Space Systems Engineer, Space Operations

Description

The company designs, builds and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in existence, and sells the data it produces through a cloud-based platform to customers in commercial, environmental and humanitarian work.

The company controls hardware, manufacturing, data processing and software itself, so teams combine expertise from many fields.

Customers use the data to build new technologies, grow revenue, support research and address large global problems.

The company is distributed, with remote staff and offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia and The Netherlands.

The Space Operations team keeps the health and output of the largest Earth Observation satellite fleet in good shape. The team works across North America and Berlin and relies heavily on automation because of the fleet's size. You will write and maintain software that turns large datasets into usable metrics.

You will work closely with hardware and software engineers to resolve anomalies, improve services and feed operational findings into the design of next-generation satellites.

The company is looking for a self-starter who thinks in data, communicates clearly, works well in a technical team and adjusts quickly when priorities shift.

Responsibilities

• Run daily fleet checks and take part in on-call shifts.
• Test and deploy flight software upgrades, investigate satellite anomalies and carry out on-orbit experiments, both on the ground and in orbit.
• Build and maintain real-time, mission-critical software for satellite operations.
• Write scripts that gather satellite data and produce system monitoring metrics.
• Analyze data to find problems and inefficiencies across the full service stack, then propose fixes.
• Write and keep up operational procedures.
• Improve fleet capacity and output through process changes.
• Give launch, manufacturing and spacecraft engineering teams feedback based on on-orbit performance, technical demonstrations and forecasts.
• Help define operating strategies for the next generation of spacecraft.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of relevant work experience.
• A bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science or an equivalent field.
• Software development experience, ideally in Python or a similar language.
• Understanding of the space environment and the difficulties it creates.
• A data-driven approach, with experience in statistical analysis.
• A proactive attitude toward engineering and problem-solving.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate within a technical team.
• Hands-on experience operating spacecraft or remote systems would set you apart.
• Experience with spacecraft propulsion and guidance, navigation and control systems would set you apart.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop test setups would set you apart.
• Experience with Agile development would set you apart.
• Experience with DevOps tools and practices such as Git, GitLab, Docker, Jenkins, Bash, Linux, CI/CD, Sentry or Datadog would set you apart.
• Practical data analysis experience applied to problem-solving would set you apart.
• Familiarity with automation and optimization tools would set you apart.
• Contributions to open-source projects would set you apart.
• This role requires access to export-controlled information. Employment, or hiring as a contractor, depends on your ability to access all applicable export-controlled information without an additional export license from the Bureau of Industry and Security or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.

Conditions

Full-time, hybrid role requiring work from the San Francisco office 3 days per week.

US base salary range for San Francisco is $114,200 to $142,700 USD at the start of employment.

The role may also be eligible for discretionary short-term and long-term incentives, including bonus and equity.

The final salary depends on job-related experience, skills and location. The range shown is the typical starting range for US hires only, and your recruiter can share the range for your preferred location.

Under the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the company will consider applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the posting may close early once enough suitable applications arrive. The posted deadline is 11:45 PM PT (23:45) on the date listed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans.
• Health Savings Account with a company contribution.
• Generous paid time off, plus holidays and company-wide days off.
• 16 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Wellness program and Employee Assistance Program.
• Home office reimbursement.
• Monthly phone and internet reimbursement.
• Tuition reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning.
• Equity.
• Commuter benefits for those near an office.
• Paid volunteering time off.
• Benefits depend on employment type and location, as set by applicable law or company policy.