Senior Satellite Operations Engineer

Own the Spacecraft. Own the Mission. Own the Outcome.

Xplore is a highly differentiated, venture-backed commercial space company. We design, build, and operate satellites and sensors that collect high-fidelity Earth observation data, enabling insights that support social, economic, environmental, and security outcomes across the globe.

Every image we collect is trillions of spectral data points - revealing the physical and chemical state of Earth in ways conventional imaging cannot. Our multi-sensor satellite captures and combines multi-modal remote sensing data with edge computing and high-throughput communications capabilities to generate spatial insights for our customers around the world. 

We are building the operational backbone of a scalable space infrastructure company.

This role is not a shift-based satellite monitoring, this is ownership of mission-critical spacecraft from launch through full constellation scale.

If you want to help operate next generation small satellites in orbit — and design the systems that make it software-defined, autonomous, resilient, and scalable — this role is for you.

The Mission

We are hiring a Senior Satellite Operations Engineer to serve as a technical authority for Xplore’s on-orbit fleet.

You will lead spacecraft operations across the full lifecycle:

• Launch and Early Orbit Operations (LEOP)
• Commissioning and calibration
• Routine mission execution
• Anomaly response and recovery
• Automation and autonomy development
• Constellation scaling

You will improve current processes and architect them to be technically superb and operationally efficient.

What You Will Own

Mission Architecture & CONOPS

• Define and evolve mission concepts of operation across multiple mission profiles
• Architect operational frameworks from LEOP through decommissioning
• Design scalable reference missions for multi-sensor spacecraft

Launch & Commissioning Leadership

• Lead spacecraft operations from launch to deorbit
• Develop and validate commissioning sequences
• Execute payload checkout, calibration, and performance verification

On-Orbit Technical Authority

• Lead anomaly detection, root cause analysis, and recovery planning
• Make real-time mission-critical decisions
• Own spacecraft health monitoring and operational performance
• Execute and validate on-orbit software updates

Autonomy & Scalability

• Design automation-first operations to support constellation growth
• Build fault management and autonomy frameworks
• Develop FlatSat and simulation-based validation pipelines
• Reduce operator burden through intelligent systems

Ground & System Integration

• Define mission operations and ground segment requirements
• Architect command and control interfaces
• Integrate and optimize commercial ground networks
• Validate RF compatibility and remote interfaces

Your decisions will directly influence spacecraft reliability, scalability, and company value.

Why This Role Is Different

• You will architect, improve and automate operations
• You will operate advanced multi-sensor spacecraft with edge compute capabilities
• You will shape both spacecraft design and ground infrastructure
• You will work in a high-agency environment where technical judgment drives outcomes
• Your impact will be visible in orbit.

This is a builder's role.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
• B.S. in Aerospace, Electrical, Systems, Software, or related engineering discipline
• 3–5+ years hands-on satellite operations or spacecraft systems experience
• Real-time command and control experience in LEO
• Demonstrated leadership of anomaly investigation and recovery efforts
• Strong programming ability (Python required; C/C++ or Rust preferred)
• Fluency in Linux-based operational environments
• Experience developing procedures, documentation, and operator training

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
• Ability to work on an “on-call” basis on a weeklong rotational schedule

Preferred Experience

• Deep expertise in spacecraft subsystems and payload operations, including Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS) and guidance, navigation, and co