Momentus: A Culture of Innovation, Collaboration, and Impact

Employee Experiences: Stories from the Frontiers of Space

At Momentus, every employee is a pioneer. The company’s mission to revolutionize space infrastructure and transportation isn’t just a tagline—it’s a lived experience. Take, for example, the story of Dr. Anna Vasileva, a propulsion systems engineer who joined Momentus in 2021. Anna recalls the time her team faced a critical challenge with the company’s Vigoride spacecraft’s propulsion system. "We were up against a tight deadline, and the initial tests weren’t yielding the thrust efficiency we needed," she says. Instead of siloing the problem, Anna’s team organized a cross-functional "war room"—bringing together engineers from propulsion, orbital mechanics, and mission operations. "Within 72 hours, we had a breakthrough," she explains. "It wasn’t just about solving the problem; it was about how we solved it together."

This collaborative spirit is a hallmark of Momentus. Markus Laakso, a mission operations specialist, describes his day-to-day as a blend of real-time problem-solving and long-term strategy. "One morning, I might be troubleshooting a satellite deployment sequence, and by afternoon, I’m brainstorming with the spacecraft design team on how to optimize future missions," he says. The company’s flat organizational structure encourages this fluidity, allowing employees to contribute beyond their immediate roles. Wins, big or small, are celebrated openly—whether it’s a successful in-space demonstration or a patent filing for a new propulsion system design. "We have a tradition called ‘Momentus Moments,’ where teams share their achievements in a company-wide forum," Markus adds. "It’s not just about recognition; it’s about inspiring others to push boundaries."

Work Environment: Flexibility, Global Collaboration, and Thoughtful Design

Momentus understands that innovation thrives in an environment where employees feel supported both professionally and personally. The company’s hybrid work model is designed to balance flexibility with collaboration. Employees can choose to work remotely up to three days a week, with core in-office days dedicated to team syncs, hands-on lab work, and brainstorming sessions. "We trust our teams to manage their time," says Sarah Chen, Head of People Operations. "If someone needs to adjust their schedule to pick up their kids or take a mental health day, we encourage it. Burnout isn’t an option when you’re solving problems no one else has tackled before."

For roles that require physical presence—such as those in rocket engineering or spacecraft assembly—Momentus has invested in state-of-the-art facilities in Santa Clara, California, and Kirkland, Washington. The workspaces are designed to foster creativity, with open lab areas, collaboration pods, and quiet zones for deep focus. "Our Kirkland facility has a mission control room that doubles as a hub for real-time operations and training simulations," explains James Carter, a spacecraft design lead. "It’s incredible to walk in and see engineers, operators, and data scientists working side by side."

Global coordination is seamless, thanks to asynchronous communication tools and a culture of transparency. Teams across time zones use Slack, Notion, and custom-built dashboards to track progress on projects like the Ardent lunar mission or the Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle. "We have team members in Europe, Asia, and the Americas," says Priya Mehta, a systems engineer. "Our ‘follow-the-sun’ model ensures someone is always available to keep missions moving forward."

Momentus also prioritizes time off and recharge policies. Employees receive unlimited PTO, with managers actively encouraging them to take breaks. "After we hit a major milestone, like the first successful in-space test of our microwave electrothermal thruster, the whole team was encouraged to take a few days off," recalls Anna. "It’s about sustainability—you can’t innovate if you’re running on empty."

Values & Innovation: Core Beliefs That Drive the Future

Momentus’s culture is built on a foundation of five core values:
1. Bold Innovation – Pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space systems and propulsion technology.
2. Collaborative Spirit – Breaking down silos to solve complex challenges.
3. Customer Obsession – Delivering reliable, cost-effective solutions for satellite constellations and space infrastructure.
4. Integrity & Transparency – Open communication, even when things go wrong.
5. Sustainability – Building technologies that minimize space debris and environmental impact.

