Space Mission Operations Manager

2 weeks ago


El Segundo, California, United States Varda Space Industries Inc Full time

Overview
The realm of outer space presents unique opportunities to develop products that significantly improve life on Earth.
Varda Space Industries Inc is leading this charge, utilizing the distinct conditions of low Earth orbit to create these advancements and bring them back to our planet.

Our vision goes beyond simple exploration; we are broadening the economic frontiers of humanity.
At Varda, you will find yourself at the intersection of ambition and expertise.

Our experienced team, with a rich history in aerospace and technology, has refined its capabilities within the corridors of industry leaders.

Your contributions will be valued and evaluated by seasoned professionals who, with extensive backgrounds, are now focused on the field of extraterrestrial manufacturing.

While our goals are lofty, our approach is rooted in technical realism and operational feasibility.
Our conceptual operations involve crystalline material processing and reentry, supported by years of research and development grounded in the significant achievements of the International Space Station and the commercial space industry.

About This Role
Varda caters to a diverse array of clients, from pharmaceutical firms developing new products in microgravity to government entities testing innovative capabilities through hypersonic flight.

As a vital member of the mission management team, your role will be to ensure we fulfill our commitments.

As a Space Mission Operations Manager, you will serve as the technical and programmatic liaison for our clients, guiding missions from inception to completion—from the initial contract discussions through development, integration, launch, operations, and the recovery of our clients' flown assets.

You will collaborate across various departments to resolve challenges for specific clients or missions and to align the necessary resources to achieve mission goals.

Your responsibilities will include coordinating with Varda personnel to oversee all aspects of mission planning, integration, testing, and verification.

Key Responsibilities
- Act as the primary technical and programmatic contact for our clients, assisting in issue resolution, negotiating requirements and contract modifications, communicating status and risks, and ensuring a favorable outcome for all stakeholders.

- Lead the programmatic execution of client missions from the pre-contract phase through development, integration, launch, operations, and recovery of flown assets.

- Collaborate across the organization (e.g., engineering, regulatory, sales, payloads) to understand the status and changes that may affect client success and work to mitigate any issues.

- Facilitate major client reviews and deliverables, coordinating across functions to plan, develop, and deliver high-quality materials and presentations.

- Support or lead the development and verification of technical interface control documents, depending on the client.

- Assist our Sales team with proposal efforts to ensure new projects are accurately scoped and aligned with the strategic vision of the company, ensuring contracts are executable.

- Work closely with engineering teams to assess vehicle readiness and understand how changes impact requirements, vehicle risk, CONOPs, and flight schedules.

Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or higher in an engineering or science discipline.
- 4+ years of experience in Program or Project Management.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent negotiation, conflict resolution, and leadership abilities.
- Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time.

Preferred Skills and Experience
- Experience with spacecraft mission design, development, integration, testing, launch, and/or operations.
- Familiarity with U.S. Government contracts.
- Active security clearance (TS, TS//SCI, or S) or willingness to obtain a clearance.
- Comprehensive hardware project lifecycle experience (cradle-to-grave), preferably in spacecraft.

Compensation
Salary range: $95,000 - $145,000 per year.
Base salary and leveling are determined by job-related skills, education, experience, and performance. You will be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards. Compensation also includes the opportunity to purchase company stock through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Varda Space Industries is committed to fostering diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance without discrimination based on race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.



  • El Segundo, California, United States Varda Space Industries Full time

    About Varda Space Industries The realm of outer space presents unparalleled opportunities to develop products that significantly improve life on our planet. Varda is pioneering this initiative, utilizing the distinct conditions of low Earth orbit to create these advancements and reintegrate them into our society. Our mission goes beyond simple exploration;...


  • El Segundo, California, United States Axient Full time

    Mission Management Specialist Axient's Launch and Safety Unit is in search of a skilled Mission Management Specialist to enhance our team. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive support for the United States Space Force's National Security Space Launch (NSSL) initiatives. Key Responsibilities Offer manifest recommendations to Space Command for Space...


  • El Segundo, California, United States Millennium Space Systems Full time

    Company OverviewMillennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, specializes in delivering cost-effective, high-performance space solutions tailored for discerning clients. Here, you will collaborate within a cohesive team tackling fascinating technological challenges. We promote an open environment where ideas flow freely across all fields, and there are...


  • El Segundo, California, United States Millennium Space Systems Full time

    Company OverviewMillennium Space Systems, a subsidiary of Boeing, specializes in delivering cost-effective, high-performance space solutions tailored for discerning clients. You will be part of a collaborative team tackling fascinating technological challenges. Our workplace fosters an open exchange of ideas across various disciplines, providing numerous...


  • El Segundo, California, United States Millennium Space Systems Full time

    Company OverviewMillennium Space Systems, a subsidiary of Boeing, specializes in delivering cost-effective, high-performance space solutions tailored for discerning clients. Here, you will collaborate within a cohesive team tackling intriguing technological challenges. Our work environment encourages open communication across various disciplines, fostering...


  • El Segundo, California, United States Millennium Space Systems Full time

    Company OverviewMillennium Space Systems, a subsidiary of Boeing, specializes in delivering cost-effective, high-performance space solutions tailored for discerning clients. Here, you will collaborate within a tight-knit team tackling exciting technological challenges. Our open environment encourages the exchange of ideas across various disciplines,...


