Satellite Flight Controller
About Lynk
Lynk is the inventor of satellite direct to device or D2D technology, and has the world’s only commercial license from the FCC to operate a commercial D2D system. Today, Lynk allows mobile network operators' subscribers to send and receive text messages to and from space via standard unmodified, mobile devices. Lynk’s service has been tested and proven on all seven continents, has regulatory approvals in more than 30 countries and is currently being deployed commercially based on more than 40 MNO commercial service contracts covering approximately 50 countries.
Our technology will enable all 8 billion people on the planet to stay connected with the existing standard phone in their pocket. Everywhere. No matter what.
By joining Lynk, you will have the opportunity to directly touch the lives of billions. Your mission will be to bring mobile broadband to billions, pull hundreds of millions out of poverty, and save countless lives.
Job Summary:
Lynk is seeking a Flight Controller to join our growing Mission Operations team. Flight Controllers are responsible for the day-to-day execution of satellite and ground system operations. This includes managing live satellite contacts, executing satellite commanding procedures, responding to alerts and anomalies, and monitoring system health across the constellation and ground station network.
This is a hands-on operational role focused on taking ownership of real-time operations on console to ensure safe, reliable, and repeatable operation of Lynk’s satellite network. Flight Controllers work side-by-side with Flight Operations Engineers and other specialists in a mission-critical environment.
This role is part of a team that supports 24/7 operations. Flight Controllers are expected to participate in shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as part of a rotating schedule to ensure uninterrupted coverage of the satellite constellation and ground segment.
This role is ideal for candidates with prior operations center experience (e.g., military satellite control, ground station ops, or air traffic control) and want to be part of an evolving system where tools, processes, and procedures are actively being developed and refined. Candidates should be comfortable operating within structured procedures while adapting to evolving tools, processes, and operational environments.
Core Responsibilities:
Satellite Contact Operations: Execute satellite commanding sessions using Lynk’s command and control software tools in accordance with established procedures. Monitor telemetry, execute approved command plans, log actions taken, and escalate issues per procedure.
Training Material Contributions: Contribute to the development, maintenance, and improvement of controller training materials, procedures, and checklists. Support onboarding of new operators by helping ensure training content reflects current operational practices and lessons learned.
Activity Scheduling Support: Assist in the preparation, validation, and execution of satellite activity schedules, ensuring alignment with operational constraints and priorities.
Ground Station Monitoring: Track and verify the operational status of ground stations and antenna assets during live passes.
Alert Response: Perform structured Level 1 troubleshooting (data validation, configuration checks, procedure verification) before escalation to engineering teams.
Procedure Adherence: Follow detailed operational procedures and checklists. Maintain rigorous standards for safe command execution and telemetry review.
Procedure Contributions: Contribute to the creation and refinement of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and command procedures (SCPs).
Operations Logging & Metrics: Maintain accurate and complete logs of satellite contacts, commanding activity, anomalies, and system observations. Generate and review operational metrics to track system performance, identify trends, and support continuous improvement.
Shift Operations: Participate in shift-based operations, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Ensure continuity across shifts and uphold operational tempo.
Launch and Early Operations: Support Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) activities through intensive monitoring and execution of commissioning procedures.
Qualifications:
Associate’s or bachelor’s degree OR equivalent military or professional experience in mission control, satellite operations, air traffic control, or network operations centers.
5+ years of hands-on experience in a real-time operational or control room environment is preferred.
Strong situational awareness, attention to detail, and ability to remain composed under pressure.
Proficient with computer systems and able to quickly learn new tools and procedures.
Working familiarity with Linux-based systems (navigation, command execution, log inspection)
Comfortable working in a structured environment while adapting to evolving tools and procedures.
Enthusiasm for space systems and a passion for contributing to mission-critical operations.
Bonus Experience (Not Required):
Prior satellite operations experience (e.g., Air Force SATCOM controller, commercial satellite operator, mission operations technician).
Familiarity with orbital mechanics, satellite communications, or telemetry systems.
Experience with scripting or tools used in mission operations (e.g., dashboards, alerting systems).
ITAR Requirements:
To comply with U.S. Government export control regulations (ITAR), applicants must be one of the following: (i) a U.S. citizen or national, (ii) a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) an asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158. Individuals who do not meet these criteria must be eligible to obtain the necessary authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. For more information, please refer to the ITAR guidelines.
Learn about ITAR here.
Location: Chantilly. VA