Firefly Aerospace · 20 hours ago
Spacecraft Mission Operations Engineer II, Elytra
Cedar Park, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
2+ years expFirefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables our world to launch, land, and operate in space. They are seeking a Mission Operations Engineer II to support the Elytra orbital vehicle program, focusing on spacecraft operations and the development of operational frameworks for long-duration missions.
AerospaceAir TransportationSatellite Communication
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Derive and maintain operational requirements for Elytra missions and author portions of Interface Control Documents (ICDs)
Lead integration and validation of specific ground segment tools, data pipelines, and remote interfaces required for sustained orbital operations
Plan and execute Ground Readiness Tests (GRTs) and end-to-end mission simulations for assigned subsystems or mission capabilities
Own the operational framework for one or more spacecraft subsystems, authoring mission-critical procedures and automation scripts
Lead cross-functional Working Groups with subsystem engineers to mature procedures across commissioning, routine operations, maneuvers, and contingency scenarios
Define operational capabilities and develop internal tools to improve efficiency, reliability, and situational awareness for long-duration missions
Design subsystem-focused "Day-in-the-Life" (DITL) simulation scenarios that stress long-term operational behaviors and fault responses
Collaborate with simulator and flight software teams to ensure realistic and operationally relevant simulation fidelity
Mentor junior engineers and help ensure operator readiness for nominal and off-nominal scenarios
Staff critical console roles during commissioning, maneuvers, and anomaly resolution events
Lead real-time operations for assigned subsystems, providing clear technical status to mission leadership
Qualification
Required
Experience: 2+ years in spacecraft operations, systems engineering, or flight/ground software
Mission Experience: On-console support for at least one live mission (LEO, GEO, or deep space)
Technical: Demonstrated ability to author flight procedures, telemetry displays, and automation scripts. Subject Matter Expertise (SME) in at least one spacecraft subsystem. Experience working in CUI environments and supporting government customers
Software: Proficient in Python for automation, data processing, and tool development
Soft Skills: Disciplined troubleshooting approach; ability to drive alignment across engineering teams and communicate clearly during time-critical operations
Preferred
Experience supporting long-duration or operationally complex spacecraft
Prior involvement in ground system tool development or mission operations architecture
Active or previously held U.S. Government security clearance (Secret or higher)
Exposure to secure mission operations or DoD/NASA government programs
Benefits
Generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles
Parental leave
Educational reimbursement
Short term disability
Flexible PTO options
Company
Firefly Aerospace
Firefly Aerospace is a space company that develops and operates launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles for commercial mission.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$796.56MKey Investors
Northrop GrummanRPM VenturesAE Industrial Partners
2025-08-07IPO
2025-05-29Corporate Round· $50M
2024-11-12Series D· $175M
Leadership Team
Jason Kim
Chief Executive Officer
Eric Salwan
Co-Founder
Recent News
2026-01-19
Company data provided by crunchbase