Principal Operations Engineer

As a Principal Operations Engineer at Astroscale U.S., your main responsibilities will include planning and leading operations development for various RPOD missions, overseeing the creation of operational concepts, coordinating with ground and software teams, and designing milestone reviews. Your role is crucial in ensuring each mission runs smoothly and aligns with our sustainability goals.

To qualify for the Principal Operations Engineer position at Astroscale U.S., you should have at least 8 years of hands-on experience in satellite operations engineering. A strong background in systems engineering principles is essential, along with excellent collaborative and communication skills. A bachelor's degree in STEM fields or equivalent experience is required, with advanced degrees being a plus.

The Principal Operations Engineer at Astroscale U.S. supports satellite missions by developing operational plans that guide each mission from start to finish. This includes creating procedures, coordinating with various teams, and assuring that all operational aspects are executed flawlessly to meet mission objectives.

The salary range for the Principal Operations Engineer at Astroscale U.S. is $155,000 to $185,000. Actual salaries may vary based on individual experience, skills, and competencies, reflecting the value you bring to our innovative team in Denver.

At Astroscale U.S., you can expect a dynamic and inspiring work environment where innovation meets collaboration. The Principal Operations Engineer role encourages flexibility, mentorship, and embraces diversity, making it an ideal place for professionals looking to make a significant impact in the space sector.

In answering this question, emphasize specific missions you have worked on and highlight your hands-on experience in satellite operations centers. Discuss the tools and techniques you employed and how they contributed to mission success.

Describe your systematic approach to operations planning, emphasizing how you incorporate both nominal and contingency strategies. Discuss the importance of collaboration with cross-functional teams and how you ensure all operations align with mission objectives.

It's important to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Discuss a specific instance where you faced an unexpected challenge and explain how you assessed the situation, developed a response, and communicated with your team to overcome it.

Highlight your understanding of systems engineering principles such as requirements decomposition, interface management, and verification processes. Provide examples of how you've applied these concepts to past missions.

Effective communication is vital in operations. Illustrate your communication strategies, including regular updates, meetings, and collaborative tools, and explain how these practices foster teamwork and transparency.

Use this opportunity to showcase your leadership skills. Share a specific mentoring experience, detailing how you guided the individual, the skills they gained, and how it benefitted the team and project outcomes.

Discuss the specific tools or software you've used in previous roles, explaining how they've assisted in mission analysis and decision-making. Highlight your adaptability in learning new tools as technologies evolve.

Talk about your prioritization process and tools you use to manage tasks effectively. Mention techniques like assigning importance based on deadlines, resource availability, and overall project impact.

Personalize this response by relating your passion for sustainable space operations to Astroscale U.S.'s mission. Share your eagerness to contribute to projects that promote safety and sustainability in space exploration.

Share your insights on the evolving landscape of on-orbit servicing. Discuss emerging technologies, market demands, and how you believe roles like the Principal Operations Engineer will shape industry standards and practices moving forward.