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Mission Operations Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Mission Operations Engineer information

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$25.4K

$87.5K

$139K

How much do mission operations engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for mission operations engineer in California is $87,545.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,100.00 and $96,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mission operations engineer?

A Mission Operations Engineer is a professional responsible for planning, executing, and monitoring the operational aspects of space missions, satellites, or other aerospace projects. They ensure that mission procedures are followed, troubleshoot anomalies, and coordinate with various teams to maintain the health and safety of spacecraft. Their role often involves real-time monitoring, data analysis, and the development of operational protocols. Mission Operations Engineers play a critical role in ensuring the success and longevity of space missions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mission operations engineer?

To thrive as a Mission Operations Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, computer science, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree and experience with satellite or spacecraft operations. Familiarity with mission control software, telemetry systems, and industry-standard tools such as MATLAB, STK, or scripting languages is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are crucial for coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and responding to real-time mission events. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and successful operation of complex space missions under dynamic and high-stakes conditions.

What are some common challenges mission operations engineers face when supporting live space missions?

Mission Operations Engineers often encounter challenges such as responding quickly to unexpected spacecraft anomalies, troubleshooting complex technical issues under tight time constraints, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams across different time zones. Maintaining situational awareness during high-pressure mission phases, such as critical maneuvers or data downlinks, is essential. This role requires strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication to ensure mission objectives are met and spacecraft health is maintained.

What is the difference between Mission Operations Engineer vs Satellite Operations Engineer?

AspectMission Operations EngineerSatellite Operations Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in engineering, physics, or related field; certifications varyBachelor's in engineering, physics, or related field; satellite-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentMission control centers, ground stations, space agenciesSatellite control centers, ground stations, aerospace companies
Employer & IndustryNASA, SpaceX, aerospace firmsSatellite service providers, defense contractors
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both roles involve ground operations and technical expertise in space systems. Mission Operations Engineers focus on overall mission success, including spacecraft and payload management, while Satellite Operations Engineers specialize in maintaining and controlling satellite systems. The roles often overlap in skills and work environments, but their specific focus areas differ within the space industry.

Vehicle & Mission Operations Engineer

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

K2 Space
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about K2 Spaceexternal

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by over $1 billion in total funding from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, ICONIQ, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, and T. Rowe Price - and with over $1 billion in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers, we're mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.
The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and tomorrow's massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.
With multiple launches in 2027 and plans to scale to 100 satellites a year, we're Building Bigger - helping develop the solar system and build toward a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a high-growth Series D-funded company, we'd love for you to apply.
The Role
From your very first day, you'll be hands-on with real spacecraft - leading integrated test campaigns, mastering the satellite bus, and working with world-class RE teams to validate system health. You'll then carry that experience into Mission Operations, where you'll command vehicles from the moment they leave the pad through the earliest moments in orbit. As we scale our fleet, you'll become an architect of on-orbit operations: designing the playbooks, tools, and systems needed to fly dozens, then hundreds, of satellites. This role is your chance to directly shape how we operate an entire space constellation.
Responsibilities
  • Author test procedures (manual and automated) used to confirm spacecraft hardware and software flight worthiness
  • Lead high-visibility integration campaigns for development and flight hardware
  • Operate spacecraft (interpret telemetry, send commands) during system tests at the factory, test facilities, launch sites, and during pre-launch operations
  • Serve as a key operator during on-orbit operations, responsible for real-time decision-making and coordination
  • Interface with customers to scope testing performed on their payloads, based on expected functions and failure modes of interest
  • Identify and elevate off-nominal conditions during test, and drive issues to resolution by engaging with the wider engineering team
  • Clearly communicate status, needs, and risks to the entire K2 Space team (and payload providers) during high-intensity test operations
  • Assess risks associated with different integration and test approaches, and clearly communicate mitigations and trade-offs

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical, aerospace, mechanical, computer, or other relevant engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience in an integration/test/automation engineering role (includes internships and design/build/compete extracurricular projects)
  • Competency with analog and digital circuits, sensors/instrumentation, and software
  • Familiarity with basic RF, fluids, statics and mechanics, and data acquisition systems

Nice to Have
  • Experience testing and troubleshooting spacecraft and their related components and systems, including subsystem checkouts and system acceptance testing
  • Familiarity with mission operations concepts such as LEOP, telemetry, commanding, fault protection, and anomaly resolution
  • Experience working in a clean room and with ESD-sensitive equipment
  • Experience operating vehicles in a mission or production setting
  • Hands-on experience with HITL or Flatsat software verification testbeds
  • Proficient in Python and/or Rust
  • Experience with Linux systems
  • Excellent conflict resolution and negotiation skills

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $150,000 + equity in the company
  • Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks

If you don't meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged! If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.
If you don't meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!
If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.
Export Compliance
As defined in the ITAR, "U.S. Persons" include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a "U.S. Person."
The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.
Equal Opportunity
K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
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About K2 Space

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2022

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