  • El Segundo, California, United States Axient Full time

    Mission Management Specialist Axient's Launch and Safety Unit is in search of a skilled Mission Management Specialist to enhance our team. Our unit delivers comprehensive support for the United States Space Force's Assured Access to Space National Security Space Launch (NSSL) initiatives. Key Responsibilities Offer manifest suggestions to Space Command for...

  • Mission Integrator

    1 week ago


    El Segundo, California, United States ManTech Full time

    Secure Our Nation's FutureManTech is seeking a highly skilled Space Systems Expert to support a critical contract with the United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SCC) Assured Access to Space (AATS) National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program.The selected candidate will provide expert-level support in space vehicle integration, launch...


  • El Segundo, California, United States Millennium Space Systems, A Boeing Company Full time

    Company Overview: Millennium Space Systems, A Boeing Company, is at the forefront of aerospace innovation, dedicated to the design and execution of advanced spacecraft missions. Position Summary: We are looking for a Systems Engineer to enhance our team, focusing on the intricate aspects of mission design and spacecraft operations. Key Responsibilities:...


  • El Segundo, California, United States Millennium Space Systems, A Boeing Company Full time

    Job OverviewCompany BackgroundMillennium Space Systems, A Boeing Company specializes in delivering cost-effective, high-performance space solutions tailored for discerning clients. Here, you will collaborate with a dedicated team tackling fascinating technological challenges. Our open environment promotes the exchange of ideas across various disciplines,...


  • El Segundo, California, United States Millennium Space Systems, A Boeing Company Full time

    About the CompanyCompany OverviewMillennium Space Systems, A Boeing Company is committed to providing pioneering space solutions that positively influence our planet. Our workforce is a cohesive group of professionals who work collaboratively on advanced projects and engage in open idea exchange. We foster a diverse and inclusive workplace that promotes...

  • Space Systems Engineer

    20 hours ago


    El Segundo, California, United States Booz Allen Hamilton Full time

    About the RoleWe are seeking a highly skilled Space Systems Engineer to join our team at Booz Allen Hamilton. As a key member of our team, you will play a pivotal role in accelerating space systems missions through cutting-edge engineering efforts.Key ResponsibilitiesAssess new technologies and techniques, and develop integration plans ensuring System of...


  • El Segundo, California, United States Varda Space Industries Inc Full time

    About This RoleWe are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Director of IT and Space Technology to join our team at Varda Space Industries Inc. As a key member of our organization, you will be responsible for managing our IT systems, processes, and controls. You will lead a team of experts in information technology, enterprise applications, information...

  • Space Vehicle Engineer

    11 hours ago


    El Segundo, California, United States The Aerospace Corporation Full time

    About the RoleWe are seeking a highly skilled Space Vehicle Engineer to join our team at The Aerospace Corporation. As a key member of our organization, you will be responsible for providing technical expertise and support to our National Security Space missions.Key ResponsibilitiesLead and perform in-depth technical analyses, evaluations, and risk...


  • El Segundo, California, United States ABL Space Systems Full time

    ABL Space Systems is driven by the vision that in ten years, missions to space will launch every day from around the world. We've set out to assure global access to space through the development of a low-cost launch vehicle and a modular ground system, RS1 and GS0. Behind our business model is an exceptional team. Engineers, technicians and operators at ABL...


  • El Segundo, California, United States Millennium Space Systems, A Boeing Company Full time

    Join Millennium Space Systems, A Boeing Company as a dedicated Systems Engineer focused on the design and execution of spacecraft missions. In this role, you will engage in a variety of mission design elements, which include: Operational Concepts: Developing strategies for mission execution.On-Orbit Procedures: Establishing protocols for spacecraft...


  • El Segundo, California, United States Varda Space Industries Full time

    About Varda Space IndustriesVarda Space Industries is a pioneering company at the forefront of space-based innovation, harnessing the unique environment of low Earth orbit to develop cutting-edge products that enhance life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic horizons of humanity by leveraging the vast potential of space.We are a seasoned team of...


  • El Segundo, California, United States Axient Full time

    Job SummaryAxient is seeking a highly skilled Mission Management Specialist to support a contract with the United States Space Force Assured Access to Space National Security Space Launch (NSSL). The successful candidate will provide critical support to the Space Force by managing launch mission operations, ensuring the success of space vehicle launches, and...


  • El Segundo, California, United States Varda Space Industries Full time

    About Varda Space IndustriesVarda Space Industries is a pioneering company at the forefront of space-based manufacturing. Our mission is to harness the unique environment of low Earth orbit to produce innovative products that enhance life on Earth.Our VisionWe aim to create a bustling in-space ecosystem, where our team of experts can push the boundaries of...


  • El Segundo, California, United States Millennium Space Systems, A Boeing Company Full time

    Job OverviewMillennium Space Systems, A Boeing Company is seeking a highly skilled Astrodynamics Engineer to join our team. As a key member of our engineering team, you will be responsible for designing and developing advanced astrodynamics systems for our space-based programs.Key ResponsibilitiesPerform complex astrodynamics and orbit analyses to ensure...