Mission Operations Engineer II

Firefly Aerospace

Mission Operations Engineer II overseeing lunar landing operations for Firefly Aerospace. Responsible for managing operational frameworks and leading real-time mission execution.

Posted 7/21/2026full-timeCedar Park • Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in spacecraft operations and systems engineering, with a strong focus on authoring flight procedures, mission-sequencing scripts, and automating ground system tasks using Python. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex operational scenarios in high-pressure environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Spacecraft OperationsFlight Procedure AuthoringPython AutomationConfiguration ManagementSubject Matter Expertise

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Flight Procedure AuthoringMission-Sequencing ScriptsPython ProgrammingTelemetry Display DevelopmentGround Segment Tools DesignConfiguration ManagementAnomaly ResponseEnd-to-End Operational ProductsGround Readiness TestsData Pipeline Integration

Soft Skills

Clear CommunicationConsensus BuildingMentoringStructured TroubleshootingTechnical Leadership

Tools & Technologies

Ground Segment ToolsFlight SoftwareHardware-in-the-Loop TestbedsData PipelinesSimulation Software

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. Government Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

Spacecraft OperationsGround SegmentMission SimulationsLEOGEODeep SpaceCUIOperationally Complex SpacecraftFlight DynamicsMission Requirements

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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
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
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
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

What you’ll need

3 to 7 years in spacecraft operations, flight/ground software, or systems engineering
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
Proficient in Python for automating ground system tasks, mission-data processing, and development of spacecraft command sequences
Familiar with configuration management of scripts
Structured, disciplined approach to troubleshooting; ability to drive consensus across engineering teams and communicate technical status clearly to mission leadership during time-critical events
Bachelor's 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)

Benefits

Comp & perks

generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles
parental leave
educational reimbursement
short term disability
flexible PTO options