Mission Operations & Automation Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Description

As an Mission Operations & Automation Engineer, you will be in mission control for satellite operations, and ultimately responsible for the collection of all of the critical telemetry that we need to verify mission success. This is an opportunity for impactful problem-solving in real-time while making data-driven decisions that impact the space environment, the US government, and Turion Space. While not in mission control, you will have the opportunity to build the operational foundation that we require, including authoring procedures, writing and testing automation, and performing mission planning for all of the ground communications infrastructure supporting our DROID spacecraft and future spacecraft. You will be in direct control of the ground systems throughout the mission, starting with ground integration through launch and on-orbit operations. You will work with subsystem responsible engineers, software engineers, and electrical design engineers to understand and evaluate how the ground segment assets should be operated and execute that vision. As a cross-disciplinary expert, you will ensure that the software and automation running the full system is safe and reliable. This will require you to update software that not only alerts you to issues but also safely recovers the system autonomously from myriad anomalies, ensuring continued mission success. You will help develop and refine the toolchains needed to make daily operations more accessible. Through a process of continuous improvement and automated data review, you will automate the operations of the system to the point of minimal operator intervention.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform real-time ground segment operations according to timeline, procedures, and flight rules
• Support DROID operations as a member of the flight systems team
• Interface with external partners (private and government) to schedule/test/operate ground-to-space and ground-to-ground communication systems
• Own procedures, process improvements, configuration files, and scripting necessary for mission success
• Drive and support automation improvements for flawless execution of simultaneous missions and an increasing manifest with a small team of operators
• Work closely with hardware and software teams to ensure operational cadence and ease of use requirements are considered in their design
• Coordinate worldwide telemetry services for on-orbit activities
• Coordinate operator and asset schedules

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline
• Strong programming skills
• 1+ years of operations experience with spacecraft, ground stations, or other complex communication systems
• 1+ years of project or industry experience with RF, controls, flight software, spacecraft, and/or communications systems
• Must be willing to support extended hours and weekends when necessary to support critical project timelines

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience working with government organizations (USAF, NASA, FAA, FCC, NTIA, etc.)
• Experience/familiarity with front end and backend web development
• Experience working with and organizing technical data with strong attention to detail
• Experience developing link budgets and other engineering calculations related to system specification and design
• LEO, MEO, and/or lunar orbit ground station operations and engineering experience
• Manipulation and use of tracking and orbit determination files, formats, and tools
• Experience working on technical teams in a rapidly changing, highly demanding environment
• Solid fundamental knowledge of networks, electronics, math, engineering, and physics
• Creative approach to problem-solving, engineering, and design with exceptional analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Experience with Python
• Experience with Ruby
• Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
• Familiarity with Linux-based operating systems
• Experience with automating complex systems

ITAR Requirements: 

• This position may include access to technology and/or software source code that is subject to U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158,  or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. 

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement Plans: Access to a 401(k) plan.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, personal days, and holidays to ensure you have time to recharge.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, workshops, and courses to advance your skills and career growth.
• Team Building Activities: Regular social events, team outings, and company-sponsored activities to foster a positive work environment.
• Diverse and Inclusive Culture: A commitment to diversity and inclusion, with initiatives to support a welcoming and equitable work environment.

Turion Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Turion Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. Applicants wishing to view a copy of Turion’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department.