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Mission Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lunar Outpost, Inc.

Lead Mission Director

Arvada, CO · On-site

$187K - $235K/yr

The Lead LTV Mission Director is responsible for planning, preparation and execution of LTV missions and controlling all the activities of a multi-discipline, integrated team. The LTV Mission ...

Lunar-Outpost

Lead Mission Director

Golden, CO · On-site

$180 - $280/hr

We are seeking a Lead Mission Director to contribute to our mission in a dynamic startup environment. Responsibilities * Make real-time mission execution decisions during LTV ops portions of Artemis ...

Industrious Ventures

Lead Mission Director

Golden, CO · On-site

$130 - $170/hr

The Lead LTV Mission Director is responsible for planning, preparation and execution of LTV missions and controlling all the activities of a multi-displine, integrated team. The LTV Mission Director ...

Lunar Outpost

Lead Mission Director

Arvada, CO · On-site

Currently, we are seeking aLead Mission Director to contribute to our mission in a dynamic startup environment.TheLeadLTVMission Directoris responsible forplanning,preparationand execution of LTV ...

Lunar Outpost

Lead Mission Director

Arvada, CO · On-site

Currently, we are seeking aLead Mission Director to contribute to our mission in a dynamic startup environment.TheLeadLTVMission Directoris responsible forplanning,preparationand execution of LTV ...

Maxar

Mission Director (Secret Clearance)

Longmont, CO · On-site

$93K - $123K/yr

Vantor is seeking a Mission Director in Longmont, CO to lead mission execution within our 24/7 Mission Operations Center, supporting ground operations, flight operations, mission planning, and ...

New

Noblis

Watch Operator with Security Clearance

Lorton, VA · On-site

$18.25 - $22.50/hr

Train and qualify to serve as a backup Mission Director, developing familiarity with all NOC Mission Director responsibilities. * Brief operations staff and senior personnel on operational status ...

Noblis

Watch Operator

Lorton, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

Train and qualify to serve as a backup Mission Director, developing familiarity with all NOC Mission Director responsibilities. * Brief operations staff and senior personnel on operational status ...

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Mission Director information

What is the difference between Mission Director vs Program Manager?

AspectMission DirectorProgram Manager
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree, relevant experience, and sometimes security clearancesRequires a bachelor's degree, project management certifications (e.g., PMP), and experience
Work EnvironmentLeads large-scale projects, often in government or international agencies, overseeing multiple teamsManages specific projects within a program, coordinating teams and resources to meet objectives
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in government, defense, and international development sectorsUsed across various industries including IT, construction, and healthcare
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched by those interested in leadership roles overseeing mission-critical projectsCompared for managing specific projects within larger initiatives

While both roles involve leadership and project oversight, a Mission Director typically oversees large, mission-critical initiatives often in government or international sectors, whereas a Program Manager focuses on managing specific projects within a broader program across various industries.

How does a Mission Director typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project objectives are met?

A Mission Director works closely with cross-functional teams, such as engineering, operations, logistics, and communications, to align project goals and ensure seamless execution. This collaboration often involves leading regular coordination meetings, setting clear expectations, and facilitating open communication among team members. The Mission Director is responsible for integrating diverse perspectives, resolving conflicts, and making informed decisions that keep the mission on track. Effective teamwork and leadership are essential, as the Mission Director must ensure that all departments work together toward shared objectives.

How much does a Mission Director make?

A Mission Director's salary varies depending on the organization and location, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. Experienced Mission Directors with advanced certifications and leadership skills tend to earn higher salaries, especially in government or international agencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mission Director?

To thrive as a Mission Director, you need strong leadership abilities, strategic planning skills, and significant experience in program management, often supported by a relevant advanced degree. Familiarity with project management tools, budgeting software, and compliance systems is typically required, along with certifications such as PMP or equivalent. Exceptional communication, cross-cultural sensitivity, and decision-making skills help you build effective teams and foster stakeholder relationships. These competencies are crucial for ensuring mission success, operational efficiency, and the achievement of organizational objectives in complex environments.

What does a Mission Director do?

