Spacecraft Mission Operations Engineer I, Blue Ghost

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the only commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the only company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

SUMMARY

Join the team that just landed on the Moon. Firefly Aerospace is seeking a Mission Operations Engineer I for the Blue Ghost program. Following the historic success of Mission 1, we are scaling our operations for complex, multi-manifested missions to locations like the Lunar Far Side and South Pole.

In this role, you aren’t just a flight controller; you are contributing to the entire operations ecosystem. You will own the operational framework of the lander ranging from architecting the Ground System to developing the Flight Operations Products (procedures, scripts, and processes) that make lunar landing possible. You will bridge the gap between spacecraft subsystem teams and real-time execution, leading the mission from the initial mission planning process through Mission Scenario Testing and Mission Simulations. If you want to own the mission from concept to console, this is your seat.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Ground System Management

• Support the technical foundation of the mission by assisting with Concept of Operations (ConOps) updates and reviewing Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Assist in the configuration and testing of ground segment infrastructure to ensure Mission Control Centers and data tools are properly set up for flight.
• Execute validation and verification test plans, performing Site Acceptance Testing and specific simulation steps to verify ground-to-space software compliance.

Flight Operations Products

• Develop and validate specific procedures, automation scripts, and flight workflows under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Participate in cross-functional Working Groups, capturing actions and implementing procedure updates for launch, transit, and landing phases.
• Support mission operations planning by validating telemetry displays and testing internal tools used for command workflows.
• Tailor software tools by writing and debugging scripts to meet specific mission requirements and fix operational bugs.

Simulations and Training

• Support "Day-in-the-Life" (DITL) simulations by acting as a console operator and setting up the simulation environment.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to test the integration of ground simulators into the operations environment.
• Contribute to team training activities, achieving team readiness for nominal execution and basic anomaly response roles.

Mission Execution & Long-Duration Operations

• Maintain the operational discipline and command authority required to staff critical console roles, where you will be expected to execute the mission plan, manage high-pressure anomalies, and lead the team through long-duration shifts and rehearsals.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Education: BS in Aerospace Engineering or a related technical field.
• Experience: 0 to 3 years of professional or high-level academic experience in aerospace.
• Technical: Foundational understanding of spacecraft subsystems (GNC, Power, Thermal) and mission operations concepts.
• Software: Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for data analysis and basic script maintenance.
• Soft Skills: Demonstrates a methodical approach to complex problem-solving, meticulous attention to detail in high-stakes environments, and a highly collaborative, feedback-driven mindset.

Desired

• Experience with university or industry level satellite missions.
• Exposure to Linux/Unix operations environments and spacecraft commanding software.
• Exposure to mission operations workflows, such as requirements verification, procedure maturation, or mission planning.

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a 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 the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on 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.