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Mission Control Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Joby Aviation

Mission Control Center Lead

Concord, CA · On-site

As a Staff/Principal Mission Control Center (MCC) Lead, you will serve as the technical authority for the end-to-end architecture of our ground-based command and control ecosystem - the nervous ...

Astrolab

Sr. Mission Operations Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

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 ...

New

Astrolab

Sr. Mission Operations Engineer

Hawthorne, CA

$174K - $196K/yr

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 ...

New

Astrolab

Sr. Mission Operations Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$174K - $196K/yr

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 ...

Stratolaunch

Flight Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

Lead the mission control room team as a Test Conductor, or similar operational role, during experimental flight test of the Roc carrier aircraft and/or the Talon hypersonic vehicle testbeds. * Lead ...

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How much do mission control jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for mission control in California is $24.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $30.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What's a good job for overthinkers?

Mission Control roles often require strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage complex systems under pressure. Overthinkers may excel in such positions due to their analytical mindset, especially when working with data, software, or communication tools in a structured environment. These jobs typically involve planning, monitoring, and coordinating operations, making them suitable for individuals who prefer thorough analysis and careful decision-making.

What are mission control careers?

Mission control careers involve managing and monitoring space missions, satellite operations, or aerospace projects from a centralized control center. Roles typically require strong technical skills, knowledge of aerospace systems, and the ability to work under pressure in a team environment. Common positions include flight controllers, operations specialists, and mission planners, often requiring certifications and experience in engineering or related fields.

What are the most common challenges faced by Mission Control team members during critical operations?

Mission Control team members often face high-pressure situations where rapid decision-making and flawless communication are vital. One common challenge is managing unexpected anomalies or technical issues that can arise during a mission, requiring quick problem-solving while maintaining composure. Team members must collaborate closely with engineers, flight directors, and ground crew to coordinate responses and ensure mission objectives are met. Adapting to evolving scenarios and handling stress effectively are essential skills in this environment.

What are Mission Control jobs?

Mission Control jobs involve overseeing and coordinating complex operations, often in aerospace, space exploration, or other high-stakes environments. People in these roles monitor systems, communicate with teams, solve problems in real time, and ensure that missions are executed safely and efficiently. Mission Control professionals typically work with cutting-edge technology, collaborate closely with engineers and operators, and must be able to respond quickly to unexpected situations. These jobs require strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Mission Control role, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Mission Control role, you need expertise in systems engineering, operational procedures, and a relevant degree in aerospace, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with specialized mission control software, telemetry systems, and often NASA or ESA operational certifications is essential. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and clear communication skills are crucial for rapid decision-making and coordination under pressure. These skills ensure the safety and success of complex missions by enabling precise monitoring, coordination, and response to real-time events.

How to get a job in mission control?

To get a job in mission control, candidates typically need a background in engineering, computer science, or related fields, along with strong problem-solving and communication skills. Relevant experience with aerospace systems, satellite operations, or space mission protocols is often required, and certifications or training in mission operations can enhance prospects. Familiarity with mission control software and the ability to work in high-pressure environments are also important.

How do I get into mission control?

To become a mission control specialist, candidates typically need a background in engineering, science, or related fields, along with strong problem-solving and communication skills. Relevant experience with aerospace systems, familiarity with mission planning tools, and certifications such as FAA or NASA training can be beneficial. Entry often requires a combination of education, technical expertise, and security clearances depending on the organization.
What are the most commonly searched types of Mission Control jobs in California? The most popular types of Mission Control jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Mission Control jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Mission Control jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Mission Control jobs? Cities in California with the most Mission Control job openings:
Mission Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mission Control job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,160 per year, or $24.1 per hour.
Mission Control Center Lead

