Mission Operations Engineer I

Firefly Aerospace

. Derive and maintain operational requirements for assigned ground segment capabilities; author sections of ICDs and mission specifications .

Posted 10/12/2026full-timeCedar Park • Texas • United StatesJuniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in spacecraft operations and ground segment capabilities, with a strong focus on authoring flight procedures, mission specifications, and automation scripts. Proficient in Python for task automation and experienced in leading cross-functional teams during mission-critical operations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Spacecraft OperationsPython ProgrammingFlight Procedure AuthoringConfiguration ManagementSubject Matter Expertise

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Flight Procedure AuthoringTelemetry Display DevelopmentMission-Sequencing Script DevelopmentAutomation Script DevelopmentGround Readiness TestingData Pipeline IntegrationAnomaly Scenario DesignCommand Sequence CoordinationHazardous-Command TrackingFMEA Analysis

Soft Skills

Structured CommunicationConsensus BuildingMentoringTeam CoordinationTechnical Status Reporting

Tools & Technologies

Ground Segment ToolsFlight SoftwareGNC SystemsHardware-in-the-Loop SystemsSimulation Software

Industry Keywords

Aerospace EngineeringSpacecraft OperationsITAR ComplianceLive Mission SupportGround Segment Capabilities

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Derive and maintain operational requirements for assigned ground segment capabilities; author sections of ICDs and mission specifications
Lead integration and validation of ground segment tools, data pipelines, and remote interfaces
Plan and execute Ground Readiness Tests and end-to-end mission scenarios
Coordinate tasking with ground service providers, IT, cyber, flight dynamics, and ground software organizations
Maintain configuration control of assigned ground segment elements
Write flight ConOps documents compliant with mission requirements
Own spacecraft subsystem operational frameworks, including mission-critical procedures and automation scripts
Lead test procedure, script, and utility development, including flight-rule disposition and hazardous-command tracking
Coordinate onboard command sequences and FDIR development with systems engineering and flight software teams
Lead cross-functional working groups across commissioning, routine operations, maneuvers, and contingency scenarios
Design Day-in-the-Life simulations and anomaly scenarios derived from FMEA and mission objectives
Serve as Simulation Supervisor, coordinating scheduling, configuration, execution, hotwash, and recovery
Coordinate flight software, GNC, and hardware-in-the-loop stakeholders supporting simulations
Mentor junior engineers and train flight controllers in nominal and anomaly response
Staff critical console roles during commissioning, maneuvers, anomalies, long-duration shifts, and rehearsals
Lead real-time operations for assigned subsystems and provide technical status to mission leadership

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline
1 year in spacecraft operations, flight/ground software, or systems engineering
Proven experience supporting at least one "Live" mission on-console (LEO, GEO, or Deep Space)
Demonstrated ability to author flight procedures, telemetry displays, and mission-sequencing scripts
Subject Matter Expertise (SME) in at least one subsystem for ground or space segment
Proficient in Python for automating ground system tasks, mission-data processing, and development of spacecraft command sequences
Familiar with configuration management of scripts
Structured, able to drive consensus across engineering teams, and able to communicate technical status clearly to mission leadership during time-critical events
U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State for ITAR compliance

Benefits

Comp & perks

Generous health plans
Dental plans
Vision plans with low plan deductibles
Parental leave
Educational reimbursement
Short term disability
Flexible PTO options