Mission&Ops - Lead Mission Operations Engineer

At Orbital Paradigm, we design, develop, manufacture, and operate reusable orbital logistics systems. Our spacecraft perform multiple orbital mission profiles and return safely to Earth through hypersonic atmospheric reentry and landing with pinpoint accuracy for rapid refurbishment and reuse. Role Description We are looking for a Lead Mission Operations Engineer to establish and lead the Mission Operations function at Orbital Paradigm. The role covers mission planning, CONOPS, operational architecture, procedures, ground segment interfaces, simulations, rehearsals, live operations, anomaly response, and post-mission analysis for reusable orbital logistics vehicles. The engineer will work closely with systems, GNC, flight software, avionics, propulsion, AIT, mission analysis, ground segment, and program teams to define how missions are planned, validated, executed, and improved. This is a technical leadership role requiring direct hands-on experience in real-life spacecraft or launch vehicle operations, strong systems thinking, real life operations experience, and the ability to build the processes, tools, and interfaces required for safe and reliable mission operations. Key Responsibilities Establish the Mission Operations function, including its team roles, core processes, tools, interfaces, and readiness approach. Define and coordinate end-to-end mission operations, from mission preparation through launch, orbital operations, reentry, landing, recovery, and post-mission review. Develop the mission CONOPS, operational constraints, procedures, command approach, and contingency logic. Define operational needs for the spacecraft, ground segment, mission control, and operator interfaces. Coordinate simulations, rehearsals, readiness reviews, live operations, and anomaly response. Translate mission analysis and system design inputs into executable operations plans. Coordinate with internal and external teams and stakeholders as required for mission execution Contribute to spacecraft and ground system design to ensure they are operable, testable, and supportable. Drive lessons learned and continuous improvement of mission operations processes. Contribute to system design to ensure spacecraft and ground systems are operable, testable, and supportable. Required Qualifications 3-7 years experience in defining and carrying out mission and flight operations for spacecraft, launchers or reentry vehicles Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical field. Direct hands-on experience in real-life spacecraft or launch vehicle operations, including preparation, live execution, anomaly response, and post-mission analysis. Experience defining and executing mission operations processes, procedures, simulations, rehearsals, and readiness reviews. Strong understanding of mission planning, CONOPS, telemetry, telecommand, mission control systems, ground segment interfaces, and operational constraints. Experience establishing or scaling a mission operations, flight operations, or ground operations function Full proficiency in English, written and spoken. Preferred Qualifications Familiarity with ECSS, NASA, CCSDS, or equivalent standards and practices for mission operations, space-ground interfaces, verification, or quality. Experience in a startup or small-company environment with fast design iterations. Experience with reusable spacecraft, reentry vehicles, launch vehicles, orbital transfer vehicles, satellites, or in-orbit servicing missions. Experience with launch campaigns, commissioning operations, contingency operations, or real-time operations coordination. Familiarity with scripting, automation, data analysis, or operational tooling using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent. Good proficiency in Spanish. What We Value Excellence in technical work, execution, and professional conduct Strong ownership mindset, with the ability to drive activities to clear outcomes through accountability, proactivity, and resourcefulness Clear, efficient, direct, and constructive communication Team-first attitude with low ego and strong cross-functional collaboration What We Offer Location: Madrid, Spain (office-first) Flexible hybrid work (2 days/week from home + 2 fully remote weeks/year) 30 vacation days (23 flexible, +7 during holidays). Salary depending on experience and profile Relocation package depending on seniority and profile Flexible compensation (meal vouchers, health insurance, public transport) Company shares plan