Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Flight Controller

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a dedicated and highly skilled Flight Controller to join our state-of-the-art Mission Control Center. In this pivotal role, you will be the "pilot" for our assets in space or in the air, serving as the first line of defense for vehicle health and safety. You will be responsible for the real-time command, control, monitoring, and management of complex aerospace systems, including satellites, spacecraft, or uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs). This position demands a unique blend of technical expertise, critical thinking, and grace under pressure. You will work on a console in a dynamic, 24/7 operational environment, collaborating closely with a team of brilliant engineers and mission directors to ensure the flawless execution of every mission phase, from pre-launch checkouts to on-orbit operations and de-orbiting procedures.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering Graduate
Military Operations Specialist (e.g., Satellite, UAV, or Avionics Technician)
Systems Engineer or Test Engineer
Air Traffic Controller

Advancement To:

Lead Flight Controller / Operations Lead
Mission Director / Mission Manager
Senior Systems Engineer for Operations
Operations or Mission Control Manager

Lateral Moves:

Flight Dynamics Engineer
Test Conductor / Integration Engineer
Systems Engineering Specialist
Mission Planner / Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Execute real-time command and control sequences for spacecraft or aircraft, meticulously following predefined flight plans and operational procedures to ensure mission objectives are met.
Continuously monitor and analyze streaming telemetry data from vehicle subsystems (e.g., power, thermal, propulsion, avionics) to assess vehicle health, status, and performance against expected parameters.
Identify, triage, and systematically troubleshoot real-time anomalies and off-nominal conditions, coordinating with subsystem engineering experts to develop and execute effective recovery plans.
Operate and maintain complex ground control systems, software, and console displays used for vehicle commanding, telemetry visualization, and data archiving.
Develop, review, and validate operational procedures, scripts, and contingency plans to ensure they are accurate, effective, and safe for execution.
Serve as the primary operational authority for a specific vehicle subsystem, maintaining deep technical knowledge and acting as the go-to expert during real-time operations.
Prepare and lead pre-mission briefings, operational readiness reviews, and post-pass debriefs to ensure all team members are aligned and informed.
Participate in and provide operational support for critical mission events, including launch campaigns, orbit raising maneuvers, payload activations, and end-of-life procedures.
Maintain a detailed and precise console log of all commands sent, system responses, and significant events that occur during an operational shift.
Collaborate directly with flight dynamics engineers to monitor and manage vehicle trajectory, executing orbital maneuvers and station-keeping burns as required.
Perform long-term trend analysis of subsystem telemetry to proactively identify potential component degradation or systemic issues before they become critical failures.
Support the design, development, and testing of new ground software tools and console displays to enhance operational efficiency and situational awareness.
Conduct and participate in rigorous mission simulations and training exercises to maintain proficiency and prepare the team for both nominal and contingency scenarios.
Interface with external agencies, launch providers, and customer support teams to coordinate operational activities and disseminate critical status information.
Provide clear, concise, and timely voice and text-based communication to the mission control team, including the Mission Director and engineering support staff.
Ensure all operational activities are conducted in strict compliance with mission rules, flight constraints, and established safety protocols.
Contribute to post-flight and post-mission analysis, providing detailed operational insights and recommendations for future mission improvements.
Manage the configuration of the vehicle's onboard software and flight parameters, uploading patches or new command loads as authorized by the engineering team.
Author and maintain comprehensive operational documentation, including handbooks, checklists, and emergency procedures for the flight control team.
Support 24/7 shift-based operations, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to provide continuous coverage for mission-critical assets.
Act as a mentor and trainer for junior flight controllers, helping to build a highly competent and cohesive operations team.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to investigate past anomalies or assess long-term vehicle performance.
Contribute to the organization's operational strategy and roadmap by providing feedback on system limitations and opportunities for improvement.
Collaborate with design and systems engineering units to translate operational needs and lessons learned into requirements for future vehicle designs.
Participate in sprint planning, retrospectives, and agile ceremonies within the broader operations and engineering teams.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Telemetry & Command Systems: Deep proficiency with satellite or flight ground control software (e.g., InControl, COSMOS, OS/Comet, ITOS, or proprietary systems).
Orbital Mechanics: Solid understanding of orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, and flight dynamics principles for trajectory management and maneuver planning.
Subsystem Knowledge: Foundational knowledge of spacecraft or aircraft subsystems, including Power (EPS), Thermal (TCS), Propulsion, Avionics, and Communications (TT&C).
Scripting Languages: Experience with scripting languages like Python, Perl, or STOL for automating operational tasks, parsing data, and creating tools.
Data Analysis: Ability to analyze large datasets, identify trends, and correlate data across multiple subsystems to diagnose issues.
Linux/Unix Environment: Comfort working within a Linux/Unix command-line environment for system operations and tool execution.
Network Fundamentals: Basic understanding of network principles (TCP/IP) as they relate to ground data systems and communication links.

Soft Skills

Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Ability to rapidly analyze complex technical problems in a high-stakes environment and derive logical solutions.
Calm Under Pressure: Exceptional composure and decision-making capabilities when faced with unexpected anomalies and stressful situations.
Communication: Flawless verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly, concisely, and accurately to a diverse team.
Meticulous Attention to Detail: An unwavering focus on precision and accuracy, particularly when executing commands and following procedures where errors are not an option.
Teamwork & Collaboration: A strong collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively as part of a tightly integrated, multi-disciplinary team.
Procedural Discipline: The ability to follow procedures exactly as written while also knowing when to question them or escalate issues.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's of Science (B.S.) degree in a technical discipline from an accredited university.

Preferred Education:

Master's of Science (M.S.) degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aerospace Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Computer Science
Physics
Astronautical Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-10+ years of relevant experience. This role may be filled at a junior, senior, or lead level depending on the candidate's qualifications and professional background.

Preferred:

Direct, hands-on experience in a real-time operations environment, such as a Mission Control Center (MCC), Network Operations Center (NOC), or military command and control facility.
Experience operating satellites, spacecraft, aircraft, or uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs).
U.S. Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance is often required.