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Mission Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apex

Mission Operations Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

About the Role We are seeking an experienced and motivated Mission Operations Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will own all aspects of operating our satellites-covering mission planning ...

Anduril Industries

Mission Operations Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$74K - $100K/yr

ABOUT THE JOB The Mission Operations (MOPs) team is responsible for managing the execution, growth, and success of our customer accounts. Working across product, engineering, sales, and logistics ...

Anduril Industries

Mission Operations Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$74K - $100K/yr

ABOUT THE JOB The Mission Operations team is responsible for managing the execution, growth, and success of our client accounts. Working across product, engineering, sales, and logistics teams, our ...

E-Space

Mission Operations Director

Saratoga, CA

$100K - $180K/yr

Lead the Mission Operations organization, encompassing spacecraft operations, GNC, autonomy, and ground system engineering. * Own the operational performance and health of the entire constellation ...

Anduril Industries

Mission Operations Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$74K - $100K/yr

ABOUT THE JOB The Mission Operations (MOPs) team is responsible for managing the execution, growth, and success of our customer accounts. Working across product, engineering, sales, and logistics ...

Turion Space

Senior Mission Operations Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

The Senior Mission Operations Engineer will be responsible for leading the development, integration, and execution of mission operations across the spacecraft lifecycle. This role serves as a primary ...

E-Space

Mission Operations Director

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$100K - $180K/yr

Lead the Mission Operations organization, encompassing spacecraft operations, GNC, autonomy, and ground system engineering. * Own the operational performance and health of the entire constellation ...

Turion Space

Senior Mission Operations Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

The Senior Mission Operations Engineer will be responsible for leading the development, integration, and execution of mission operations across the spacecraft lifecycle. This role serves as a primary ...

E-Space

Mission Operations Director

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$100K - $180K/yr

Lead the Mission Operations organization, encompassing spacecraft operations, GNC, autonomy, and ground system engineering. * Own the operational performance and health of the entire constellation ...

Astrolab

Sr. Mission Operations Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$174K - $196K/yr

Sr. Mission Operations Engineer Department: Mission Systems Employment Type: Full Time Location: Hawthorne, California Reporting To: George Motter Compensation: $174,000 - $196,000 / year Description ...

E-Space

Mission Operations Engineer

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$76K - $103K/yr

The Mission Operations Engineer will lead the testing effort for the Mission Ops program, ensuring product requirements are met and overseeing the testing processes for satellite systems.

Astrolab

Sr. Mission Operations Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

The Sr. Mission Operations Engineer will perform the development, integration, testing, and execution of mission operations concepts for crewed and uncrewed lunar rover programs supporting ...

New

Astrolab

Sr. Mission Operations Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$174K - $196K/yr

The Sr. Mission Operations Engineer will perform the development, integration, testing, and execution of mission operations concepts for crewed and uncrewed lunar rover programs supporting ...

New

E-Space

Mission Operations Engineer

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$76K - $103K/yr

The Mission Operations Engineer will lead the testing effort for the Mission Ops program, ensuring product requirements are met and overseeing the testing and integration processes. Responsibilities ...

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Mission Operations information

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In mission operations, senior roles such as mission directors, program managers, or specialized engineers can reach or exceed $300,000 annually, especially with experience, advanced certifications, and working for large organizations or government agencies. High-paying positions often require extensive expertise, leadership skills, and sometimes security clearances or advanced degrees.

What are 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 does a mission operations engineer do?

A mission operations engineer is responsible for planning, monitoring, and controlling space missions to ensure successful satellite or spacecraft operations. They use specialized software and tools to track mission progress, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate with teams to execute mission plans. This role often requires knowledge of spacecraft systems, communication protocols, and adherence to safety and operational procedures.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mission Operations Specialist, and why are they important?

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 5 careers in operations?

Careers in operations include roles such as operations manager, supply chain analyst, logistics coordinator, production supervisor, and quality assurance specialist. These positions involve managing processes, optimizing workflows, and ensuring efficiency within organizations, often requiring skills in project management and familiarity with operational tools. They are common across industries like manufacturing, logistics, and technology.

What is the highest paying space job?

In mission operations, senior roles such as Mission Director or Program Manager tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often certifications in project management or aerospace systems.

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 are popular job titles related to Mission Operations jobs in California? For Mission Operations jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mission Operations jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Mission Operations jobs in California are:
Mission Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mission Operations job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Mission Operations Engineer

Mission Operations Engineer

Apex

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.
For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.
Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.
We'd love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Mission Operations Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will own all aspects of operating our satellites-covering mission planning, onboard and ground-based automation, fault protection, anomaly response, and long-term mission success. You will work closely with both internal engineering teams and external customers to adapt our productized approach to each mission's needs, while helping shape our processes, products, and spacecraft designs. This role requires strong technical depth in spacecraft systems and mission operations, as well as the ability to lead critical responses under pressure.
Responsibilities:
  • Develop, validate, and execute mission plans and operations products for flight vehicles.
  • Own the roadmap, processes, and operations products for one of Apex's satellite bus lines.
  • Lead spacecraft commissioning during launch and early operations.
  • Operate and monitor satellites in real time, including anomaly detection, safing, and recovery.
  • Drive fault protection strategies and automation for both onboard and ground systems.
  • Analyze telemetry and mission data to assess spacecraft health, performance, and outcomes.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to resolve anomalies and improve system reliability.
  • Standardize mission operations practices across spacecraft programs.
  • Serve as a technical resource and mentor for junior engineers.

Requirements:
  • U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
  • 3+ years of direct mission operations experience, including mission planning, commissioning, and anomaly resolution
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or Rust
  • Experience with software integration, testing, and validation for real-time and distributed systems
  • Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems (propulsion, avionics, communications, etc.)
  • Experience with telemetry data analysis, automation, and mission operations software
  • Knowledge of satellite operations software (e.g., STK, GMAT, or similar)
  • Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills under pressure
  • Strong communication, teamwork, and customer-facing abilities

#LI-HC1
Why Join Apex?
Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We're a fast-growing startup that has raised more than $500M in funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.
What We Offer For Full-time Employees:
  • Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create
  • Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost
  • Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
  • Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%
  • 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
  • Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day
  • Vibrant community: Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for you and your family
  • Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self
  • World-class Playa Vista office with the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life
  • Real impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference

Ready to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let's build something extraordinary together.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, 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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