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Mission Operations Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Spire

Systems Operations Engineer

Boulder, CO · Hybrid

As a Systems Operations Engineer at Spire, you will be responsible for ensuring that on-orbit ... Own the technical quality of mission operations during the on-orbit service period, ensuring ...

Spire Global

Systems Operations Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

Own the technical quality of mission operations during the on-orbit service period, ensuring ... Support SRE, Platform, and Customer Service leads in triaging constellation or satellite issues ...

New

Spire

Systems Operations Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

Own the technical quality of mission operations during the on-orbit service period, ensuring ... Support SRE, Platform, and Customer Service leads in triaging constellation or satellite issues ...

Spire

Systems Operations Engineer

Boulder, CO · Hybrid

Own the technical quality of mission operations during the on-orbit service period, ensuring ... Support SRE, Platform, and Customer Service leads in triaging constellation or satellite issues ...

IonQ

Satellite Operations Engineer

Louisville, CO · Hybrid

$110K - $145K/yr

In this role, you will own the full operational life-cycle: from designing mission operations and ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, or ...

JANUS Research Group

Operations Engineer

Aurora, CO

$70K - $86K/yr

JANUS Research Group is seeking an Operations Engineer at Buckley Space Force Base to support the ... Experience supporting computer hardware and mission systems in operational environments;

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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:

Backend Engineer - Mission Operations Services

Golden, CO

Loft Orbital Solutions
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Loft Orbital Solutionsexternal

$140K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Loft Orbital is looking for a Backend Engineer to join our Mission Operations Services (MOS) team. MOS owns the backend services that let Loft operators and customers command, monitor, and automate our satellite fleet through Cockpit, our mission control system. You'll help build and scale the microservices that sit between ground and flight software, turning high-level intent into safe, reliable on-orbit operations.
 
You'll work across multiple satellite platforms and collaborate closely with backend, flight software, embedded systems, test, and satellite operations teams. This is a hands-on engineering role where you'll both build new systems and help debug live missions. We also offer SatDevOps training, so you don't just write the tools - you actually use them to operate spacecraft.
 
If you're excited about building backend systems that directly control satellites - and you like the idea of both shipping code and helping fly missions - we'd love to hear from you.
About this Role
  • Design and build backend tools for operations: services that power passes, autopilots, activities, and daytoday satellite operations.
  • Handle commands and telemetry across multiple satellite buses and ground segment providers, with a strong focus on safety, robustness, and observability.
  • Write production backend code in Python, owning services endtoend from design and implementation through deployment and maintenance.
  • Collaborate with flight software, embedded software, integration and test, and space infrastructure teams to integrate new satellite buses and capabilities into Cockpit.
  • Support internal users of Cockpit (operators, test engineers, solutions engineers) by improving APIs, workflows, and debugging tools.
  • Have the opportunity to take part in spacecraft operations through SatDevOps rotations, occasionally helping investigate anomalies and supporting realtime incident response when needed.
Must Haves:
  • 4+ years of relevant backend software engineering experience in production environments
  • Solid Python development experience in a production environment.
  • Experience with Docker and containerbased development.
  • Handson experience with backend web development frameworks (e.g., Django, Flask, FastAPI, etc.).
  • Proven API design skills (designing, documenting, and maintaining HTTP/GraphQL/RESTstyle APIs).
Nice to Haves:
  • Experience with Django and/or GraphQL.
  • Strong database fundamentals and practical experience (e.g., Postgres, timeseries DBs).
  • Exposure to Kubernetes in production.
  • Familiarity with InfluxDB / TimescaleDB or other timeseries systems.
  • Background in missioncritical, distributed, or realtime systems (space or otherwise).
$140,000 - $190,000 a year
State law requires us to share the posted base compensation range for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The salary range is intentionally broad to account for differences in experience and scope, as well as geographic market variations in pay. We evaluate each candidate individually to ensure alignment between their background, the role's responsibilities, and local market benchmarks. Most importantly, we are excited to meet you, and see if you are a great fit for our team. What we can't quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy.
Who We Are: Founded in 2017, Loft provides governments, companies, and research institutions with a fast, reliable, and simple way to deploy missions in orbit.
 
We integrate, launch, and operate spacecraft, offering end-to-end missions as a service across Earth observation, IoT connectivity, on-orbit AI, national security missions, and more. Leveraging our existing space infrastructure and an extensive inventory of satellite buses, Loft is reducing years-long integration and launch timelines to months. With more than 30 missions flown, Loft's flight heritage and proven technologies enable customers to focus on their mission objectives.
 
With a growing fleet on track to reach 30 satellites by 2027, we are scaling up quickly across our offices in San Francisco, CA | Golden, CO | and Toulouse, France to meet accelerating demand for space infrastructure.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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