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Mission Operations Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

E&L provides integrated capabilities across logistics and sustainment, mission operations, engineering services, readiness and modernization programs, scientific research support, and exploration ...

E&L provides integrated capabilities across logistics and sustainment, mission operations, engineering services, readiness and modernization programs, scientific research support, and exploration ...

E&L provides integrated capabilities across logistics and sustainment, mission operations, engineering services, readiness and modernization programs, scientific research support, and exploration ...

E&L provides integrated capabilities across logistics and sustainment, mission operations, engineering services, readiness and modernization programs, scientific research support, and exploration ...

E&L provides integrated capabilities across logistics and sustainment, mission operations, engineering services, readiness and modernization programs, scientific research support, and exploration ...

E&L provides integrated capabilities across logistics and sustainment, mission operations, engineering services, readiness and modernization programs, scientific research support, and exploration ...

E&L provides integrated capabilities across logistics and sustainment, mission operations, engineering services, readiness and modernization programs, scientific research support, and exploration ...

Showing results 41-60

Mission Operations information

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

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 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.

What job categories do people searching Mission Operations jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Mission Operations jobs in Arizona are:

Infographic showing various Mission Operations job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Systems Engineer - Level 2 or 3

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Gilbert, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: NoDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman's Space Systems Sector is seeking a Systems Engineer - Level 2 and Level 3 to join our team in Gilbert, Arizona.
Successful candidates for this position will work as a System Engineer/ Principal System Engineer on a national security space program. Spacecraft Space Systems Engineers are key members of a cross-disciplinary team helping drive the design, development, integration & test, launch, and on-orbit operations of space vehicles. As a Spacecraft Space Systems Engineer, you will have unique opportunities to witness and take part in the entire engineering lifecycle culminating in the on-orbit delivery of fully mission capable space vehicles to our customers!
This Systems Engineer/Principal Systems Engineering position is for an individual-contributor within a multi-disciplinary engineering team. Responsibilities include design, integration, development and testing of space payloads, spacecraft buses, and satellites. Come join our team and help us keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Job Responsibilities:
Perform requirements development, allocation, verification/validation planning and manage interface definition efforts.
Write complex specifications, interface control documents, and engineering reports.
Support interface/communication with program, functional and subsystem leads.
Assist with trade studies, system sensitivity studies, design optimization studies, system performance assessments, mission analysis and timelines, and CONOPS development.
Support execution activities including engineering review board and configuration control board
Prepare review/briefing material for working group meetings, reviews and program status
Provide on-floor support of integration, testing, and operational readiness of spacecraft and payloads.
Other tasks may include electrical harness interface design, integration and test development and support, mechanical systems support, Command & Telemetry database development, and space vehicle configuration modeling.
Ability to capture core concepts and instructional needs from a large amount of technical data (ground and space hardware) and communicate technical concepts to peers
Basic Qualifications:
Systems Engineer - Level 2 - Bachelor's degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline with 2+ years of engineering experience OR
-Master's degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline
Systems Engineer - Level 3
Bachelor's degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline with 5+ years of engineering experience OR
-Master's degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline with 3 years of experience or PhD in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineer, Math) with 1 year of experience.
Self-starter with strong technical problem-solving skills, an aptitude for understanding system and subsystem interactions and initiative to drive product development to closure
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Previous engineering experience, preferably on space programs or satellite operations
Understanding of Systems Engineering functions
Must have active or current U.S. Government Secret Clearance at time of application.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in space systems, spacecraft design, or mission operations
Experience in requirements development, decomposition and allocation
Understanding of spacecraft/space system integration & test, launch, and/or mission operations
Experience in requirements management, system architecture, and CONOPs development
Experience with various technical tools such as MATLAB, STK, CORE, DOORS, or CAMEO
Experience in any of the following areas is also desired: orbital mechanics, orbital debris modeling, spacecraft attitude control, power systems and modeling, avionics or digital electronics design, risk analysis, optics, communications, thermal design and analysis, or spacecraft integration and testing (either at the spacecraft or payload level)
Active or current TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance with SCI/SBBI.
Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space.
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site: Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for:
-Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
-401k
-Educational Assistance
-Life Insurance
-Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
-Paid Time Off
-Health & Wellness Resources
-Employee Discounts
-Flexible Schedules: for example, the ability to work a 9/80 work schedule, which allows an employee to work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday and take every other Friday off of work.
Primary Level Salary Range: $79,300.00 - $118,900.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939