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Mission Operations Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Firefly Aerospace

WI · On-site

$63K - $86K/yr

Firefly Aerospace is seeking a Mission Operations Engineer III . We are scaling our operations for complex, multi-manifested missions to locations like the Lunar Far Side and South Pole. In this role ...

Vast

Senior Mission Operations Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$109K - $150K/yr

Vast is looking for a Senior Mission Operations Engineer reporting to the Senior Manager of Crew Operations & Training , to support the development of the systems required to enable and execute the ...

Sceye, Inc.

$51K - $69K/yr

Mission Operations Engineer - Ground Systems 22 days ago Requisition ID: 1097 Mission Operations Engineer - Ground Systems Status: Full Time, Exempt Reports to: Chief of Mission Operations Who Are We:

Firefly Aerospace

$63K - $86K/yr

Firefly Aerospace is seeking a Mission Operations Engineer II . We are scaling our operations for complex, multi-manifested missions to locations like the Lunar Far Side and South Pole. In this role ...

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How much do mission operations engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for mission operations engineer in the United States is $85,029.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $94,000.00 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.

What cities are hiring for Mission Operations Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Mission Operations Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Mission Operations Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Mission Operations Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Mission Operations Engineer jobs?

For Mission Operations Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Mission Operations Engineer III

Cedar Park, TX • On-site

Firefly Aerospace
See more jobs at Firefly Aerospaceexternal

$65K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Firefly Aerospace rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.
SUMMARY
Join the team that just landed on the Moon. Firefly Aerospace is seeking a Mission Operations Engineer III. We are scaling our operations for complex, multi-manifested missions to locations like the Lunar Far Side and South Pole.
In this role, you aren't just a flight controller; you are contributing to the entire operations ecosystem. You will own the operational framework of the lander ranging from architecting the Ground System to developing the Flight Operations Products (procedures, scripts, and processes) that make lunar landing possible. You will bridge the gap between spacecraft subsystem teams and real-time execution, leading the mission from the initial mission planning process through Mission Scenario Testing and Mission Simulations. If you want to own the mission from concept to console, this is your seat.
Ground Segment Domain
  • Own the end-to-end ground segment architecture and enterprise requirements (L0�L3), leading design trades and cross-team coordination for all Mission Operations Center capabilities and mission readiness.
  • Define the scope and requirements for mission-specific ground segment specifications, spanning civil, national security, customer-specific, security, and data domains.
  • Direct verification and validation campaigns from Site Acceptance Testing through Mission Scenario Testing, owning closure of internal and program requirements.
  • Own configuration control of the ground segment, the key management plan, and access management for all operators, including customers and mission partners.
  • Direct tasking and coordination across all contributing organizations (ground service providers, IT, cyber, flight dynamics, ground software, facilities, external customers).

Flight Operations Products Domain
  • Define the operational standards and frameworks across mission scenarios and vehicles, including procedure structure, automation philosophy, command authority models, and configuration management practices.
  • Deliver the Mission Operations Plan and own mission planning across pre- and post-launch phases.
  • Capture and disposition flight rules and the management of hazardous commands across the fleet.
  • Coordinate and manage of on-board command sequences and FDIR through the development cycle, partnering with systems engineering, to meet system requirements.
  • Lead cross-functional Working Groups, resolving complex technical conflicts and tradeoffs between spacecraft design and operational risk, and own the long-term roadmap for operations product development as missions evolve.

Simulations and Training Domain
  • Own the enterprise Mission Simulations Plan and the Training Plan, architecting the campaign of �Day-in-the-Life� (DITL) simulations and mission rehearsals across all mission phases.
  • Define requirements for ground simulator fidelity, integration, and validation; write and approve test plans and readiness criteria.
  • Direct cross-team coordination of simulation stakeholders and assets, including hardware-in-the-loop testbeds.
  • Lead the training and certification process for the Mission Operations and Flight Operations teams, assessing readiness and ensuring proficiency in nominal and off-nominal execution.

Mission Execution Console Operations
  • Maintain the operational discipline and command authority required to staff critical console roles, where you will be expected to execute the mission plan, manage high-pressure anomalies, and lead the team through long-duration shifts and rehearsals.

Required
  • Bachelors Degree in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline
  • Experience: 7 to 12+ years of professional aerospace experience with a focus on mission lifecycle.
  • Mission Record: Proven track record leading a major mission phase (e.g., Launch, Landing, or RPO) and/or managing a ground segment development campaign.
  • Technical Experience: Experience architecting frameworks for ground systems, script validation protocols, or full-scale simulation campaigns. Ability to define operational frameworks from high-level requirements to actionable, executed plans.
  • Software Experience: Strong proficiency in software for automating ground system tasks and mission-data processing.
  • Soft Skills: Highly effective communicator who bridges technical teams and executive stakeholders. Resolves complex technical debates and makes high-value decisions with minimal supervision. Runs major work campaigns while still executing technical work and clearly communicates resource needs with well-defined goals and tasking. Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers, lead by example regardless of title, and maintain high operational standards and team sustainability across a multi-mission fleet.

Desired
  • Experience as a Flight Director, Lead Mission Controller, or equivalent role.
  • Expertise in pre-launch system verification, Day-in-the-Life (DITL) testing, Mission Scenario Tests (MST), and sustained on-orbit operations governance.
  • Experience operating in CUI environments or designing workflows intended to scale into classified mission operations.
  • Active or previously held U.S. Government security clearance (Secret, TS, or TS/SCI).

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