Astrolab

Mission Operations Engineer

12536 Chadron Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250

On-site · Full-time · $145k–$160k (as posted)

First seen by offpeak October 6, 2026

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Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity’s presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world-class team.

The Sr. Mission Operations Engineer will perform the development, integration, testing, and execution of mission operations concepts for crewed and uncrewed lunar rover programs supporting exploration, science, and technology demonstration objectives on the Lunar surface.

This role is responsible for defining operational architecture, developing mission procedures, coordinating with NASA and partner operation teams, leading simulation and training activities, supporting mission readiness, and executing real-time surface operations. The successful candidate will serve as a key interface between flight software, systems engineering, vehicle development, communications, science, and mission operations teams to ensure safe, efficient, and successful lunar surface missions.

The ideal candidate brings a strong systems-thinking mindset, experience in flight operations or aerospace systems, and the ability to operate in high-tempo, mission-critical environments.

What you'll do:

Lead development of a Mission Concept of Operations (ConOps)
Define operational strategies for lunar surface traverses, science activities, resource utilization missions, and contingency scenarios considering terrain, power availability, communications opportunities, thermal constraints, and mission objectives
Develop mission timelines, command plans, operational constraints, and decision support products
Establish operational requirements and provide operational input throughout vehicle design and development
Optimize rover utilization to maximize mission success and surface productivity
Develop surface exploration strategies for permanently shadowed regions, polar operations, and extended-duration missions
Serve in senior mission control positions during simulations and flight operations
Monitor health and performance using telemetry and engineering data
Coordinate anomaly response and recovery efforts during mission execution
Support mission decision-making and operational risk assessments
Lead mission execution reviews and daily operational planning cycles
Lead development and execution of mission simulations and operational exercises
Develop crew, operator, and flight controller training materials
Support mission readiness reviews, operational acceptance testing, and certification activities
Support verification and validation of mission operations capabilities

What you'll bring:

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) related field or 4 years of equivalent work experience
4 years of professional experience in aerospace mission operations, spacecraft operations, robotics operations, or a related technical field
Experience supporting flight missions, mission control centers, or other complex operational systems
Experience developing operational procedures, mission timelines, and other mission documentation

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with spacecraft, robotic systems, or other complex engineered systems
Experience working in mission-critical or other fast-paced operational environments
Experience creating or maintaining technical documentation, procedures, or operational products
Experience supporting lunar or planetary surface operations, robotic missions, or autonomous vehicle operations
Experience supporting NASA, commercial space, or international space exploration programs
Experience with delay-tolerant operations or autonomous mission execution concepts
Experience using mission planning, mission analysis, or flight operations software tools
Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems, including power, thermal, command and data handling (C&DH), communications, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), and flight software
Familiarity with NASA, DoD, NOAA, commercial spaceflight, or international space operations standards
Experience applying systems engineering principles to troubleshoot technical or operational issues
Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal formats and collaborate with cross-functional teams

Benefits and Perks

Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
Equity ownership in the company
Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
401(k) plan with company match
Flexible PTO and parental leave
Home office set up reimbursement
Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks

Reports To

George Motter

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