Lead Mission Planner & Controller - Stratospheric Balloons

Near Space Labs is leading the next generation of Earth imaging. We design, build, and operate a fleet of proprietary stratospheric balloons called Swiftys. Our Swiftys fly to the edge of space to deliver high-quality, updated imagery of our planet.

Flight Operations is a fast-paced, growing organization responsible for operating and launching our fleet of Swiftys throughout the U.S. to meet our customers' imaging and data needs.

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic operations professional with expertise in aviation, weather, or airspace regulations to lead our Mission Planning & Control Team. As the Lead Mission Planner and Controller, you will oversee a team of mission planners and controllers, guiding them to successfully plan and manage launch activities across the United States. You will be responsible for maintaining our strong relationship with the FAA, coordinating flight approvals and operations for new and returning locations, and running mission control team meetings. Additionally, you will document processes and play a key role in developing the Mission Control organization within Flight Operations to prepare for exponential growth, including hiring future mission controllers. This role reports directly to the Deputy Head of Flight Operations.

As a leader of our rapidly growing Mission Control Team, you will have the unique opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of a pioneering startup. This role is remote and supports operations nationwide. You will work closely with the field operations team and planning team to ensure the successful execution of day-to-day operations.

Work Schedule Commitment:
This position operates primarily on a Monday through Friday schedule. However, occasional weekend and holiday work will be required based on team needs. Flexibility is key, as you will lead a dynamic team managing operations 7 days a week.

Compensation & Benefits:

• $90,000 - $110,000 salary range;
• 25 days annual Paid Time Off;
• 10 days annual sick leave;
• 401K Plan with company match;
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage;
• Opportunity for equity;
• Training and development, as well as opportunities to grow within the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a team of Mission Planners and Controllers to ensure the successful execution of image capture missions.
• Maintain and foster strong relationships with the FAA on behalf of Near Space Labs.
• Conduct briefings with regional FAA on new and existing image capture territories.
• Collaborate with Flight Technicians and team leads to ensure efficient and successful image capture missions.
• Run mission control team meetings, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
• Manage the Mission Control working schedule to ensure necessary coverage for mission capture.
• Document processes and drive continuous improvements within the Mission Control organization to prepare for rapid growth.
• Plan, create, and execute flight trajectories utilizing internal planning software and external tools.
• Oversee the successful execution of flight trajectories during the in-flight phase of Swifty launches, ensuring safety throughout the process.
• Collaborate with Field Operations leaders, Flight Technicians, and the Flight Vehicle Engineering team during mission planning and execution.
• Provide feedback on both mission control and flight operational department processes and procedures for continuous improvement.
• Adjust to changing priorities, multiple demands, and irregular operations, including emergency response planning support.
• Train future mission controllers as the team grows.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience working in an aviation role, ideally: operations control center, pilot, dispatcher, FAA controller, meteorology, or related fields.
• 2+ years of experience and/or capability to read and interpret weather forecasts via multiple weather forecasting tools.
• Well-versed in airspace regulations and airspace maps, as well as terrain and street maps.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize workload effectively.
• Use of good judgment and effective decision-making in stressful situations.
• Collaborative and a self-starter in contributing to long-term regulatory projects.
• Strong time-management skills and experience in deadline-driven environments.
• Natural problem solver with a proactive approach to process and operational improvements.
• Ability to mitigate short and long-term risks while thinking creatively in difficult situations.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to learn in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Skills:

• 2+ years of experience leading a team in a high-stakes environment.
• B.S. in a STEM-related field.
• Technical understanding of software-embedded hardware.
• Previous experience working with regulators like the FAA and EASA.
• Previous experience with Part 101 regulations.
• Startup experience or knowledge preferred.

Location:
This is a remote position that supports teams across the United States.

Inclusivity Statement:

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women, marginalized genders, and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Near Space Labs, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.