Mission Operations Engineer

About the role

Apex manufactures scalable satellite buses to support the growing demand for commercial space infrastructure. You will manage the full lifecycle of our satellite operations, from initial mission planning and commissioning to real-time monitoring and anomaly resolution.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Create and verify mission plans and operational documentation for flight hardware.
• Manage the operational roadmap and processes for a specific satellite bus product line.
• Oversee spacecraft commissioning during the launch and early orbit phases.
• Perform real-time satellite monitoring, including fault detection, safing, and recovery procedures.
• Design and implement fault protection and automation strategies for ground and onboard systems.
• Evaluate telemetry data to track spacecraft performance and mission outcomes.
• Partner with engineering staff to troubleshoot anomalies and enhance system reliability.
• Establish standardized operational protocols across all spacecraft programs.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff members.

Requirements

• U.S. Person status is mandatory for access to export-controlled data.
• Bachelor degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on mission operations experience, specifically in commissioning, mission planning, and anomaly resolution.
• Programming proficiency in C++, Rust, or Python.
• Background in testing, integrating, and validating distributed or real-time systems.
• Deep technical knowledge of spacecraft subsystems such as avionics, communications, and propulsion.
• Experience with mission operations software and telemetry automation tools.
• Familiarity with satellite operations platforms like GMAT or STK.
• Ability to make high-stakes decisions and solve problems under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills for team collaboration and customer interactions.

Skills & tools

• Python, C++, Rust
• STK, GMAT
• Telemetry analysis and automation
• Spacecraft subsystems (avionics, propulsion, comms)

Practical notes

• Benefits include 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents, plus $100k in life insurance.
• Retirement plan features a 100% match on the first 3% and a 50% match on the next 2%.
• PTO starts at 15 days, increasing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays.
• Includes 8 weeks of paid parental leave and childcare reimbursement up to $350 per day for work-related travel.
• Daily catered lunches, office snacks, and regular community events provided.