Operations Specialist II, Aerospace & Defense (US)

Company Introduction:

Airspace is a tech-enabled freight forwarder that’s redefining how the world’s most critical packages are delivered. Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, Airspace has employees who are based around the world. Our European headquarters is in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

As a recognized leader in AI and machine learning, our team leverages data and patented technology to coordinate logistics across a global network of drivers and airlines. Our goal is to deliver those packages that are truly mission-critical in a way that is faster, more transparent, more secure, and more accountable than ever before. The items we deliver range from organs for transplant, to parts for critical machinery including grounded aircraft and highly sensitive components such as semiconductors.  

Airspace has been rated one of  America’s best Startup Employers and listed as one of  CNBC’s Disruptor 50 companies. Airspace has the support of leading investors such as Telstra Ventures, HarbourVest Partners, Defy Partners, DBL Partners, and Scale Ventures. To date the company has raised more than $140m. 

The company is growing rapidly and serving more places around the world than ever before. We are looking for passionate, motivated individuals who want to make an IMPACT every day to help us execute on our mission of reshaping the world of time-critical logistics. 

Own the Judgment Calls That Keep Orders Moving

Every shipment eventually hits a moment that isn't in the SOP — a failed carrier connection, an oversized load with no obvious coverage, a customer who needs a straight answer under pressure. As an Operations Specialist II, you're the person who resolves that moment without waiting for someone else to tell you how.

You've mastered the OS I fundamentals and are now trusted to act on incomplete information, source coverage other people can't, and de-escalate situations independently. This is where reactive execution starts becoming proactive ownership.

What You'll Do

Must be able to perform all responsibilities included in the Operations Specialist I job description, in addition to the following:

Resolve What Doesn't Fit the Standard Playbook

Independently start carrier traces for failed-to-load or unable-to-locate shipments

Source driver coverage for any segment of an order, including oversized shipments

Use bid/quote request tools to source specialized vehicles and provide cost estimates to customers

Apply training and tenured knowledge to anticipate complications and proactively solve for them

Exercise Independent Judgment

De-escalate most situations without assistance

Know when to escalate an order versus independently resolving it using available resources

Understand the downstream impact of decisions made within an order

Communicate Proactively and Strengthen the Platform

Communicate proactively — not just reactively — with customers, drivers, and agents at every step of the shipment process

Maintain any certifications required for your assigned sector and stay current on related compliance requirements

Identify and suggest system features or workflow improvements that would help Operations

Maintain a Balanced Level of Performance

As an OS II, you'll be expected to meet minimum metric requirements and customer service standards appropriate for this level. Specific metrics vary by sector and will be communicated by your direct reporting supervisor. Expectations increase with each advancement.

Requirements

Demonstrated success as an Operations Specialist I, or equivalent time-critical logistics / customer operations experience

Proven ability to make sound decisions with incomplete information and under time pressure

Track record of de-escalating difficult customer or operational situations without needing to hand it off

Comfort sourcing non-standard solutions (specialized vehicles, oversized loads) rather than defaulting to escalation

Any certifications required for your assigned sector (e.g., Dangerous Goods handling, where applicable), or willingness to obtain them

Continued availability to work the shift pattern required by your team

Available for 2 weeks of training in person on-site in our Carlsbad, CA headquarters

Advancement to Operations Specialist III

To advance to OS III, you'll need to demonstrate all of the following:

Minimum of 6-12 months in the OS II role

Consistently meeting or exceeding OS II performance standards, tracked through ongoing 1:1 check-ins and confirmed across two consecutive Semi-Annual Reviews (SARs)

Demonstrated advanced problem-solving proficiency — independently resolving escalations rather than routing them upward

Working understanding of margin and cost tradeoffs as they relate to order decisions

Manager recommendation, confirming readiness to operate as an escalation point for the team

Compensation

Hourly pay range: $23-26/hr

High-quality health, vision, and dental care plan options

401K company contribution program

Professional learning and training reimbursements

  Core Values:

We are One Team . We believe we all accomplish more when we are working together.

We make an Impact . We are determined to have a positive influence on our environment, our customers, our industry, and our world.

We are Passionate . We care deeply about our mission and are not afraid to raise the bar.

We are Transparent . We pride ourselves on having open, honest, and sincere communication with our team and customers.

We are Innovative . We never settle and are always striving to improve our product, service, and ourselves.

Airspace is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Additionally, Airspace participates in the E-Verify program for all locations.  

A friendly reminder: Airspace will only contact candidates from an @airspace.com email, a no-reply notification from no-reply@us.greenhouse-mail.io , or a verified LinkedIn profile. We never request fees or sensitive personal/financial information during recruiting. If something seems suspicious or feels off, please reach out to us at recruiting@airspace.com before responding.

For this role the acquisition of recruitment agencies is not appreciated, thank you for your understanding.