Mission Operations / Ground Software Lead

An aerospace client is seeking a full-time Mission Operations / Ground Software Lead to own the architecture and development of an automation-first mission operations system for a rapidly scaling satellite constellation. You will build and lead the MOS software team, guide critical build-versus-buy decisions, and deliver the mission planning and operational capabilities needed to support the company's first 20 satellites and future growth to hundreds of vehicles. Responsibilities: Own the Mission Operations System (MOS) architecture and drive the build-vs-buy-vs-hybrid decision for operating a fleet scaling from 20 to 400 satellites and 4 to 100 LEONs sites, designed automation-first from day one. Stand up and lead the MOS software team, and own the flight-dynamics make/buy call for the constellation. Own contact scheduling and mission planning across the constellation and ground-station network. Deliver a 60-90 day build/buy/hybrid recommendation (including flight dynamics) as your first output in the role. Get MOS operationally ready to support the first 20 satellites by the end of 2027. Requirements B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field (M.S. preferred). 5-10+ years of experience in ground systems for space communications, TT&C or telecom networks, teleports/ground station services, communications infrastructure, large-scale distributed systems, or other related industries. Significant contributions to deploying new capabilities across the full engineering lifecycle from requirements definition to vendor integration and sustained operations. Proven experience, including lab and field troubleshooting, deploying or operating complete systems: power → IP networking → timing → RF → remote monitoring, Strong systems thinking across interfaces, mission operations workflows, and service reliability engineering. Ability to operate autonomously in a fast-paced startup environment and drive complex programs to completion. Excellent professional and interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written. Desired: Demonstrated ownership of deploying new operational capabilities that include hardware, software, and operations. Experience supporting or deploying navigation, timing, or high-integrity services (PNT, time transfer, or integrity monitoring). Experience with outdoor / remote site engineering including NEMA/IP-rated enclosures, thermal management, environmental sensors, grounding/bonding, and lightning/surge protection. Experience with Networking including VPN, firewalls, remote access controls, segmented LANs, cellular router integration, reliability patterns, network monitoring. Experience working with commercial ground station providers and managing technical + programmatic delivery (interfaces, scheduling, SLAs, performance). Background in RF systems, signal monitoring, or ground-based transmit/receive infrastructure (especially in protected uplink bands such as S- or C-band). Familiarity with LEO constellation operations (multi-satellite scheduling, rapid scaling, automation, and cross-functional coordination). Experience defining or operating managed services with subscription-like commercial models, performance reporting, and customer success workflows.