ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Mission Control Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Jsx

Quick Upgrade Captain

Burbank, CA

$259/day

Maintain real-time communication with Mission Control (Dispatch), Ground Operations, ATC, and your Flight Attendant. * Serve as the secondary voice to the Captain in decision-making, ready to act ...

Xona

Sr. Full Stack Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

They are seeking a Sr. Full-Stack Engineer to design and build mission control software that supports spacecraft operations and telemetry monitoring, directly contributing to the management of a ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsMission Control JobsMission Control Jobs in California

Mission Control information

See California salary details

$12

$24

$38

How much do mission control jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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 is a mission control?

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 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 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Mission Control jobs in California?

For Mission Control jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,160 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Staff Systems Test Engineer - Test Director

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Palmdale, CA

$161K - $241K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 540 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Staff Systems Test Engineer - Test Director to join the team of qualified individuals. Position will be in Edwards AFB, CA or Palmdale, CA.

The System Test IPT is seeking a Staff System Test Engineer to serve as a Test Director for the Flight Test Department. The Test Director supervises the execution of test missions, with a primary focus on safety, execution efficiency, standards, and test discipline. The Test Director ensures mission preparation is completed in accordance with local procedures, oversees the scheduling of resources and assets, and coordinates with all engineering disciplines and external agencies to ensure successful test execution. The Test Director safeguards sensitive and critical test information and adheres to the relevant Security Classification Guide. The Test Director has the authority to terminate the test event if the technical validity of the test is in question or safety jeopardized. Finally, the Test Director also helps to develop and review flight test plans and safety plans.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Brief pre- and post-event meetings
  • Supports test readiness reviews
  • Provides mission control room support and makes real-time decisions regarding safety, security, effectiveness, and efficiency.
  • Supports simulations
  • Conducts and contributes to pre and post-test data analyses to support anomaly identification and resolution.
  • Instructs other test directors, experience permitting
  • Brief upper management on event outcomes and planning

This position requires outstanding written and oral communications skills. Individuals must be able to work without appreciable direction to develop solutions to complex problems; must be able to work both within a team environment and independently; must be self-motivated, thorough, and detailed; and must be willing to learn additional engineering discipline areas.

Position requires willingness to accept changing and evolving roles & responsibilities in support of customers' requirements and need.

We offer flexible work arrangements, 4/10 work schedule with every Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 12 years of related professional/military experience OR a Master's degree AND 10 years of related professional/military experience OR a Ph.D. AND 8 years of related professional/military experience.
  • Must have an active US Government Top Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
  • Maturity and professionalism to lead the execution of flight test missions, briefings and oversee team of test control and discipline engineers in Mission Control Room.
  • Effectively function and make decisions in dynamic, high-pressure environments
  • Mission control experience
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office
  • Ability to work odd shifts, weekends and/or overtime.
  • Work well in a team environment as well as independently.
  • Ability to adhere to rules and regulations, and willingness to help change rules and regulations as applicable.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • FAA pilot rating
  • Military operations experience
  • Previous experience as aircrew member (Pilot, EWO, NAV, etc.)
  • Advanced Flight Test Operations and Control Room experience
  • Developmental Test and Operational Test operations experience.
  • Previous qualification as a Test Conductor/Director
  • Test Pilot School Graduate
Primary Level Salary Range: $161,000.00 - $241,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

View All Northrop Grumman Jobs

Apply