These values aren’t just posters on a wall—they’re embedded in daily operations. Innovation is encouraged at every level, from interns to executives. The company hosts quarterly "Innovation Sprints," where employees can pitch ideas outside their usual scope. One such sprint led to the development of a modular satellite deployment system, now a key part of Momentus’s orbital mechanics offerings. "We don’t just tolerate risk—we embrace it," says Mikhail Kokorich, Momentus’s CEO. "Failure is a data point, not a setback."

Knowledge sharing is another cornerstone. The company runs internal "Tech Talks" where employees present on topics ranging from earth observation technologies to advanced propulsion systems. "Last month, our intern from Caltech gave a talk on machine learning applications in mission operations," says Markus. "It was mind-blowing, and it sparked a new project."

Momentus also invests in continuous improvement through retrospectives and lessons-learned sessions after every major project. "After our first Vigoride launch, we spent two weeks analyzing every detail—what worked, what didn’t, and how we could iterate," explains Priya. "That’s how we achieved a 30% improvement in thrust efficiency in the next version."

Diversity & Inclusion: A Global Team for a Global Mission

Diversity isn’t just a metric at Momentus—it’s a strategic advantage. The company’s workforce spans over 20 nationalities, with 40% of leadership roles held by women and 35% of technical roles filled by underrepresented minorities. "Our satellite technology and space exploration challenges require diverse perspectives," says Sarah. "You can’t solve global problems with a homogenous team."

Momentus’s DEI initiatives include:
- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) like Women in Aerospace and Momentus Pride, which host mentorship programs and industry panels.
- Bias training for all hiring managers, ensuring diverse slates of candidates for every role.
- Partnerships with HBCUs and global universities to recruit talent from underrepresented backgrounds. "We recently hired three engineers from Tuskegee University’s aerospace program," says Sarah. "Their fresh perspectives on spacecraft design have been invaluable."

The company also celebrates cultural diversity through events like International Potluck Days and language exchange programs. "I’ve learned so much about Russian rocket engineering history from my colleagues in Moscow," says Anna, who is originally from Bulgaria. "It’s not just about work—it’s about building a global community."

Recent DEI achievements include:
- 50% increase in female engineers in the past two years.
- Launch of the Momentus Scholarship for students from underrepresented backgrounds pursuing aerospace careers.
- Recognition as a "Top Workplace for Diversity" by the Silicon Valley Business Journal in 2023.

Community & Impact: Beyond the Stars

Momentus doesn’t just build space infrastructure—it builds community. The company is deeply involved in industry conferences, including SATShow, SmallSat, and the International Astronautical Congress (IAC), where employees present on topics like propulsion systems and orbital mechanics. "Last year, our team won Best Technical Paper at SmallSat for our work on water-based propulsion," says James. "It’s a testament to the caliber of innovation happening here."

Philanthropy is also a priority. Momentus partners with organizations like The Planetary Society and Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) to fund STEM education programs. In 2023, the company donated $250,000 to support aerospace careers for low-income students. "We’re not just shaping the future of space—we’re shaping the future of the people who will lead it," says Mikhail.

Environmental sustainability is woven into Momentus’s mission operations and spacecraft design. The company’s water-based propulsion system is a non-toxic alternative to traditional chemical propellants, reducing the environmental impact of space missions. "We’re committed to responsible space exploration," says Priya. "That means minimizing debris and ensuring our technologies don’t harm Earth’s orbit or atmosphere."

Momentus’s culture has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, the company was named:
- "Best Place to Work in Space" by Via Satellite.
- "Top Innovator in Propulsion Technology" by Aviation Week.
- "Most Inclusive Workplace in Aerospace" by Diversity in Tech.

Join the Momentus Mission

Momentus isn’t just a company—it’s a movement. If you’re passionate about space exploration, satellite technology, or rocket engineering, and you thrive in a culture of innovation, collaboration, and impact, we want you on our team.

Explore career opportunities and join us in shaping the future of space:
👉 Careers at Momentus

Let’s go beyond. 🚀