Mission Manager

Orbit Fab's mission is to create the foundational infrastructure that will fuel a bustling in-space economy, capable of sustaining permanent jobs in space. Today, satellites cannot be refueled, which severely constrains their mobility and inhibits the development of economic activities in space. 

Orbit Fab breaks the single-use paradigm, pioneering our Gas Stations in Space™ refueling infrastructure and RAFTI™ technology to deliver propellant in space, enabling lower-cost satellite construction, increased maneuverability, precise control, and extended lifespans. The possibilities are unprecedented, opening the doors to unimagined operational strategies and business models. 

Since our establishment in 2018, we have already achieved the successful launch of three tankers to space. With offices in both the US and UK, we are working in close collaboration with partners and customers across the space industry. Orbit Fab is rapidly ramping up capabilities and requires exceptional talent to tackle important challenges. Our roles offer wide ranging opportunities to have a demonstrable impact and enable a bustling space economy.

Role

You would be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing mission operations to support Orbit Fab's orbital refueling and servicing missions. The ideal candidate can take a program from CDR to the launch pad coordinating all the activities in between. You would perform mission planning, risk assessment, stakeholder coordination, testing + logistics coordination, and real-time mission support throughout our operational lifecycle. Your technical duties involve the development and implementation of mission concepts of operations (CONOPS), flight procedures, and contingency plans. A major emphasis will be on reliable mission execution that ensures successful completion of critical orbital operations and customer objectives. 

Responsibilities 

• Develop comprehensive mission plans and concepts of operations for Orbit Fab's orbital refueling and servicing missions. 

• Coordinate mission timelines, resource allocation, and technical requirements across multidisciplinary teams to meet customer objectives. 

• Conduct mission risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies to ensure mission success and safety. 

• Lead mission readiness reviews, flight readiness assessments, and go/no-go decision processes with stakeholders. 

• Provide real-time mission support during operations, including anomaly resolution and contingency plan execution. 

• Interface directly with customers, launch providers, and mission partners to coordinate operational requirements and constraints. 

• Manage mission-related documentation, including flight procedures, emergency response plans, and post-mission reports. 

• Support business development activities by providing mission feasibility assessments and operational cost estimates. 

Qualifications 

• The following minimum experience: 

• BS degree in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or related technical field + 7 years of relevant work experience with a minimum of 2 years of mission operations experience OR 

• MS degree in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or related technical field + 5 years of relevant work experience with a minimum of 2 years of mission operations experience 

• Demonstrated applicable experience in spacecraft mission operations through professional roles, including: 

• Mission planning and timeline development for space missions 

• Experience with mission control systems and real-time operations support 

• Knowledge of orbital mechanics, spacecraft operations, and space environment constraints 

• Risk management and contingency planning for complex technical operations 

• Experience coordinating with multiple stakeholders including customers, contractors, and regulatory agencies 

• Experience working in fast-paced, high-stakes operational environments with diverse engineering and business teams 

• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills 

• Must be a U.S. Citizen/Person and able to successfully complete a U.S. government background investigation 

• Must be willing and able to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends to support mission operations from our Lafayette, CO office 

Nice to Have 

• 5+ years of relevant mission operations experience in commercial or government space programs 

• Experience with on-orbit servicing, docking operations, or proximity operations 

• Familiarity with propellant handling, fluid transfer systems, and orbital refueling concepts 

• Experience with commercial space operations, launch integration, and range coordination 

• Project management certification (PMP) or equivalent program management experience 

• Experience in startup or commercial space environments with rapid development cycles 

• Knowledge of space traffic management, orbital debris considerations, and space situational awareness 

• Experience with mission simulation tools, trajectory analysis software, and operations planning systems 

• Background in systems engineering, requirements management, and technical program management 

• Experience with international space operations and multi-agency coordination 

This position is a hybrid work model, requiring time both in our Lafayette, CO office and remotely.

Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalized people tend to only apply when they meet 100% of the qualifications. At Orbit Fab, we value respectful debate and people who aren’t afraid to challenge assumptions. We strongly encourage you to apply if you feel you would succeed in the role above.

Location and Benefits

Orbit Fab is based out of Lafayette, Colorado and all roles are based in Colorado. We offer fully covered benefits, discretionary time off, and flexible work hours.

Eligibility

Some job roles may be limited to US Persons (22 CFR 120.62 “U.S. person”).

Orbit Fab Inc does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.