A Mission Director is responsible for overseeing and managing the planning, execution, and success of a specific mission or project, often within organizations such as space agencies, non-profits, or government programs. They coordinate teams, allocate resources, and make critical decisions to ensure the mission achieves its objectives. Mission Directors also serve as the primary point of contact between the mission team and senior leadership, providing updates and managing communication. Their role requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.
More about Mission Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Mission Director jobs? Cities with the most Mission Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Mission jobs? The most popular types of Mission jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Mission Director jobs? The top employers for Mission Director jobs are:
What states have the most Mission Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Mission Director jobs include:
Mission Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mission Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Lead Mission Director

Lunar Outpost, Inc.

Arvada, CO • On-site

$187K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Are you passionate about shaping the future of humanity's presence in space? Lunar Outpost, an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles, invites you to join our team! Lunar Outpost is dedicated to creating a permanent presence in space, while also driving positive impacts here on Earth. Currently, we are seeking a Lead Mission Director to contribute to our mission in a dynamic startup environment. The Lead LTV Mission Director is responsible for planning, preparation and execution of LTV missions and controlling all the activities of a multi-discipline, integrated team. The LTV Mission Director role is critical to the success of LTV missions. It requires leadership, extensive expertise in mission operations, and ability to manage risk in a high stress, real-time environment.
Take the #NextLeap with Lunar Outpost and work on the Pegasus LTV, which will carry NASA astronauts farther than they've ever been before on the lunar surface!
Key Responsibilities:
  • Make real-time mission execution decisions during the LTV ops portions of Artemis missions to manage vehicle and ground resources to ensure crew and vehicle safety and mission success in coordination with the NASA FOD Artemis Mission Director and other NASA personnel.
  • Lead a flight operations team and make decisions regarding the safety and success of human spaceflight missions with significant value levels of space hardware assets. Manage risk in building a mission and resolving issues pre-flight and real-time.
  • Lead cross-functional coordination as the primary Mission Operations POC between Systems Engineering, AI&T, and the Program Office to ensure seamless coordination and communication.
  • Develop and evaluate mission objectives according to programmatic guidelines and constraints.
  • Develop and execute Flight Plans according to programmatic mission requirements.
  • Develop and enforce Flight Rules to ensure crew and vehicle safety.
  • Lead development of Lunar Outpost mission plans through coordination with NASA Flight Operations Directorate (FOD) personnel, Lunar Outpost LTV IPTs, technical discipline experts, the NASA Astronaut Office, safety organizations, and other mission-specific stakeholders.
  • Determine and implement a course of action for contingency situations in the areas of crew and vehicle systems and ground systems to resolve malfunctions and restore the mission to a normal operational state.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree with a major in Engineering, Physical Science, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or other fields of physical science.
  • Candidates must have at least 15 years of experience in spaceflight mission operations. This experience should include technical leadership with knowledge of spacecraft design and operations, as well as demonstrated leadership involving the integration of preflight design/planning, development of integrated procedures/rules, preflight training, and real time mission execution.
  • Candidates must be able to work and lead in a collaborative environment with multi-disciplinary engineering and mission operations teams.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, leadership, teamwork, technical, and administrative skills are mandatory.
  • Position will periodically require working on nights, weekends, and holidays during active mission operations.
  • Candidates must be a U.S Person

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience as a certified Mission Director on a crewed and/or uncrewed spaceflight mission operations program
  • Experience performing duties such as leading design or technical operations, including aspects related to hardware, software, flight control, flight design, orbital mechanics, launch services, or ground support systems
  • Experience building coalitions and working with organizations and stakeholders
  • Ability to rapidly work with minimal supervision on projects involving both small and large teams
  • Ability to decompose a large, complicated problem into manageable pieces, understand such problems from different points of view, and explain issues and solutions to other engineers
  • Prior human spaceflight experience, preferably in leadership positions (flight/mission director, flight/increment lead for a given discipline, etc.)
  • Strong technical writing skills, including technical review and operations product development experience
  • Experience in testing across multiple spacecraft systems

Compensation & Benefits: Compensation level and base salary are competitively structured and thoughtfully determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, education, and the scope of the role.
  • Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits, with 70% of premiums covered by the employer
  • Paid time off: Three (3) weeks per year of vacation
  • Retirement plan: Up to 4% employer match on 401(k) contributions
  • Paid holidays: 11 company-recognized holidays
  • Parental leave
  • Educational reimbursement opportunities to support company objectives, continued learning, and career development

Lunar Outpost Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Lunar Outpost Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employees, including executives and human resources personnel, are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism and treat others with dignity and respect in accordance with this policy.

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