About Saber Astronautics

Saber Astronautics is a space engineering company specializing in mission operations. Our global reputation is one of precision, innovation, and commitment to the growth of the space industry. Along with developing innovative software, Saber launched and operates the next generation Mission Control Center “Responsive Space Operations CenterTM” (RSOC) with sites in the USA and Australia.  The RSOC is a full-stack program that helps companies solve the space operations cycle from early mission planning, through to end of life.  

Saber believes our future is among the stars. Our goal is to democratize space, making it accessible to everyone. We are committed to bringing cutting edge technology to flight and are at the forefront of our field in a continuous process of invention and discovery.  Joining us means you are a part of this future.

Diversity drives innovation.  Saber is fully committed to a workplace that is respectful, inclusive, and diverse. Our open dynamic culture at Saber means that an undergraduate has a voice alongside a 20 year industry veteran.  We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. We are at our best when we reflect the customers and communities we work with.

The Opportunity

Saber Astronautics is expanding rapidly, alongside a booming space industry.  We are currently seeking a Mission Director. You will work with a dynamic team of engineers and operators building the renaissance of innovation and growth in space operations.   You will take part in innovation and help grow the company’s flight program from the ground up.

You will work in the Responsive Space Operations Center in Boulder, Colorado, USA and occasionally visit the Space CAMP Colorado Springs, CO campus. Public transportation and downtown are within a 10 minute walk, with quick access to restaurants and cafes from both sites. The beautiful Rocky Mountains give access to some of the best outdoor trails, hiking, and skiing in the country.  We encourage a healthy work-life balance, facilitated by our flexible working arrangements and supportive working relationships.

We encourage anyone who is interested and passionate to apply to see how they can join the space industry and make an impact.

The Role

As Mission Director you will manage a small team of Mission Controllers at Saber’s Responsive Space Operations Center (RSOC) in Boulder, CO USA.  The Mission Director is responsible for overall safety of mission planning and coordination for all activities related to Saber’s customer spacecraft.  The Mission Director will have overall responsibility for the performance of the mission team to include approvals for commands, manoeuvres, and health and welfare of spacecraft under the RSOC’s control.

The Mission Director will have a firm understanding of orbital mechanics and spacecraft design, and an operational understanding of factors related to the space environment and its impact to missions in both Low Earth Orbit and Geosynchronous altitudes.

Mission Director’s role includes leadership of operator shift teams of four to eight people. The candidate will be comfortable with both civil space, corporate, and defense environments. The candidate will have the ability to work outside the box to learn new technologies and methods outside of traditional space Mission approaches.

In addition to technical expertise, the Mission Director will have crossline responsibilities to the spacecraft integration teams, and be customer facing to support requirements delivery on time and on budget.

General Required Qualifications:

• Honesty, integrity, and objectivity, and the ability to instil these qualities in a team
• Ability to adapt to changing expectations
• Ability to work with aggressive timelines
• Ability to work in a team environment, in a paired programming environment, and/or independently 
• Must be detail-oriented with strong leadership skills and the ability to remain composed and professional under demanding circumstances
• Intrinsically motivated, self-starter with a willingness to learn and grow
• Conducts self in an appropriate manner and values consistent with Saber Astronautics
• In-depth understanding of all Saber Astronautics' flagship products/software
• Perform other duties as necessary

Required Qualifications:

• 5-10 years experience in small satellite operations, systems, and related Mission tasks
• A Masters Degree or higher level education in space engineering or related field
• Ability to lead a team of operators, manage workflows, maintaining responsibility for their training and performance
• Experience with traditional TT&C, diagnostics, and on-orbit defect mitigation
• Exposure to space traffic management tools and techniques
• Experience with space weather and operational understanding in the context of live Mission
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, multi-task, react, solve problems, obtain results, make effective decisions in a high pressure environment of live operations
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to interface with multiple departments, clients, and vendors
• A general understand of machine learning techniques
• Working experience in spacecraft conceptual design, to include concurrent design
• Conducting daily stand-up meetings
• Occasional domestic and international travel

Desired Qualifications:

• Beneficial to have some background in the space industry
• Experience with large satellite constellations and space traffic management
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance (not required)

Compensation & Benefits:

As a full-time employee, you will receive the following benefits:

• Hiring Annual Salary Range: $125K-$140K, depending on experience
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• 401-K options
• Healthcare and dental

Employment Requirements:

• US Citizenship - To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
• Live within the Continental United States.  This job will be on-location in our offices in Colorado.

How to Apply

• Cover letter
• CV or Resumé
• Evidence of US citizenship
• Portfolio of prior experience and how it applies to the Mission Director role
• At least 2 professional references

Once you have assembled your application, please email the completed package to:

careers.usa@saberastro.com with the position title Mission Director-USA in the email subject line.