Mission Control Engineer

About Urban Sky:

Urban Sky is a venturebacked aerospace startup that pioneers the utilization of the stratosphere and reimagines the way humans view and analyze the earth. We design build operate and sell stratospheric balloon systems and the data we collect supports a wide range of applications from realtime wildfire monitoring to urban mapping. Our technology is also employed by government customers including the Department of Defense (DoD) NASA and others. Urban Sky sends flight vehicles to the stratosphere on a weekly basis.

Our team consists of engineers makers developers and doers who believe in the power of human potential when passion meets utility within a small supportive team. At Urban Sky we strive to create a team culture grounded in candor inclusion respect and empowerment.

We aim to build the next chapter of stratospheric history in Denver and are seeking selfstarting openminded and hardworking team members.

About The Role:

Step into the cockpit of innovation at Urban Sky as a Mission Control Engineer a hybrid role based in Denver Colorado. This isnt just about pushing buttonsits about mastering the mechanics of stratospheric flight. Youll lead realtime Mission Control for our Microballoon missions 12 flights per week across the U.S. and beyond) wielding advanced software to pilot balloons and payloads through the stratosphere. With a hardware mechanical or aerospace engineering mindset youll troubleshoot optimize and ensure every mission soarssafely and precisely.

Flight schedules are as dynamic as the stratosphere itself: overnight shifts 10pm6am) early launches 5am2pm) or multiday marathons followed by downtime. Flexibility is nonnegotiable but youll have a skilled team to back you up for planned breaks. Beyond the control room youll work directly with our CEO to coordinate customer programs for the Department of Defense (DoD) leveraging your technical expertise to support cuttingedge aerospace solutions. Expect some travel (up to 10 for handson customer training and field demos.

Reporting to the Head of Flight Operations and the CEO for customer duties this role is perfect for an engineer at heart who thrives on solving complex problems in real timewhether its tuning flight systems or shaping DoD partnerships.

Key Functions:

Mission Control Leadership

• Own all phases of stratospheric flight: preflight system checks inflight piloting and postflight diagnostics.

• Serve as Flight Director syncing with ARTCC centers and TRACONs to ensure seamless launches flights and recoveries.

• Tackle offnominal scenarios midflight applying quick thinking and engineering judgment to escalate as needed.

• Guide field teams remotely during launch float landing and recovery pinpointing safe landing zones with precision.

• Become the goto expert on our Mission Control software dissecting performance and pitching hardwaresoftware integration upgrades to our Software and Physics teams.

• Craft flight safety policies procedures and training documentation for external Mission Controllers grounded in aerospace best practices.

Customer Program Coordination (DoD Focus)

• Forge strong ties with DoD customers translating technical mission needs into actionable program support.

• Train future Mission Controllers and DoD users occasionally hitting the road to deliver handson aerospace training or support field exercises.

• Develop clear technical documentation for Mission Control systems flight procedures and regulatory standards.

Special Projects Engineering

• As time allows serve as a parttime engineer embedded with our Engineering/R&D team on special projects related to your engineering background and expertise (e.g. mechanical aerospace electrical software etc..

Collaboration & Planning

• Join weekly Flight Operations huddles working with Mission Planners to align on schedules and technical requirements.

Desired Skills & Experience:

• Background in hardware mechanical or aerospace engineeringthink gears systems or flight dynamics.

• Handson experience with highaltitude platforms UAV/UAS ops or similar aerospace tech.

• Comfort with air traffic control coordination and FAA regs from a technical perspective.

• Familiarity with commandandcontrol systems or realtime operational software.

• Ability to bridge engineering and customer support ideally with DoD or techdriven clients.

NicetoHaves:

• Exposure to program management or technical sales in aerospace.

• Experience working with the DoD

• Experience training others on complex systems or hardware.

• Past work with DoD or militarygrade tech projects.

Who You Are:

• ProblemSolver: You love digging into the nuts and bolts of flight systems and finding solutions that stick.

• AerospaceMinded: You bring a safetyfirst engineeringdriven approach to every mission.

• HandsOn: Youre not afraid to roll up your sleeveswhether its tweaking software inputs or supporting field ops.

• Adaptable: You thrive in the unpredictability of stratospheric flight schedules and environments.

• Collaborative: You work seamlessly with engineers planners and customers alike.

• Resilient: You keep your cool when the pressures on tackling challenges with a positive cando vibe.

• DetailObsessed: You spot the small stuff that keeps missions on track.

• Flexible: Youre ready for odd hoursnights early starts or long haulsto make it work.

• Curious: Youre eager to master new tech and push the boundaries of whats possible.

Requirements:

• Must be US Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Must be located near Denver CO or willing to relocate to Denver CO
  • Our office is at 4800 Race St. In Denver CO and this role is onsite

Education:

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university Technical/Trade School or equivalent experience.

Benefits:

• Salary $110000 $145000 per year

• We are required to post this salary range per Colorado law. Your salary will be determined based on your abilities and experience.

• Stock Options

• Medical Vision and Dental

• Unlimited Vacation Days

• Cell Phone Bill Stipend

NOTE: Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may selfselect out of opportunities if they dont meet 100 of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who believes that they have the skills and the passion necessary to succeed here to apply for this role.

This position may require the candidate to deal with commodities software technology defense articles and/or technical data which are subject to the Export Administration Regulations and/or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Additional information may be requested so as to determine whether export authorization is required from the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. If authorization is required employment will be contingent upon the Company successfully obtaining such authorization from the relevant government agency.

Urban Sky is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications merit and business need.