About this job

Stara’s mission is to deliver a simple and low-cost solution for data storage in space and downlink back to Earth for all satellites. In order to fundamentally change the economics of space, we’re designing a constellation of nanosatellites and a ground station network which push data rates to their limits.  Join us in building the next generation of smaller, lower-cost communications satellites to democratize space exploration.

Work with an incredibly talented team comprised of former SpaceX, Y-Combinator, and Hyperloop One veterans. We are funded, driven and move fast. Previous aerospace production experience is not required. We are building a team of intelligent, resourceful and motivated individuals. If the seemingly impossible excites you and you thrive in a fast-paced and innovative environment, then you’ve found the right company.

The Senior Mission Design Engineer will be responsible for optimizing the orbital dynamics of Stara’s satellite constellation, accounting for factors like radio interference, customer spacecraft orbits, orbit lifetime, ground station pass optimization, and differential drag maneuvers. As the Senior Mission Design Engineer, you will be instrumental in creating and deploying Stara’s optimized constellation of satellites. Managing the rollout of our fleet, you will also monitor in-orbit performance and ensure a smooth end of life transition for each satellite.

This role requires a high level of autonomy and ingenuity.

Responsibilities

• Define optimal orbit configurations to achieve customer requirements, company needs and optimized system performance.
• Simulation and modeling of small satellite constellation and simulating ground station passes.
• Technical expert and lead mission design engineer for Stara’s satellite constellation.
• Provide experience-based expertise in the development and execution of all aspects of mission design and execution.
• Effectively work across multi-disciplinary engineering teams such as GNC, Structures, and Systems Integration.
• Aid in the development of mission design requirements, simulation and test plans.
• Work with business team and senior staff to ensure mission design aligns with programmatic timeline and costs.
• Eliminate unnecessary complexity and optimize cost through intelligent designs and inventive engineering solutions.
• Provide creative and efficient solutions to complex engineering problems.

Profile

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or technical discipline.
• 3+ years of combined work experience in the aerospace industry.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Master’s degree or PhD in related discipline.
• 1+ years acting as lead for a successfully executed spacecraft mission design effort.
• Mission design experience, including trajectory design, spacecraft requirements and vehicle breakup analysis, sensor evaluation and selection, aerodynamic effects analysis, consumable and resource utilization analysis.
• In-depth software programming skills with high level scripting language like Python, and embedded environments.
• Cross-functional engineering experience including integration with spacecraft design teams, sensor design capabilities and selection, ground stations and ground/flight software input.
• Experience working with performance parameters to balance related impacts and sensitivities tied to mission success and solution optimization.

Important Information:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen., lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Stara Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and thrive because of it.  Stara is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, performance and business needs.