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Air Force Space Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Space Operations Exercise Planner

Lompoc, CA ยท On-site

$105K - $175K/yr

Skill in writing, editing, and maintaining curriculum documentation to Air Force/Space Force instructional systems design standards. * Ability to evaluate student performance objectively, provide ...

Developing and executing 3M's US Air Force and Space Force engagement strategy, including all aspects of the services, key prime contractors, platform providers, and stakeholders. * Identifying and ...

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Air Force Space information

See salary details

$36K

$74.9K

$121.5K

How much do air force space jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for air force space in the United States is $74,860.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,500.00 and $87,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a United States Air Force Space Operations role, and why are they important?

To thrive in an Air Force Space Operations role, you need a solid background in mathematics, physics, or engineering, typically supported by a bachelor's degree and eligibility for security clearance. Familiarity with satellite systems, orbital mechanics, and command/control software such as Space Command and Control System (SC2S) is crucial. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective teamwork are soft skills that distinguish top performers in this field. These skills ensure mission success, operational security, and the ability to rapidly respond to evolving space-based threats.

What is the difference between Air Force Space vs Air Force Satellite Communications Specialist?

AspectAir Force SpaceAir Force Satellite Communications Specialist
Primary FocusSpace operations, satellite launch, and space-based systemsSatellite communication systems, maintenance, and operation
Required CertificationsSpace operations certifications, security clearancesSatellite communication certifications, security clearances
Work EnvironmentSpace command centers, launch facilities, remote space operationsCommunication centers, field sites, technical labs
Industry UsageMilitary space missions, space surveillanceMilitary communication networks, satellite link management

Both roles require security clearances and technical certifications. While Air Force Space focuses on space operations and satellite launch activities, the Satellite Communications Specialist concentrates on maintaining and operating satellite communication systems. Both careers are vital to military communications and space missions, but they differ in daily tasks and work environments.

What is Air Force Space?

Air Force Space refers to the branch of the United States Air Force responsible for organizing, training, and equipping forces to conduct space operations. These operations include satellite communications, missile warning, space surveillance, and supporting military operations on Earth through space-based technologies. Air Force Space professionals work on missions that protect U.S. interests in space and ensure the nation's ability to operate and defend space-based assets. The creation of the U.S. Space Force in 2019 shifted many of these responsibilities, but Air Force Space remains key in space operations and support.

What are some typical career paths and advancement opportunities for professionals in Air Force Space roles?

Professionals in Air Force Space roles often begin in operational positions, such as satellite operations or space surveillance, and can advance to leadership, planning, or specialized technical roles over time. There are opportunities to transition into advanced mission planning, space policy, systems acquisition, or even joint assignments with other military branches or government agencies. Ongoing training, certifications, and successful mission performance are key factors in advancing. Additionally, the evolving nature of space operations offers room for growth into emerging areas like cyber defense or space innovation initiatives.
More about Air Force Space jobs
What cities are hiring for Air Force Space jobs? Cities with the most Air Force Space job openings:
What states have the most Air Force Space jobs? States with the most job openings for Air Force Space jobs include:
Infographic showing various Air Force Space job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,860 per year, or $36 per hour.

Mid Acquisition Program Analyst

Ryde Technologies, LLC

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Responsibilities:
We are currently looking for an Acquisition Program Analyst, Mid Level in the Space Program Directorate (AQS). AQS provides acquisition support and program management direction to field organizations for the development and procurement of Air Force space missile warning, communications, PNT, and weather systems; space launch systems; space control and space situational awareness systems; and ground terminals and space battle management command and control. As an integral part of the National Security Space Team, the Directorate supports the exploitation, integration, and control of space to protect and defend the nation and its global interests from peace through war.
*This position is currently telework eligible due to COVID, with on-site work 1-2 days per week.
**When the Pentagon re-opens fully, this position can potentially be 100% onsite, based on the mission's needs.
The tasks for this position include:
  • Supporting Headquarters Air Force (HAF) budget preparation and defense, SAE oversight and decision-making activities, PEO program execution and oversight efforts of space systems.
  • Maintaining and analyzing planning, scheduling, and management data.
  • Studying, analyzing, and providing recommendations on requirements, space acquisition strategies, program documentation, program phase transition plans, supplemental information, and program execution.
  • Providing honest broker assessments of space programs approaching milestone decisions and of prime contractor technical and operational issues.
  • Researching and analyzing program trends, identifying issues, and recommending solutions.
  • Making recommendations on the allocation of funding, establishment of program goals, objectives, and schedules, and the formulation of program direction.
  • Tracking for compliance with stated program direction and identify issues.
  • Identifying and researching programmatic issues and tradeoffs in terms of required capabilities, costs, and schedules.
  • Reviewing and providing recommendations on existing and proposed Air Force space acquisition and capability area policies and implementation.
  • Reviewing and evaluating the impact of national, DOD, JCS, and civil government policies and activities that affect Air Force acquisition programs and capability areas.
  • Maintaining historical Air Force space program documentation and developing summary documents/briefings and training material.
  • Providing short notice, quick-reaction analyses of critical programmatic issues in the context of Congressional, OSD Staff, Joint Staff, HQ USAF, Major Air Command (MAJCOM), coalition, and international activities.
  • Preparing PPBE documentation to ensure they accurately articulate the current program requirements using IDECS database.
  • Monitoring and reporting Program Obligations and Expenditures using CRIS database.
  • Monitoring and reporting program spend plans and status using Executive CCARS database.
  • Monitoring and reporting Available and Planned Program Funding using ABIDES database.
  • Supporting the HAF review process - Air Force Requirements Oversight Council (AFROCs), Joint Warfighting Capabilities Assessment (JWCAs), Defense Acquisition Boards (DABs), Congressional cycle, Acquisition Strategy Panels (ASPs), Air Force Review Board (AFRBs), Configuration Steering Board (CSB), Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports,
  • Performing the Secretariat function for ASPs, AFRBs, and CSBs.
  • Reviewing and documenting Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR) and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
  • Reviewing capability area analysis and comparing current and programmed capabilities/scenarios to determine and clarify Air Force space system acquisition requirements.
  • Monitoring on-going studies, analyses, and developmental work relevant to space systems.
  • Supporting program-specific efforts like Concept of Operations (CONOPS) development, Capability Development Documents (CDD), Capability Production Documents (CPD), Information Exchange Requirements (IER), and requirements working groups.
  • Any other tasks closely associated with the performance of duties listed above and as coordinated with the COR.

Qualifications:
Active Secret clearance
A minimum of 5 years of experience with DoD acquisitions.
Knowledge of operational space experience.
Strong familiarity with DoD budget cycle.
Strong familiarity with the following software programs: IDECS, ABIDES, Executive CCaRs, CRIS, MS PowerPoint, MS Word, and MS Excel.
Bachelors Degree in a Business or Engineering discipline.
Must be able to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccine to qualify for employment