, without over-engineering themMilitary aviation, test, or operations background welcome in place of or alongside an engineering degreeLocation & WorkWe are based in Denver, CO and believe in the power of in-person collaboration. We are onsite 5 days/week by default, but flexible when life requires it. This role will include travel to vendor sites, partner facilities, the launch site, and the recovery zone in the run-up to and during flight.Certain roles may involve access to export-controlled technical data. To comply with U.S. export-control laws, access may be limited to individuals who qualify as a "U.S. person" under 22 C.F.R. §120.62 or who otherwise may lawfully receive such access.Compensation & BenefitsThe anticipated base salary range for this position is $135k-$225k per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, skills, and job-related responsibilities.This position is also eligible for equity compensation, as applicable.Lux Aeterna offers a benefits package of medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off and company holidays; and a 401(k) retirement plan. How and When to Apply Please apply at Application Deadline: September 16, 2026