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Flight Controller Nasa Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Astrolab

Sr. Mission Operations Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

... with NASA and partner operation teams, leading simulation and training activities, supporting ... Develop crew, operator, and flight controller training materials * Support mission readiness ...

Astrolab

Sr. Mission Operations Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$174K - $196K/yr

... with NASA and partner operation teams, leading simulation and training activities, supporting ... Develop crew, operator, and flight controller training materials * Support mission readiness ...

Astrolab

Sr. Mission Operations Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$174K - $196K/yr

... with NASA and partner operation teams, leading simulation and training activities, supporting ... Develop crew, operator, and flight controller training materials * Support mission readiness ...

Astrion

Material Control Specialist

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$57 - $95/hr

Astrion is responsible for managing the NASA Ames Flight Processing Center (FPC) which support ... and controlled through the use of an inventory tracking database. The MCS is responsible for ...

Astrion

Material Control Specialist

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Astrion is responsible for managing the NASA Ames Flight Processing Center (FPC) which support ... and controlled through the use of an inventory tracking database. The MCS is responsible for ...

Astrion

Material Control Specialist

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Astrion is responsible for managing the NASA Ames Flight Processing Center (FPC) which support ... and controlled through the use of an inventory tracking database. The MCS is responsible for ...

Astrolab

Mission Operations Technical Writer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$120K - $146K/yr

This role works closely with Flight Controllers, Systems Engineers, Mission Directors, Training ... Experience with NASA, DoD, NOAA, commercial spaceflight, or international spaceflight standards and ...

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Flight Controller Nasa information

See California salary details

$54.3K

$117.9K

$173.2K

How much do flight controller nasa jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight controller nasa in California is $117,932.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,700.00 and $136,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flight controller at NASA?

A Flight Controller at NASA is responsible for monitoring and managing various aspects of space missions from Mission Control. They work in specialized roles to ensure the safety and success of human and robotic spaceflight operations. Controllers analyze data, troubleshoot issues, and communicate with astronauts and engineering teams. Their work requires extensive training, quick decision-making skills, and a deep understanding of spacecraft systems.

What does a typical workday look like for a flight controller at NASA?

A typical workday for a NASA Flight Controller involves monitoring real-time spacecraft operations from Mission Control, analyzing data streams, coordinating with astronauts and engineering teams, and preparing for upcoming mission phases. You may participate in simulation exercises to reinforce readiness and problem-solving skills or collaborate on developing new procedures for space missions. Work is highly collaborative, often conducted in shifts to ensure 24/7 mission support, and requires strong communication across a diverse, multidisciplinary team. Frequent training and debrief sessions also contribute to ongoing professional development within the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight controller at NASA?

To thrive as a Flight Controller at NASA, you need a solid background in engineering, physics, or a related STEM field, usually backed by a bachelor’s degree or higher. Familiarity with mission control software, spacecraft systems, and simulation tools, along with NASA-specific certifications or training, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective teamwork, and the capacity to stay calm under pressure are critical soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring the safe and successful operation of missions in the high-stakes environment of spaceflight control.

How to become a NASA flight controller?

To become a NASA flight controller, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or mathematics, along with relevant experience in aerospace or mission operations. Strong problem-solving skills, the ability to work under pressure, and familiarity with mission control software are essential; some roles may require advanced degrees or specialized training. Candidates often undergo NASA's training programs and obtain certifications related to mission operations.

What does a flight controller do at NASA?

A flight controller at NASA monitors and manages spacecraft and mission operations during spaceflights, ensuring safety and mission success. They use specialized software and communication tools to track spacecraft, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate team activities in real-time from mission control centers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Controller Nasa jobs in California?

The most popular types of Flight Controller Nasa jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Flight Controller Nasa jobs in California?

For Flight Controller Nasa jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Flight Controller Nasa jobs in California look for?

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Flight Controller Nasa jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Controller Nasa job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,932 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Sr. Mission Operations Engineer

Astrolab

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity's presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world-class team.   
The Sr. Mission Operations Engineer will perform the development, integration, testing, and execution of mission operations concepts for crewed and uncrewed lunar rover programs supporting exploration, science, and technology demonstration objectives on the Lunar surface.  
This role is responsible for defining operational architecture, developing mission procedures, coordinating with NASA and partner operation teams, leading simulation and training activities, supporting mission readiness, and executing real-time surface operations. The successful candidate will serve as a key interface between flight software, systems engineering, vehicle development, communications, science, and mission operations teams to ensure safe, efficient, and successful lunar surface missions.  
The ideal candidate brings a strong systems-thinking mindset, experience in flight operations or aerospace systems, and the ability to operate in high-tempo, mission-critical environments.
  • Lead development of a Mission Concept of Operations (ConOps)
  • Define operational strategies for lunar surface traverses, science activities, resource utilization missions, and contingency scenarios considering terrain, power availability, communications opportunities, thermal constraints, and mission objectives
  • Develop mission timelines, command plans, operational constraints, and decision support products
  • Establish operational requirements and provide operational input throughout vehicle design and development
  • Optimize rover utilization to maximize mission success and surface productivity
  • Develop surface exploration strategies for permanently shadowed regions, polar operations, and extended-duration missions
  • Serve in senior mission control positions during simulations and flight operations
  • Monitor health and performance using telemetry and engineering data 
  • Coordinate anomaly response and recovery efforts during mission execution
  • Support mission decision-making and operational risk assessments
  • Lead mission execution reviews and daily operational planning cycles
  • Lead development and execution of mission simulations and operational exercises
  • Develop crew, operator, and flight controller training materials
  • Support mission readiness reviews, operational acceptance testing, and certification activities
  • Support verification and validation of mission operations capabilities
Basic Qualifications 
  • Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) related field or 4 years of equivalent work experience
  • 8 years of professional experience in aerospace mission operations, spacecraft operations, robotics operations, or a related technical field  
  • Experience supporting flight missions, mission control centers, or other complex operational systems  
  • Experience developing operational procedures, mission timelines, and other mission documentation
Preferred Qualifications 
  • Experience with spacecraft, robotic systems, or other complex engineered systems  
  • Experience working in mission-critical or other fast-paced operational environments  
  • Experience creating or maintaining technical documentation, procedures, or operational products  
  • Experience supporting lunar or planetary surface operations, robotic missions, or autonomous vehicle operations  
  • Experience supporting NASA, commercial space, or international space exploration programs  
  • Experience with delay-tolerant operations or autonomous mission execution concepts  
  • Experience using mission planning, mission analysis, or flight operations software tools  
  • Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems, including power, thermal, command and data handling (C&DH), communications, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), and flight software  
  • Familiarity with NASA, DoD, NOAA, commercial spaceflight, or international space operations standards
  • Experience applying systems engineering principles to troubleshoot technical or operational issues  
  • Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal formats and collaborate with cross-functional teams
  • Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
  • Equity ownership in the company
  • Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Flexible PTO and parental leave
  • Home office set up reimbursement
  • Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
  • Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks

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