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Mission Operations Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Mission Operations Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$23.2K

$80.1K

$127.2K

How much do mission operations engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for mission operations engineer in Colorado is $80,085.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,000.00 and $87,800.00 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.

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Mission Operations Engineer jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Mission Operations Engineer job openings:

Lead Operations Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO

True Anomaly
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about True Anomalyexternal

$150K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Own all Mission Operations deliverables for the satellite program from proposal through live operations and disposal.

  • Serve as the integrating generalist engineer across subsystem teams to develop a coherent, operable spacecraft and mission.

  • Define, scope, and task the Operations team's work, build the plan, and lead a small team of engineers to execute it.

Job description

YOUR MISSION 

We're looking for a Lead Operations Engineer to own the Mission Operations organization's contributions to a spacecraft program end to end - from early business development and proposals, through concept of operations (CONOPS) development and assembly, integration & test (AI&T), into live on-orbit operations and disposal.

On our programs, the Operations team is the connective tissue of the engineering effort. You'll act as the generalist systems engineer who integrates the deep expertise of our specialist subsystem teams - GNC, flight software, FDIR, propulsion, thermal, ground systems, RF, avionics, and electrical - into a coherent, operable spacecraft and mission. You'll define the work your team needs to do across the program lifecycle, task it out, lead a small team of engineers in executing it, and be accountable for getting it done.

This is a technical leadership role first and foremost. On-orbit operations experience is welcome, but what matters most is exceptional engineering fundamentals and genuine technical depth across a broad range of spacecraft subsystems and mission concepts. If you're the engineer other engineers come to when a problem spans three subsystems and nobody's sure where it lives, we want to talk to you.

 RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Own all Mission Operations deliverables for a given satellite program - from BD/proposal phase, through CONOPS development and AI&T, into live operations and disposal.
  • Serve as the integrating generalist engineer across subsystem teams (GNC, FSW, FDIR, propulsion, thermal, ground, RF, avionics, EE), tying specialist work into a unified, operable mission design.
  • Define, scope, and task the Operations team's work for the program - build the plan and drive execution.
  • Lead and mentor a small, multidisciplinary team of ~4-5 engineers.
  • Contribute engineering and operational content to business development proposals.
  • Develop and mature CONOPS from early concept through operations.
  • Support AI&T as a systems-level generalist, and lead anomaly investigation and resolution across the program.
  • Represent Operations in cross-functional design reviews and program milestones.
  • Support critical mission phases (launch, early orbit, RPO events) as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (aerospace/astronautical preferred).
  • Roughly 10+ years of experience in the space industry, or equivalent depth.
  • Strong engineering fundamentals with demonstrated technical depth across multiple spacecraft subsystems.
  • Experience leading small, cross-functional teams of engineers spanning multiple disciplines.
  • Able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
  • Willing to work on-site in Colorado Springs or Denver.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Master's degree in a related discipline.
  • Experience with missile defense
  • Experience across the full satellite program lifecycle - BD/proposals, CONOPS development, AI&T, and live operations.
  • In-depth knowledge of spacecraft subsystems, especially GNC and flight software (FSW).
  • Experience with relative navigation, rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), and closed-loop target tracking and maneuvering.
  • Familiarity with Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence).
  • Proficiency in one or more programming languages and comfort with basic scripting.
  • Experience supporting USSF and/or Intelligence Community space defense missions (space control / orbital warfare).
  • Experience with Space Domain Awareness (SDA) mission systems, sensors, or operations.
  • Familiarity with missile defense architectures and operations.
  • Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance.

COMPENSATION

  • Colorado Base Salary: $150,000 - $250,000
  • Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave 

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Work Location-This is an onsite position, we are seeking candidates based near Colorado Springs, CO or Denver, CO.
  • Work Schedule-flexibility to support 24/7 mission operations, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability during mission-critical events and anomaly response.
  • Work environment-the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
  • Physical demands-the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below.
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