At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low-Earth orbit in 2026. It is part of our stepping stone approach to continuous human presence in LEO. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.

Vast is looking for a(n) Mission Operations Engineer, reporting to the Senior Manager of Crew Operations & Training, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

You will be responsible for planning and successfully implementing technical training for our spacecraft missions. In this role, you will work cross-functionally with engineers from other disciplines, from the early stages of spacecraft design through on-orbit operations and decommissioning. The Mission Operations Engineer, functionally aligned with the Crew Operations & Training team, is responsible for preparing the mission operations team and crew members for mission readiness. This includes authoring training products; planning and executing classroom, mockup, and simulation-based training events; ensuring training programs run efficiently; and certifying the integrity and intent of formal training programs in support of the future of commercial human spaceflight.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities:

Develop and deliver training programs and associated products/materials using a variety of delivery platforms, and conduct training to enable certification of console operators and crew members.
Implement and iterate improvements to processes & systems with a focus on advancing Vast’s Mission Operations and Training approaches while maintaining Vast’s commitment to excellence.
Identify areas for improvement of the training systems, Mission Systems, Mission Operations Software, and other ground system architecture features and processes, and collaborate with the Mission Systems Engineering & Ground Software
Engineering teams to test, deploy, and maintain them.
Work closely with Mission Management to ensure customer requirements are translated to a Concept of Operations that balances all needs.
Work with engineers across disciplines to support the development of spacecraft operations training programs and crew operations procedures with intimate knowledge of ground procedures, flight rules, products & processes, culminating in the safe & successful operations of a newly launched spacecraft and crew.
Provide operational support as the operations expert in planning for and execution of pre-flight testing and checkouts to ensure training systems, spacecraft, and ground systems are ready for readiness campaigns and flight.
As directed, train for and operate Vast’s crewed and uncrewed missions for vehicle commissioning, on-orbit operations, anomaly resolution and final deorbit of the spacecraft.
As directed, perform routine analysis of vehicle telemetry and deliver informed summaries as well as recommendations to mission stakeholders as well as to other engineering disciplines for further review & analysis.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, software engineering, or other engineering discipline.
2+ years of experience in the operation of complex systems.
Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with other engineering disciplines.
Demonstrated ability to critically think in high stress environments and rapidly evolving situations.
Ability to disseminate critical engineering & technical information effectively and clearly.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Willing to support 24/7 operations during mission critical phases.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Experience in human spaceflight mission operations and/or training.
Experience in technical training development and execution/delivery
Master’s degree in a technical field.
1+ years working in a spacecraft design, build, and test environment.
Technical knowledge in spacecraft systems engineering (avionics, propulsion, attitude control, communications, orbital mechanics, life support systems, thermal and power control systems).
Strong technical writing and presentation development and delivery skills.
Technical knowledge in Space-to-Ground Communication Systems (RF, Ground Stations, Modems, Antenna Systems).
Experience building from scratch a system, process and team to perform complex operations and training for an aerospace system (launch vehicle, satellite, crew capsule).
Software Engineering Skills (C++, Golang, Javascript, React, Software Architecture, Databases, Cloud).
Matlab or Python/Octave Proficiency.
Proficient at using the command line and scripting languages.

Additional Requirements:

Ability to travel up to 20% of the time.
Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones.

Pay Range:

Mission Operations Engineer II: $100,000 - $142,100
Mission Operations Engineer III (Senior): $135,800 - $176,400

Pay Range: California

$100,000—$176,400 USD

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Mission Operations Engineer

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