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Space Operator - USA
Full Time
Boulder, CO, USA
US citizenship required

About Saber Astronautics

Saber Astronautics is a space engineering company specializing in satellite 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 Center” (RSOC) program with sites in Australia and the USA.

Saber believes our future is among the stars. Our goal is to democratize space, making it accessible to everyone. We do this through our commitment to cutting edge technology. We stay at the forefront of our field in a continuous process of invention and discovery. To facilitate our goals, the open dynamic culture at Saber means that an undergraduate can speak up alongside a 20 year industry veteran.

Diversity drives innovation.  Saber is fully committed to a workplace that is respectful, inclusive, and diverse. 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 seeking to hire a number of Space Operators. You will work as a part of a dynamic team of engineers to build and operate the next generation of space craft missions in LEO, GEO and beyond. 

You will work at the Responsive Space Operations Center (RSOC) in Boulder, Colorado USA and occasionally visit the Space CAMP Colorado Springs, Colorado lab.  Public transportation and downtown are within a 10 minute walk, with quick access to restaurants and cafes from both labs. 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

The Space Operator 1 position is responsible for the daily running of spacecraft operations for a number of Saber’s customers. Customer missions range from Low Earth Orbit to GEO across a number of different mission profiles. 

As a Space Operator you will be a part of a small team of Mission controllers at Saber’s Responsive Space Operations Center (RSOC) based at Boulder, CO USA operating in a standard 8 hour shift. Typical duties include but are not limited to: 

  • Executing spacecraft mission procedures.
  • Reviewing spacecraft telemetry and monitoring of the spacecraft health. 
  • Conducting safety of flight (processing Conjunction Data Messages CDM’s) from 18th SPCS and taking required corrective actions. 
  • Monitoring of Space Weather and its impact on the spacecraft and mission.
  • Development of new technologies, operational procedures, and software to advance the state of the art of spacecraft mission operations and autonomy. 

Mission Controllers shall 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.

General Required Qualifications:

  • Honesty, integrity, and objectivity, and the ability to instil these qualities in a team 
  • In-depth understanding of all Saber Astronautics' flagship products/software
  • 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
  • Perform other duties as necessary

Required Qualifications:

  • 5-10 years experience in small satellite operations, systems, and related Mission tasks
  • A Bachelors Degree or higher level education in space engineering, mechatronic engineering, astrodynamics or similarly related field.
  • Experience working with large numbers of satellites, constellations
  • Ability to manage workflows, maintaining responsibility for their training and performance
  • Experience with traditional TT&C, diagnostics, and on-orbit defect mitigation
  • Experience with 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 high level understand of machine learning techniques
  • Working experience in spacecraft conceptual design, to include concurrent design
  • Conducting daily stand up
  • Occasional domestic and international travel

Desired Qualifications:

  • Beneficial to have some background in the space industry (not required)
  • 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 Salary Range: $75-90K, depending on experience
  • Flexible Time Off (FTO)
  • Remote Work friendly (Although this will primarily be a shift work role out of Saber’s RSOC).
  • 401-K option
  • 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.

How to Apply

  • Cover letter
  • CV or Resumé
  • Evidence of US citizenship
  • Portfolio of prior experience and how it applies to the Space Operator 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 "Space Operator - USA" in the email subject line.

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