Job Description

Mission Operations Technical Writer

Department: Mission Systems

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Hawthorne, California

Compensation: $120,000 - $146,000 / year

Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on — rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. We are focused on the problems that must be solved before the next chapter of human exploration can scale. The Moon does not forgive untested assumptions. The people who work here know that, and they wouldn't have it any other way.

The Mission Operations Technical Writer will assist in developing, maintaining, and controlling all mission operations documentation required to safely and effectively conduct operations throughout the mission lifecycle. This role works closely with Flight Controllers, Systems Engineers, Mission Directors, Training Leads, Software Developers, and Program Management to create clear, accurate, and configuration-controlled operational products.

The successful candidate will translate complex technical concepts into concise, actionable documentation, including operational procedures, flight rules, console handbooks, mission operations manuals, contingency response guides, training materials, and mission readiness documentation. The position requires exceptional technical writing skills, systems thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to function effectively in a dynamic space operations environment.

The ideal candidate brings a strong system-thinking mindset, experience in flight operations or aerospace systems, and the ability to operate in high-tempo, mission-critical environments. This position reports to Sr. Director of Mission Systems & Operations.

What you'll do:

Develop, edit, maintain, and validate mission operations documentation, including operational procedures, flight rules, contingency procedures, and operational guides
Create and maintain mission timelines, operational workflows, and other documentation supporting mission planning and execution
Ensure operational documentation aligns with mission requirements, design specifications, system architecture, verification data, and applicable program requirements
Support mission rehearsals, integrated simulations, certification activities, and operational readiness by updating documentation based on test results and lessons learned
Collaborate with engineers, mission planners, flight operations personnel, cybersecurity teams, and other technical subject matter experts to develop and maintain accurate technical documentation
Manage document lifecycle activities, including document reviews, approvals, publication, version control, configuration management, and compliance with organizational quality standards
Evaluate documentation processes and recommend improvements to enhance consistency, operational efficiency, and knowledge management
Develop technical illustrations, annotated graphics, templates, and standardized documentation to improve usability and support operational execution

What you'll bring:

Basic Qualifications

3+ years of professional experience in technical writing, process planning, technical documentation, or a related field
Experience developing technical documentation (e.g., operational procedures, technical manuals, work instructions, or mission documentation) and collaborating with technical subject matter experts to produce and maintain documentation
Experience with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM, Communications, English, Journalism, Marketing, or Writing field OR a minimum of 5 years of directly relevant professional experience in lieu of a degree
5+ more years of professional technical writing experience supporting aerospace, defense, satellite operations, mission operations, or another highly regulated technical environment
Experience using document management systems, configuration management tools, or electronic procedure software
Experience supporting spacecraft, satellite, launch vehicle, human spaceflight, or defense space programs
Experience with mission operations centers and real-time spacecraft operations.
Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems, including power, thermal, command and data handling (C&DH), communications, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), and flight software.
Experience developing flight rules, contingency procedures, operational constraints, console handbooks, or similar operational documentation
Experience with NASA, DoD, NOAA, commercial spaceflight, or international spaceflight standards and documentation practices

Benefits and Perks

Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
Equity ownership in the company
Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
401(k) plan with company match
Flexible PTO and parental leave
Home office set up reimbursement
Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks

About Astrolab

Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity’s presence in the solar system.

Headquartered in Hawthorne, California, we are an American-owned and American-operated small business. Our team has more than five decades of experience in terrestrial and planetary robotics, electric vehicles, human spaceflight, and human intelligence field operations. Our stellar team, strategic partnerships with cutting-edge companies and institutions combine with our world-class manufacturing, integration and test facility will enable the delivery of lunar and Mars mobility solutions at maximum reliability, flexibility and cost effectiveness.

Having a strong, diverse, and inspired team is essential to accomplishing our bold mission. Employees are our biggest asset, and we are deeply committed to them and our values.

At Astrolab we…

Demonstrate and inspire trust. Interactions are direct, honest, and respectful. We are fair and transparent with what we do and why.

Thrive in balance. Balance gives us perspective and keeps us motivated and inspired. We commit to rewarding work and a fulfilling personal life.

Seek diverse perspectives. We ask questions, engage in productive debate and offer alternatives to ensure our solutions and products are robust and a reflection of our collective best.

Move with purpose. Quality and reliability are accomplished through efficient ideation and iteration. We act with a sense of urgency and deliver what we promise, always with the big picture in mind.

Make an impact. We intentionally move our community and industry into the future through our work, practices, and actions.

Check out our website for current openings and help us drive the future of planetary exploration & development!

Industry

Aviation & Aerospace

Company Size

51-200 employees

Headquarters

Hawthorne, California

Year Founded

2019

Website

astrolab.space

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