Spacecraft Mission Operations Engineer II, 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 II 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

• Contribute to the technical foundation of the mission, including the derivation of requirements and the authoring of sections within Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Lead the integration of specific ground segment tools and remote interfaces, ensuring they are validated and flight-ready.
• Execute rigorous system validation campaigns, creating Ground Readiness Test plans and leading end-to-end mission simulations for specific subsystems.

Flight Operations Products

• Build the operational framework for specific subsystems (e.g., GNC, Thermal) by authoring mission-critical procedures and complex automation scripts.
• Lead specific cross-functional Working Groups, driving technical discussions with subsystem designers to refine procedures for all flight phases.
• Define capabilities and develop internal tools to enable workflows.

Simulations and Training

• Design specific "Day-in-the-Life" (DITL) simulation scenarios to stress-test procedures and prepare the team for lunar maneuvers.
• Collaborate with simulator engineers to ensure high-fidelity integration of ground simulators into the operations environment.
• Mentor junior engineers during team training, ensuring flight controllers are proficient in anomaly response for your assigned subsystem.

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

• Experience: 2+ years in spacecraft operations, flight/ground software, or systems engineering.
• Experience: 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.
• Software: Proficient in Python for automating ground system tasks, mission-data processing, and tool development.
• Soft Skills: A structured and disciplined approach to troubleshooting; ability to drive consensus across engineering teams and communicate technical status clearly to mission leadership during time-critical events.

Desired

• Experience with ISS operations or high-heritage space systems.
• Prior experience designing ground segment tools or architecting end-to-end operational products.

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.