Operations Engineer, Ground Segment (Avionics)

OPERATIONS ENGINEER, GROUND SEGMENT (AVIONICS)

The SpaceX Ground Segment team is responsible for facilitating spacecraft downlink and uplink for a diverse spacecraft vehicle fleet. We design, deploy, operate, and maintain our worldwide network of communications antennas, optical tracking systems, launch pad RF infrastructure as well as Starlink telemetry, tracking, and control antennas. We perform real-time operations in mission control for Falcon and Dragon missions, while also facilitating NASA flight operations interfaces and network integration, as well as mission control video and communications readiness testing.

As an Operations Engineer, you will be in mission control for launches and ultimately responsible for the collection of critical telemetry required to verify orbital parameters, monitor payloads, and evaluate mission success. This is an opportunity for impactful problem-solving in real time while making data-driven decisions key member of the launch operations community. You will be in direct control of the ground systems throughout the mission, starting with ground integration through launch and on-orbit operations. You will work with subsystem responsible engineers, software engineers, and electrical design engineers to understand and evaluate how the ground segment assets should be operated and then execute that vision. While not in the control room, you will contribute to the team’s operational foundation: writing and testing automation, authoring procedures, and mission planning for the ground communications infrastructure supporting Falcon and Dragon missions. Working as a cross-disciplinary expert, you will ensure that the software and automation running the full system is safe and reliable.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform real-time ground segment operations according to timeline, procedures and flight rules
• Support Falcon, and Dragon operations as a member of the flight control team
• Drive and support automation improvements for flawless execution of simultaneous missions and an increasing manifest with a small team of operators
• Work closely with hardware and software teams to ensure operational cadence and ease of use requirements are considered in their design
• Interface with external partners (private and government) to schedule/test/operate ground-to-space and ground-to-ground communication systems
• Own procedures, process improvements, configuration files, and scripting necessary for mission success

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, IT/network operations/security, or science discipline
• 1+ years of operations experience with spacecraft, ground stations, IT/networks, or other communication systems
• 1+ years of project or industry experience with RF, controls, spacecraft, IT/networks, and/or communications systems

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working with and interpreting technical data with strong attention to detail
• LEO, MEO, and/or lunar orbit ground station operations and engineering experience
• Manipulation and use of tracking and orbit determination files, formats, and tools
• Experience working on technical teams in a rapidly changing, highly demanding environment
• Experience developing link budgets and other engineering calculations related to system specification and design
• Experience building tools and evaluating data in Python
• Familiarity with Linux based operating systems
• Experience with automating complex systems
• Solid fundamental knowledge of networks, electronics, math, engineering, and physics
• Creative approach to problem solving, engineering, and design with exceptional analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
• Experience working with government organizations (USAF, NASA, FAA, FCC, NTIA, etc.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
• Must be willing to travel as required to domestic and international ground station sites
• Must be willing to support extended hours and weekends when necessary to support launch and critical project timelines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    

Pay Range:    
Operations Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00/per year    
Operations Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year    
    
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.