ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Mission Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Allen Control Systems

Mission Operations Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

As a Mission Operations Engineer, you will be at the center of how ACS technologies are applied across real-world missions. You'll plan and execute domestic and international events, provide critical ...

Anduril Industries

Mission Operations Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$74K - $100K/yr

ABOUT THE JOB The Mission Operations (MOPs) team is responsible for managing the execution, growth, and success of our customer accounts. Working across product, engineering, sales, and logistics ...

Anduril Industries

Mission Operations Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$74K - $100K/yr

ABOUT THE JOB The Mission Operations team is responsible for managing the execution, growth, and success of our client accounts. Working across product, engineering, sales, and logistics teams, our ...

Allen Control Systems

Mission Operations Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

As a Mission Operations Engineer, you will be at the center of how ACS technologies are applied across real-world missions. You'll plan and execute domestic and international events, provide critical ...

Stoke Space

Mission Operations Engineer

Cape Canaveral, FL · On-site

$129K - $193K/yr

Cape Canaveral We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Mission Operations Engineer with a focus on launch automation, vehicle systems, and launch day Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for our Nova ...

E-Space

Mission Operations Director

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$100K - $180K/yr

Lead the Mission Operations organization, encompassing spacecraft operations, GNC, autonomy, and ground system engineering. * Own the operational performance and health of the entire constellation ...

Turion Space

Senior Mission Operations Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

The Senior Mission Operations Engineer will be responsible for leading the development, integration, and execution of mission operations across the spacecraft lifecycle. This role serves as a primary ...

Turion Space

Senior Mission Operations Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

The Senior Mission Operations Engineer will be responsible for leading the development, integration, and execution of mission operations across the spacecraft lifecycle. This role serves as a primary ...

Anduril Industries

Mission Operations Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$74K - $100K/yr

ABOUT THE JOB The Mission Operations (MOPs) team is responsible for managing the execution, growth, and success of our customer accounts. Working across product, engineering, sales, and logistics ...

Entarian

Mission Operations Center Manager

Denver, CO · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Entarian is seeking an experienced Mission Operations Center Manager to assist in leading the execution of a complex space mission operations capability supporting DoD mission requirements. The ideal ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMission Operations Jobs

Mission Operations information

See salary details

$11

$19

$30

How much do mission operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for mission operations in the United States is $19.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In mission operations, senior roles such as mission directors, program managers, or specialized engineers can reach or exceed $300,000 annually, especially with experience, advanced certifications, and working for large organizations or government agencies. High-paying positions often require extensive expertise, leadership skills, and sometimes security clearances or advanced degrees.

What are Mission Operations?

Mission Operations refers to the planning, coordination, and execution of activities required to support and manage a mission, typically in aerospace, satellite, or space exploration contexts. Mission operations teams monitor systems, analyze data, and respond to anomalies to ensure the mission's objectives are achieved safely and efficiently. These professionals work closely with engineers, scientists, and project managers before, during, and after mission execution. Their work is critical to the success and longevity of complex missions, such as satellite deployments or interplanetary probes.

What does a mission operations engineer do?

A mission operations engineer is responsible for planning, monitoring, and controlling space missions to ensure successful satellite or spacecraft operations. They use specialized software and tools to track mission progress, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate with teams to execute mission plans. This role often requires knowledge of spacecraft systems, communication protocols, and adherence to safety and operational procedures.

What are some common challenges faced by Mission Operations teams, and how can new team members prepare for them?

Mission Operations teams often work in high-pressure environments where real-time decision-making is critical, especially during key mission phases such as launches or anomaly responses. New team members may find it challenging to adapt to the fast-paced nature and the need for precise communication among cross-functional teams. To prepare, it's helpful to familiarize yourself with mission protocols, simulation exercises, and the specific systems you'll be supporting. Building strong collaboration skills and learning from experienced colleagues can also make the transition smoother.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mission Operations Specialist, and why are they important?

