Satellite Systems Operations Engineer

Job Summary

The Satellite Operations Engineer at Lynk is a technical systems engineering position pivotal to ensuring the operational integrity and safety of the constellation of LEO satellites. Your primary responsibilities will encompass technical review and assessment of satellite telemetry, analyzing trends, leading investigations, conducting technical trades affecting satellite fleet operation, developing and evaluating concepts of operations, overseeing launch and early operations. Additionally, this role involves providing inputs and requirements to data analysis tools and operations workflows.

This role works closely with the Principal Satellite Operations Systems Engineer, contributing to and executing against system-level investigations, operational strategies, and technical direction. This position is deeply technical. The ideal candidate is comfortable working through ambiguity to develop a clear, technically sound understanding of system behavior and operational approaches.

Core Responsibilities

• Daily Telemetry Review: Conduct thorough daily reviews of satellite telemetry data and alarms to monitor the health and performance of the satellite constellation.
• Anomaly Investigation: Independently drive anomaly investigations end-to-end, from initial detection through root cause, corrective action, and verification, while developing a deep understanding of system behavior and implementing durable, long-term solutions.
• Technical Trades: Engage in technical trades to optimize satellite operations, considering factors such as power consumption, communication bandwidth, and orbital dynamics.
• Concepts of Operations and Automation Development: Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and evaluate concepts of operations, and automations, aimed at maximizing the productivity and efficiency of the satellite constellation. Effectively document and communicate new and existing operational concepts and automations.
• Launch and Early Operations (LEOP): Provide technical oversight and support during satellite launch and early operations phases, ensuring smooth transitions into operational status.
• Data Analysis Tools and Operations Workflows: Define and drive improvements to data analysis tools, operational workflows, and telemetry interpretation methods to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

In the First 12 Months

• Familiarization: Acquire a comprehensive understanding of the satellite fleet, operational procedures, and telemetry data analysis tools.
• Technical Data Review: Participate in daily technical data and telemetry alert reviews, perform and/or direct investigations, guide the implementation of in-orbit operations, and assess their effectiveness.
• Investigation History: Comprehensive review of fleet investigation history, assessing resolution and effective implementation of corrective actions.
• Operational Optimization:
  • For the in-orbit fleet, Identify and implement operational workarounds, automated Fault Detection and Recovery, and improvements to enhance satellite performance and reliability.
  • For in development satellites, inform the design and test of improved on-board automation.
• Launch Support: Provide technical oversight for a multi-satellite LEOP, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, and methodical execution of in-orbit test procedures.

Helpful Qualifications

• Proven experience in satellite operations, telemetry analysis, and anomaly resolution.
• Proficiency in data analysis and systems analysis tools and techniques, such as STK, Matlab, python scripting, etc.
• Typically 5–10 years of experience, with demonstrated ownership of spacecraft operations or system-level investigations.
• Strong understanding and experience working with satellite flight software, attitude control algorithms, and space-to-ground interfaces.
• Experience working with or interfacing closely with satellite flight software and onboard autonomy.
• Experience in orbital dynamics, attitude control, or related disciplines is a plus, particularly when combined with spacecraft operations experience.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and best practices in satellite operations and safety.

ITAR Requirements

To comply with U.S. Government export control regulations (ITAR), applicants must be one of the following: (i) a U.S. citizen or national, (ii) a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) an asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158. Individuals who do not meet these criteria must be eligible to obtain the necessary authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. For more information, please refer to the ITAR guidelines.

Learn about ITAR here.

Location

Chantilly, VA