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Mission Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mission Operations plays a key role in translating product capabilities into successful outcomes for our customers, serving as a bridge between engineering, product, and the field. This is a hands-on ...

Mission Operations Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

About the Role We are seeking an experienced and motivated Mission Operations Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will own all aspects of operating our satellites-covering mission planning ...

Mission Operations Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$59.70K - $80.80K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

Mission Operations Engineer

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$68.90K - $93.20K/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 ...

Mission Operations Engineer

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$68.90K - $93.20K/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 ...

Mission Operations Engineer

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$68.90K - $93.20K/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 ...

Mission Operations, Imaging

Waltham, MA ยท On-site

$75K - $101.40K/yr

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

Mission Operations Engineer

Cape Canaveral, FL ยท On-site

$129.15K - $193.62K/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 ...

Who We're Looking For The Mission Operations Engineer role ensures the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of spacecraft, payloads, and supporting ground systems throughout all mission phases.

Senior Mission Operations Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท 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 ...

Mission Operations Director

Saratoga, CA ยท 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 ...

Senior Mission Operations Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท 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 ...

Mission Operations Engineer

Saratoga, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

The Mission Operations Engineer will lead the testing effort for the Mission Ops program working onsite in our Saratoga, CA office location. The ideal candidate has experience as an individual ...

Mission Operations Engineer

Saratoga, CA ยท On-site

$76.60K - $103.70K/yr

The Mission Operations Engineer will lead the testing effort for the Mission Ops program working onsite in our Saratoga, CA office location. The ideal candidate has experience as an individual ...

Mission Operations Engineer

Saratoga, CA ยท On-site

$76.60K - $103.70K/yr

The Mission Operations Engineer will lead the testing effort for the Mission Ops program working onsite in our Saratoga, CA office location. The ideal candidate has experience as an individual ...

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Mission Operations information

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How much do mission operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 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 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 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Mission Operations job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,222 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Mission Operations

Valinor Enterprises

Fort Worth, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Valinor is a new type of defense and government tech company focused on solving the problems others don't. Our unique model of centralized go-to-market and decentralized engineering allows us to move with unparalleled efficiency to identify unmet needs, build right-sized solutions, and get products where they matter most - in the hands of users. Unlike others in the space, who focus on the flashy problems, Valinor exists to solve the quiet, unaddressed problems-the small but significant ones that lead to cracks in the country's strength, stability, and security.
Backed by General Catalyst, Founders Fund, and Friends & Family Capital, Valinor was founded in 2024 and has established strategic partnerships with Palantir, Anduril, and Helsing. We are building the dream team, and we want you on it.
About The Role
Valinor Harbor is seeking a team member focused on Mission Operations. This individual will help ensure the success of our product deployments and customer missions.You'll work closely with customers and internal teams to support deployments in real-world environments, troubleshoot issues as they arise, and ensure our products perform reliably in mission-critical settings.
Mission Operations plays a key role in translating product capabilities into successful outcomes for our customers, serving as a bridge between engineering, product, and the field. This is a hands-on role for people who thrive in dynamic environments, take ownership of outcomes, and are motivated by seeing technology succeed where it matters most.
What You'll Do
  • Serve in a customer-facing capacity to deploy Harbor's integrated hardware-software products
  • Own the deployment of Harbor products at test and demonstration events, from pre-engagement planning through execution and post-event debrief
  • Design and implement user feedback loops to gather, triage, and prioritize requirements, feedback, issues, and challenges identified during product use
  • Work with internal and external stakeholders to drive development of product features and configurations that improve real-world deployment
  • Develop and contribute to a streamlined user feedback and engagement system, including issue tracking, training sessions, and operational preparation
  • Be the first to respond when things go wrong, taking ownership of issues and driving resolution even outside your immediate area of expertise
  • Think creatively, work collaboratively, and go above and beyond to get the job done
What We're Looking For
  • Preferred experience: 4+ years of military or military medical experience (prehospital or in hospital) with the U.S. government
  • Experience translating and decomposing technical concepts into operational requirements and performance specifications
  • Experience in project management and product deployment roles, with a proven track record of developing effective and collaborative relationships with customers
  • Meticulous attention to detail, including maintaining accurate records and diligently tracking key project metrics
  • Extraordinary judgment and composure in high-pressure situations, with a demonstrated ability to problem-solve in the moment and drive toward solutions under ambiguity
  • Exposure to or demonstrated interest in business development, including customer capture and relationship building
  • Technically curious, with the ability to rapidly develop working knowledge of both mechanical and software systems and architectures
  • Willing to travel 50-75% of the time
What Valinor Offers
  • Competitive salary, equity packages, and benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance - fully covered for employees, 401K, development stipends, among others.
  • Unlimited PTO and two-week company holiday at the end of every calendar year.
  • We are a pro-mental health and pro-family company - we actually encourage employees to spend time with themselves and their families. Valinor also provides fertility benefits to those just beginning that journey.
  • Fun work environment - we like to laugh and take care of each other, but we also deeply respect the mission in front of us.

This role requires the candidate to be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance
Valinor is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Valinor team is made up of incredibly talented and unique individuals, who together are disrupting industry norms by creating new paths towards the future of defense and government technology. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you are someone passionate about working on problems that have a real-world impact, we'd love to hear from you!