Mission Operations Engineer II at Firefly Aerospace in TX

Job description

• Join the team that just landed on the Moon. Firefly Aerospace is seeking a Mission Operations Engineer II. 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 Segment Domain
• Derive and maintain operational requirements for assigned ground segment capabilities, authoring sections of ICDs and mission specifications.
• Lead the integration and validation of specific ground segment tools, data pipelines, and remote interfaces, delivering requirement closure verification data.
• Plan and execute Ground Readiness Tests and end-to-end mission scenarios for assigned subsystems or capabilities.
• Coordinate tasking with contributing organizations (ground service providers, IT, cyber, flight dynamics, ground software) for assigned capabilities, and maintain configuration control of assigned ground segment elements.
• Flight Operations Products Domain
• Write flight ConOps documents compliant with mission requirements, identifying mission-specific challenges early in the development cycle.
• Own the operational framework for one or more spacecraft subsystems (e.g., GNC, Thermal), authoring mission-critical procedures and automation scripts and managing their test, validation, and configuration control.
• Lead test procedure, script, and utilities development for assigned subsystems, including the disposition of flight rules and tracking of hazardous commands.
• Coordinate development of on-board command sequences and FDIR for assigned subsystems with systems engineering and flight software teams, ensuring sequences meet system requirements.
• Lead cross-functional Working Groups, driving technical discussions with subsystem designers to mature procedures across commissioning, routine operations, maneuvers, and contingency scenarios.
• Simulations and Training Domain
• Design scenario-focused “Day-in-the-Life” (DITL) simulations — including anomaly scenarios derived from FMEA and mission objectives — to stress-test procedures, long-term operational behaviors, and fault responses ahead of critical mission events.
• Serve as Simulation Supervisor, coordinating scheduling, system configuration, execution, hotwash, and recovery for assigned simulations.
• Coordinate software and hardware stakeholders supporting mission simulations (flight software, GNC, hardware-in-the-loop testbeds).
• Mentor junior engineers during team training, ensuring flight controllers are proficient in nominal and anomaly response for your assigned subsystem.
• Mission Execution Console Operations
• Staff critical console roles during commissioning, maneuvers, high-pressure anomalies, and long-duration shifts and rehearsals.
• Lead real-time operations for assigned subsystems, providing clear technical status to mission leadership.

Requirements

• Experience: 3 to 7 years in spacecraft operations, flight/ground software, or systems engineering.
• Technical 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 Experience: Proficient in Python for automating ground system tasks, mission-data processing, and development of spacecraft command sequences. Familiar with configuration management of scripts.
• Soft Skills: Structured, disciplined approach to troubleshooting; ability to drive consensus across engineering teams and communicate technical status clearly to mission leadership during time-critical events.
• Bachelors degree in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline
• Experience with long-duration, high-heritage, or operationally complex spacecraft (e.g., ISS, LEO, GEO).
• Prior experience designing ground segment tools or architecting end-to-end operational products.
• Experience working in CUI or secure mission environments and supporting government customers.
• Active or previously held U.S. Government security clearance (Secret or higher).

Skills

Required

• Python
• Configuration management of scripts
• Authoring flight procedures
• Telemetry displays
• Mission-sequencing scripts
• Structured troubleshooting
• Clear technical communication

Preferred

• Designing ground segment tools

Benefits

• 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.