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Permanent Payload Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

iQuasar LLC

GNC Engineer

Blanco, TX · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Support business development activities including mission feasibility assessments, payload ... Serve as a GNC console operator for launch operations and perform post-flight analysis to improve ...

IQUASAR LLC

GNC Engineer

Blanco, TX · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Support business development activities including mission feasibility assessments, payload ... Serve as a GNC console operator for launch operations and perform post-flight analysis to improve ...

Firefly Aerospace

GSE Manufacturing Engineer I

Briggs, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

... payload integration systems. Fireflys GSE team supports every major program at Firefly: Alpha ... Experience operating or working near mobile equipment such as forklifts and cranes * Lift and ...

Amentum

Test Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ideal candidate brings strong hands-on engineering judgment, is comfortable operating in a ... Experience supporting spacecraft, payload, or other complex system integration and tests.

Cimarron

Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) Programmer

TX · On-site

$32 - $43/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... deliver payloads at a lower cost. This position supports 2nd shift , working a 4 on / 3 off ... S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible for consideration at this time. * Ability to lift ...

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Permanent Payload Operator information

What is a permanent payload operator?

A Permanent Payload Operator is a professional responsible for managing and controlling the payload systems on spacecraft, satellites, or other aerospace vehicles. They ensure that scientific instruments, communication devices, or cargo are properly operated and monitored during missions. Their duties include real-time payload operation, troubleshooting, data analysis, and coordination with mission control teams. Permanent Payload Operators are typically employed by space agencies, private aerospace companies, or research organizations for ongoing or long-term missions.

What are some typical challenges permanent payload operators face when managing satellite operations, and how can they prepare for them?

Permanent Payload Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining seamless communication with multiple satellites, troubleshooting real-time anomalies, and adapting quickly to rapidly changing mission parameters. These professionals must stay alert during shifts—sometimes outside regular hours—and work closely with engineering and mission control teams to ensure payload performance. Staying updated on payload software, understanding telemetry, and developing strong problem-solving skills help operators handle these scenarios effectively and minimize mission risks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a permanent payload operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Permanent Payload Operator, you need strong technical aptitude in aerospace operations, attention to detail, and typically a background in engineering, physics, or a related field. Familiarity with satellite control software, telemetry systems, and industry certifications such as a Remote Sensing or Space Operations license are often required. Excellent problem-solving skills, situational awareness, and clear communication are vital soft skills for responding to anomalies and collaborating with mission teams. These skills ensure safe, precise payload management and mission success in the high-stakes environment of space operations.

What is the difference between Permanent Payload Operator vs Crane Operator?

AspectPermanent Payload OperatorCrane Operator
Required CertificationsPayload handling, safety, and equipment operation certificationsCrane operation licenses and safety certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial sites, warehouses, shipping yardsConstruction sites, shipping ports, industrial facilities
Industry UsageLogistics, shipping, manufacturingConstruction, shipping, heavy lifting

Both roles involve equipment operation in industrial settings, with overlapping certifications and work environments. The main difference is that Permanent Payload Operators focus specifically on handling payloads in logistics and shipping contexts, while Crane Operators operate cranes for lifting heavy materials in construction and industrial projects.

What does a Permanent Payload Operator do?

A Permanent Payload Operator is responsible for installing, securing, and maintaining payloads on aircraft or spacecraft, ensuring proper placement and safety standards. They often operate specialized tools and follow strict safety protocols, working in environments that require attention to detail and technical skills. Certification and knowledge of aerospace safety procedures are typically required for this role.

What cities in Texas are hiring for Permanent Payload Operator jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Permanent Payload Operator job openings:

Permanent Payload Operator jobs near you

Flight Dynamics Engineer III (Trajectory), Blue Ghost

Firefly Aerospace

Cedar Park, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Firefly Aerospace rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE
Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.
SUMMARY
As a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer specializing in trajectory and maneuver design at Firefly, you will design and optimize spacecraft trajectories and maneuver sequences for operational missions spanning LEO and cislunar space. In this role, you will develop targeting algorithms, create error budgets, and serve as a flight dynamics operator while collaborating with cross-functional teams to translate mission designs into executable operations. This position combines advanced mission design with hands-on operational support while mentoring junior engineers in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Optimize spacecraft trajectories to satisfy mission requirements while balancing delta-V budgets, mission duration, and payload constraints
  • Design and maintain mission designs from the conceptual phase through the end of spacecraft mission operations
  • Develop algorithms to target maneuvers that achieve spacecraft mission objectives
  • Create maneuver error budgets and perform sensitivity analysis to assess robustness to execution uncertainties
  • Formulate and analyze contingency maneuver plans and abort scenarios for off-nominal conditions
  • Interface with cross-discipline teams to translate maneuver plans into executable command sequences and operational procedures
  • Serve as a flight dynamics operator for spacecraft missions and perform maneuver reconstruction to improve spacecraft models
  • Perform verification and validation of flight dynamics models and software using analytical solutions, benchmarks, flight data, and unit tests
  • Author technical documentation and analysis reports that communicate flight dynamics concepts and results to diverse audiences
QUALIFICATIONSRequired
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field
  • 5-8 years of experience in spacecraft flight dynamics with significant depth in mission design or maneuver planning
  • Experience supporting operational spacecraft missions through multiple mission phases
  • Advanced understanding of orbital mechanics theory and applications
  • Understanding of spacecraft attitude control and its impact on maneuver execution accuracy
  • Strong understanding of targeting and optimization methods
  • Knowledge of estimation theory and uncertainty modeling
  • Experience in software development and modeling/simulation for spaceflight applications
  • Working knowledge of Python and Linux
  • Proficiency with one or more commercial trajectory design software tools (STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, or similar)
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills
Desired
  • Advanced degree (master's or PhD) in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field
  • Expert-level proficiency in STK for spacecraft trajectory design
  • Python proficiency and experience with JPL's MONTE software suite
  • Software engineering expertise including skills in version control (Git), code review, automated testing, documentation, and CI/CD workflows
  • Comprehensive knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and their impact on trajectory design and maneuver planning
  • Proven ability to mentor and develop junior engineers while managing technical responsibilities

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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