To excel as a Mission Operations Specialist, you need a solid background in systems engineering, problem-solving, and a relevant STEM degree such as aerospace engineering or physics. Familiarity with mission control software, satellite communication systems, and certifications like ITAR compliance are commonly required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this field. These skills ensure safe, efficient operations and successful coordination of complex, high-stakes missions.

What are 5 careers in operations?

Careers in operations include roles such as operations manager, supply chain analyst, logistics coordinator, production supervisor, and quality assurance specialist. These positions involve managing processes, optimizing workflows, and ensuring efficiency within organizations, often requiring skills in project management and familiarity with operational tools. They are common across industries like manufacturing, logistics, and technology.

What is the highest paying space job?

In mission operations, senior roles such as Mission Director or Program Manager tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often certifications in project management or aerospace systems.

What is the difference between Mission Operations vs Mission Planning?

AspectMission OperationsMission Planning
Primary FocusExecuting and managing ongoing missions, ensuring operational successDesigning and preparing mission strategies and procedures
Required SkillsOperational management, real-time decision making, technical troubleshootingStrategic planning, technical analysis, coordination
Work EnvironmentMission control centers, field operationsDesign offices, planning meetings
CertificationsOften requires technical certifications, project managementRequires planning and technical certifications, project management

Mission Operations focuses on the execution and management of active missions, ensuring smooth operations. In contrast, Mission Planning involves designing mission strategies and preparing for upcoming missions. Both roles require technical expertise and often overlap in skills, but they serve different stages of the mission lifecycle.

More about Mission Operations jobs
What cities are hiring for Mission Operations jobs? Cities with the most Mission Operations job openings:
What states have the most Mission Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Mission Operations jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Mission Operations jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Mission Operations jobs are:
Mission Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mission Operations job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,222 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
Mission Operations Engineer

Mission Operations Engineer

Intuitive Machines LLC

Houston, TX • On-site

$59K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Mission Operations Engineer

Houston, TX

About Intuitive Machines

Intuitive Machines is an innovative and cutting-edge space company making cislunar space accessible to both public and private customers. Our mission is to further science and exploration, communications, and economic progress from the Earth to the Moon and beyond. With the first commercial lunar landing in history, multiple NASA lunar missions in development, and additional private missions on our manifest, we pride ourselves in supporting our customers and the nation in paving the way to return humans to the surface of the Moon. Our world-class team includes experts in all aspects of spacecraft subsystems design, development, and test, on-orbit operations, and safety.  

About the Position

We are seeking an engineer to provide cross functional support between our mission operations, ground stations, flight control, and communications/networking groups to aid real time operations for our upcoming IM3, IM4, and future missions. Ideal candidates will have previous experience in Mission Operations, Real-Time Flight Operations, Systems Engineering, Network Communications, RF Communications, or related disciplines.

Responsibilities

  • Monitor spacecraft bus telemetry, trends, and limits to ensure vehicle health and mission success
  • Coordinate closely with payload, power, thermal, avionics, and ground systems groups
  • Assist in anomaly response and resolution
  • Maintain operations product development for satellite and the operations knowledge base for satellite systems at IM
  • Participate in simulations and other training events
  • Provide matrixed support across IM programs as needed

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering and at a minimum 5-10 years of experience in spacecraft systems (satellites, human rated vehicles, etc.)
  • Strong working knowledge of spacecraft bus subsystems (power, thermal, avionics, etc.)
  • Ability to make technical decisions in potentially time-critical conditions
  • Strong leadership and communication skills
  • Excellent situational awareness and systems thinking
  • Ability to mentor and lead other console operators
  • Experience with documentation and collaboration tools such as Confluence, Jira, MS Office (MS PowerPoint, MS Word, MS Excel)
  • This role requires in-office presence in Houston, Texas

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of or exposure in one of the following technical disciplines is highly desired:
  • Real-time shift operations of technical systems such as satellite operations or equivalent
  • Familiarity with fault management systems, FDIR, and spacecraft autonomy
  • Familiarity with automation/artificial intelligence

EEO Statement

Intuitive Machines is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.