Spacecraft Operations Specialist, Early Career

About us

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we’re on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We’re looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.

What you'll do

As a Spacecraft Operations Specialist you will be responsible for enhancing space mission operations by being involved with mission planning operation for a LEO space vehicle. In this role, you will bridge the gap between spacecraft bus engineering and execution of critical mission operations, ensuring our satellite operates safely and efficiently while accomplishing all mission goals.

The day-to-day

As a core member of the engineering space operations team, you will be responsible for the commanding, telemetry analysis, and overall health of the satellite platform. Your primary focus will be:

• Constraint Definition: Define and maintain complex scheduling constraints for spacecraft bus operations, specifically addressing power margins, thermal limits, and Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) limitations.
• Command Sequencing: Develop, test, and refine high-fidelity command sequencing logic for the planning system. You will ensure precise timing for critical operations, including slews, data downlinks, and power-state transitions.
• Communication Modeling: Model and integrate constraints for both GEO relay and Direct-to-Earth (DTE) links into the optimization framework. This includes defining visibility windows, handover protocols, and dynamic data rate constraints.
• Systems Validation: Participate in Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing to validate operational commands and telemetry processing within the mission planning system.
• Operational Documentation: Author comprehensive operational procedures and interface documentation to guide mission operators in managing and interacting with the autonomous system.

What you'll need

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
• Experience: 0-3 years of relevant, professional experience
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of core satellite subsystems, including Power, ADCS, Thermal, and Communications
• Programming: Proficiency in programming/scripting languages such as Python or MATLAB for data analysis and tool development
• Testing Experience: Experience with HIL/SIL testing environments or satellite simulation software
• Soft Skills: Exceptional problem-solving abilities and a rigorous attention to detail necessary for high-stakes orbital operations
• US Citizenship required

• Must be able to obtain a United States Top Secret Clearance

   

What will help you on the job

• Experience with autonomous mission planning or optimization frameworks
• Familiarity with Ground Segment operations and RF link budget analysis
• Prior experience in a mission operations center (MOC) or satellite integration and test (I&T) environment

Salary range

$77,000.00 - $122,000.00 / annually. For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $96,000.00- $144,000.00/ annually



At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat’s comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at careers.viasat.com/LifeAtViasat/Benefits.
EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.