Mission Operations Lead

Description

The Mission Operations Lead will oversee and manage all aspects of mission operations across a fleet of spacecraft, ensuring the successful execution of space missions from pre-launch through post-launch activities.

This role requires a strategic thinker with extensive experience in space mission operations, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to achieving mission objectives no matter the challenges faced.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the planning and execution of space missions, including mission design, operational procedures, and coordination with stakeholders.

Develop detailed mission plans and schedules.

• Build and lead a team of highly motivated spacecraft operators.
• Oversee daily mission operations, ensuring that all activities are executed according to mission objectives. Manage mission control activities and monitor mission progress.
• Establish a high degree of ownership and autonomy with regards to spacecraft operations.
• Coordinate with engineering, operations, and other teams to ensure spacecraft safety and execution of mission activities.

Provide leadership and guidance to mission operations teams.

• Identify and resolve operational issues and anomalies during missions. Implement corrective actions and ensure that all mission-critical systems are functioning properly.
• Prepare and maintain mission documentation, including operational procedures, status reports, and post-mission analyses.

Present mission results and recommendations to senior management.

• Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and safety protocols. Conduct risk assessments and implement safety measures to mitigate mission risks.
• Drive continuous improvement in mission operations processes and procedures. Identify opportunities for enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Support On-Call responsibilities.
• Develop Turion’s mission operator training program.
• Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed on rare occasions.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications :

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or science discipline or equivalent experience in the field.
• 3+ years of direct experience in mission operations, with a strong background in space mission planning and execution.
• Experience working with one or more mission control software solutions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to address operational issues and implement effective solutions in real-time.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to effectively interact with cross-functional teams and present mission information clearly.
• Proven leadership skills with experience managing cross-functional teams and coordinating complex operations.
• Strong attention to detail with regards to monitoring and controlling spacecraft operations.
• Ability to adapt and overcome challenges in a fast-paced environment with a desire to improve the status quo.
• Must be able to obtain a Secret and / or a TS / SCI clearance.
• Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed on rare occasions.

Preferred Qualifications :

• 5 to 7 years of experience in mission operations, with experience in complex space missions.
• Expertise in advanced mission operations techniques, including experience with satellite and space mission control.
• Relevant certifications in mission operations or space systems (e.g., Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP), Space Mission Operations Certification).
• Extensive experience in the aerospace or space technology sectors, particularly with complex and high-stakes missions.
• Demonstrated track record of innovation and continuous improvement in mission operations processes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a mission operations team.

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.

Turion Space was founded with the vision of propelling humanity toward an interplanetary future. To realize this vision, we are developing cutting-edge spacecraft focused on space transport, orbital debris removal, and Space Domain Awareness (SDA) to ensure ongoing value creation.

Our mission centers on advancing spacecraft for low-earth orbit (LEO) and enhancing SDA, which are essential for both current space operations and future interplanetary exploration.

By prioritizing high delta-V per dollar, we aim to maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness in space transportation. We successfully launched our DROID.

001 satellite in June 2023, with DROID.002 and DROID.003 scheduled for 2025.