Satellite Mission Operations Team Lead

Job Summary

The Satellite Mission Operations Team Lead will report to Chief Technology Officer. This position will support the LizzieSat® Mission Control Center (MCC). The Satellite Mission Operations Team Lead is responsible for coordinating & overseeing all activities in the Mission Control Center during a given shift. 

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring continuous monitoring and tasking of the satellite bus and payload. This includes scheduling and initiating communications between the satellite and Ground Station (GS) during line-of-sight passes, downlink of satellite bus & payload telemetry and payload data, uplink data files and command plans to the satellite, as well as monitoring the satellite bus & payload state of health (SOH) and completion of scheduled tasks. The Satellite Mission Operations Team Lead will oversee all console positions within the MCC during a given shift, e.g. Satellite Controller, Orbit Analyst, Mission Planner, Satellite Bus Engineer, & Satellite Payload Engineer. He/she/they should have a strong understanding of all roles listed above.

The Satellite Mission Operations Team Lead will be an integral part of the rapidly expanding LizzieSat® Mission Operations team. He/she/they will often interact with non-console positions within the Mission Operations department, as well as members of the Engineering & Design team. This position is a rotating shift and will regularly require night and weekend support. Additional shifts outside of the regular schedule may also be required in support of real-time special events such as new satellite launches or pre-flight tests.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee & Coordinate all satellite command & control activities, including:
  1. Schedule & Initiate communications between satellite and ground station
  2. Send commands to satellite as needed
  3. Downlink stored telemetry and payload data, and uplink data as needed
  4. Assess satellite bus & payload State of Health and take corrective actions as needed
  5. Generate & Update satellite Two-Line Element sets (TLE)
  6. Predict & Select opportunities for ground-communications passes and payload activities
  7. Monitor trends in satellite SOH
• Establish program control processes to ensure mitigation of risk.
• Interact with company leaders and build a lasting professional network through engaging activities and social events. 
• Support during all mission phases. (e.g., launch and commissioning, nominal & off-nominal operations, end of mission activities)
• Maintenance and evolution of the Satellite Ground System
• As an early member of this team, will be expected to rapidly learn the existing ground system & satellites, and begin working with very little training.
• As an early member of this team, will be expected at a future date to train new team members.
• Other duties as assigned** 

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Science, or another relevant field preferred. Experience in lieu of education may be considered.

• Ten (10 ) years’ experience in…
  • Experience with 24 x 7  real-time Satellite Operations
  • Experience with Satellite Command & Control Software
  • Experience coordinating a group of people performing different tasks on the same project
• Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and Microsoft Teams.
• Proficiency with cloud-based applications and usage for high rate, robust, secure data transfer

• Competence to apply their knowledge to develop solutions for technical problems
• Highly motivated to learn
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to define, implement, validate, and implement satellite command & control procedures 

• Ability to analyze problems and strategize for best solutions
• Ability to work both independently and with a team. 
• Ability to multi-task efficiently; working on multiple activities, multiple subsystems, and multiple missions simultaneously
• Experience working with configuration managed products and documents

• Experience with DevSecOps, Git, Jira, and Confluence.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Experience with InControl software
• Experience with Systems Tool Kit (STK) software and/or Orbit Determination Tool Kit (ODTK) software
• Experience with automated satellite operations
• Experience operating large constellations of satellites

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods standing and/or walking on hard surfaces.
• Ability to regular lift and/or move up to 30 pounds 

Travel Requirements

• Travel required: <10% (or as needed to support key events)

Shift/Schedule
 

This position supports 24/7 mission operations and may require 12-hour shifts.

Drug-Free Workplace

Sidus Space is a Drug-Free Workplace where post-offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria are met as outlined in our policies

Total Rewards and Perks

At Sidus Space, we ask a lot of our team members, which is why we give so much in return. In addition to a competitive salary, a Best-in-Class benefit program with a generous employer paid portion as well as a matching 401(k) on Day ONE, we offer a lot of perks, including:

•  Jeans every day
• Regular onsite food trucks
• 5 free company t-shirts for Manufacturing Staff or credit to the Company Store
• Paid Time Off - Up to 4 weeks of vacation, 5 sick days, and 11 paid holidays – 5 of which can be floated
• Adjustable stand-up desks
• Employee referral bonus program
• Educational assistance and professional training opportunities
• Company golf outings and other social events

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• All candidates selected will be subject to background investigation and drug screen.
• Export Control Requirement under U.S. Government International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S Person (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. 
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

SIDUS SPACE is an Equal Opportunity Employer fostering a respectful work culture that values all contributors. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information on “EEO Is the Law,” please visit https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Sidus Space’ Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at people@sidusspace.com