Junior Spaceflight Operator

About Space Cargo Unlimited

At Space Cargo Unlimited, we design, deploy, and operate missions in space to conduct experiments and enable manufacturing in microgravity. By using the unique conditions of space, we enable work in biology, materials science, and industrial processes that is not possible on Earth.

Our goal is to make space a practical place for research and production, building reliable in-orbit platforms and operations based on spaceflight heritage.

Space Cargo Unlimited is Europe’s leading player in space-based bioproduction. We design and operate autonomous microgravity missions to unlock breakthrough applications in biotech, pharmaceuticals, agri-tech, and new materials. Our flagship service, BentoBox, offers repeatable, full-service access to space to support TRL advancement, scientific validation, and industrial demonstration of technologies in orbit.

Your Mission

We are seeking a Junior Spaceflight Operator to strengthen Space Cargo Unlimited’s Flight Operations Team and support the preparation and execution of our missions.

Working under the guidance of the Spaceflight Operator Lead, you will train to become a certified operator. You will contribute to Mission Control Center readiness, payload operations, real-time execution, anomaly handling, and post-mission improvement activities.

This is a hands-on role for someone early in their career who combines technical rigor, calm execution, curiosity, and a strong willingness to learn. Previous space operations experience is welcome but is not expected.

Key Responsibilities

Mission Operations

• Participate in the preparation and execution of Space Cargo Unlimited missions under the supervision of the Spaceflight Operator Lead and other experienced operators

• Real-time monitoring of all operational systems, including platforms, instruments, payloads, and ground systems

• Execute authorized commands, following established operational rules & procedures

• Contribute to maintaining the nominal operational status of all supervised systems:

  • Monitor and oversee operational data flows, including telemetry, events, logs, and scientific/technical data

  • Monitor and manage operational alerts, including detection, triage, initial diagnosis, and escalation in accordance with established procedures

• Be able to manage or adjust to different shifts and maintain average human reaction time during the mission operations timeline

MCC Readiness, Training & Certification

• Complete the operator training and certification path, with particular focus on Payload Operations and Mission Control Center practices

• Participate in simulations, rehearsals, procedure walkthroughs, and readiness reviews ahead of missions

• Support day-to-day MCC readiness, including verification of tools, documentation, communications, and operator workstations as assigned

• Build proficiency in payload operations, mission planning and scheduling, operational communications, and anomaly response

• Actively seek feedback from the Spaceflight Operator Lead and senior team members and demonstrate continuous progress toward autonomous console operations

Operational Procedures & Continuous Improvement

• Use, review, and help maintain operational procedures, checklists, and mission rules

• Contribute to post-mission reviews, lessons learned, and corrective or improvement actions

• Develop familiarity with the Concept of Operations (ConOps) and the structure of mission and ground-segment documentation

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Interface with Integration, Software, Engineering, and other teams to gather the information required for safe and effective operations

• Participate in operational exchanges with external partners when requested, with support from the Spaceflight Operator Lead or relevant mission representative

• Coordinate the operational response with Engineering, customers, partners, and support teams, under the supervision of the Spaceflight Operator Lead when require

• Spaceflight operations don't stop at the console, you will also get the opportunity to work alongside our Integration, Engineering, Software, or Quality teams, building a deeper understanding of our activities. It's a chance to expand your technical toolbox and explore other areas while becoming a more versatile Spaceflight Operator.

Person Profile

The expected profile is an early-career engineer or operator who wants to build strong foundations in space mission operations. You are organized, calm under pressure, and comfortable following established operational rules while staying focused and adaptable when priorities change.

Who You Are

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Software/Electronics Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field

• Experience:

  • 0–2 years of relevant professional experience in space mission operations, ground control, payload operations, spacecraft engineering, integration/testing, or another operational technical environment

  • Recent graduates and candidates with relevant internships, university projects, or operational experience are welcome. Internships, student projects, CubeSat/satellite operations, laboratory operations, robotics, or technical support experience are relevant and valued

  • Experience in a startup or agile space environment is a plus, but not required

• Technical Expertise:

  • Basic knowledge and understanding of mission operations workflows, TT&C protocols, mission planning tools, and satellite ground control systems

  • Familiarity with the space environment and its operational constraints (e.g., microgravity, radiation, thermal variability)

  • Experience with scientific payloads and/or technical demonstrators in micro-g is a plus

•  Operational Skills:

  • Able to follow procedures precisely, document actions clearly, recognize deviations, and escalate when required

  • Comfortable working with technical software tools and learning new systems quickly

  • Good written and spoken communication skills and the ability to collaborate across technical disciplines

  • Availability and flexibility to support simulations, mission campaigns, and shift-based operations when required

What We Offer

• A structured path to learn mission operations and progress toward certified console responsibilities

• Hands-on exposure to real missions, payload operations, Mission Control Center activities, simulations, and post-mission improvement

• A competitive salary and benefits package

• A collaborative and innovative team environment with space experts, entrepreneurs, and engineers

• Opportunities to grow into broader operational, technical, or leadership responsibilities over time

Why Join Us

• Build hands-on spaceflight operations experience from the start of your career

• Help shape the future of space-based science and industrial validation 

• Be at the forefront of the emerging in-space manufacturing market 

• Work with a mission-driven team operating at the intersection of science, engineering, and entrepreneurship