Mission Control Center Lead

Joby Aviation

Concord, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
Joby Flight Research designs, develops, and flight-tests novel aircraft using a software-first autonomy approach. We build and deploy autonomy, perception, planning, and radar systems across conventional, electric, and hydrogen-electric aircraft in both CTOL and VTOL configurations.
Overview
We are building the infrastructure that will safely operate the next generation of autonomous aircraft at scale. As a Staff/Principal Mission Control Center (MCC) Lead, you will serve as the technical authority for the end-to-end architecture of our ground-based command and control ecosystem - the nervous system that connects operators to autonomous aircraft in real time.
This is a deeply cross-functional, high-leverage role. You will define system architectures, drive FAA approval strategy, and solve the hardest problems in distributed autonomy: how do you reliably operate many aircraft with a small number of pilots while maintaining safety, regulatory compliance, and resilience to failure? You will work closely with avionics, software, operations, and regulatory teams, and your decisions will shape how our aircraft and ground systems interact for years to come.
Responsibilities
  • SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE & REDUNDANCY
    • Architect the end-to-end Mission Control Center system, including ground control stations, communication links, data infrastructure, and failover strategies.
    • Define and drive redundancy and fault-tolerance requirements across hardware, software, and network layers - from single points of failure to multi-region resilience.
    • Develop system-level models and safety analyses (FHA, FMEA, FTA) to validate that MCC architecture meets airworthiness and operational safety targets.
    • Establish performance and availability SLAs for the MCC platform and lead design reviews to enforce architectural standards.
    • Collaborate with avionics and vehicle teams to define the interface between aircraft and ground systems, including command latency, telemetry bandwidth, and degraded-mode behavior.

  • FAA REGULATORY APPROVALS
    • Lead MCC-related regulatory strategy and submissions, including working with the FAA on ground control station certification, BVLOS operational approvals, and DAA (Detect and Avoid) integration requirements.
    • Develop and maintain compliance documentation including Means of Compliance (MOC), System Safety Assessments, and Operational Safety Cases.
    • Serve as technical lead in interactions with the FAA or other regulatory bodies - translating between engineering reality and regulatory language.
    • Monitor evolving UAS rulemaking and proactively adjust MCC architecture and procedures to anticipate regulatory changes.

  • M:N PILOT OPERATIONS & HMI DESIGN
    • Define the conceptual and technical framework for m:n pilot operations - how a small number of remote pilots safely supervise a large fleet of autonomous aircraft simultaneously.
    • Drive requirements for Human-Machine Interface (HMI) design, including alert prioritization, workload management, and decision-support tooling.
    • Partner with human factors engineers and operations teams to validate that MCC interfaces meet cognitive load and situational awareness requirements.
    • Develop contingency frameworks for edge cases: communication loss, simultaneous off-nominal events, emergency handoffs, and operator incapacitation.
    • Define pilot certification and training requirements for MCC operators in coordination with the Director of Flight Operations.

  • CYBERSECURITY
    • Define MCC cybersecurity architecture aligned with NIST SP 800-82, DO-326A, and relevant aviation security standards.
    • Establish threat modeling practices for ground-to-air communication links, MCC infrastructure, and operator authentication systems.
    • Collaborate with the security team to implement intrusion detection, secure boot, and data integrity controls across MCC systems.
    • Ensure cybersecurity posture is integrated into FAA safety assessments and operational approval packages.

Required
  • 10+ years of experience in systems engineering, with at least 5 years in aviation, aerospace, UAV/UAS, or safety-critical embedded systems.
  • BS in Aerospace or related field
  • Deep expertise in system architecture and safety analysis methods (FHA, FMEA, FTA, STPA) for complex, distributed systems.
  • Direct experience with FAA certification processes - preferably including Part 135, Part 23/25, or UAS-specific approvals (BVLOS waivers, exemptions).
  • Demonstrated ability to author and own system safety assessments, compliance artifacts, and interface control documents.
  • Strong understanding of ground-to-air communication systems (C2 links, RF, satellite, LTE) and their availability/integrity tradeoffs.
  • Experience working across hardware, software, and operations disciplines; ability to drive alignment without direct authority.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication - able to engage regulators, executives, and engineers with equal effectiveness.

This position must meet US export control compliance requirements, therefore a candidate must qualify as a "US Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15. "US Person" includes US Citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees.
Desired
  • Experience designing or operating real-world UAS/UAM Mission Control Centers or ground control stations.
  • Familiarity with m:n remote piloting concepts, RPAS regulations (ICAO Annex 2/11), or Air Traffic Management integration.
  • Knowledge of aviation cybersecurity standards: DO-326A/ED-202A, DO-356A/ED-203A, NIST 800-82.
  • Background in human factors engineering or HMI design for aviation or other safety-critical domains.
  • Experience with DAA systems, UTM/USS integration, or BVLOS operations.
  • FAA commercial or remote pilot certificate is a plus.

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $198,100 - $309,000/yr. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.
Additional Information
Joby Aviation is an equal opportunity employer.

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