1

Mission Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vehicle & Mission Operations Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

You'll then carry that experience into Mission Operations, where you'll command vehicles from the moment they leave the pad through the earliest moments in orbit. As we scale our fleet, you'll become ...

Mission Operations & Automation Engineer

Irvine, CA

$74K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description As an Mission Operations & Automation Engineer, you will be in mission control for satellite operations, and ultimately responsible for the collection of all of the critical telemetry ...

Mission Operations Engineer, Python

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What you will do (Job Responsibilities) The Mission Operations team are experienced spacecraft operator. They are exceptional communicators, adept leaders, and a jack‑of‑all trades capable of ...

New

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 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:

Infographic showing various Mission Operations job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Mission Operations Engineer, EW

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA

$74K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,712 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE JOB

We are seeking an experienced Mission Operations Lead with prior training and experience in a relevant engineering field, to plan, organize, direct, and lead internal and external program activities. The Mission Operations Lead will lead day-to-day execution of EW business line initiatives and tasks - working with the Operations Lead to manage Field Events, product deployments, demonstrations, as well as with the customer, and the Deployment team to satisfy the technical objectives while meeting all of the contractual requirements.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Serve in a customer-facing capacity, working directly with the Department of War to develop and deploy Anduril integrated hardware-software products to meet customer and operational needs. Support the delivery of contract deliverables to include the developing and implementing of measures of performance and effectiveness, writing technical reports, and logistics plans.
  • Manage, unblock, and accelerate cross-team projects spanning multiple functional teams and cross-functional initiatives. Instill an efficient project management mindset and workflow across the teams.
  • Own the deployment of Anduril's EW capabilities at test and demonstration events. Work across our Test & Evaluation, Logistics, Growth, and Engineering teams to ensure that we are able to rapidly deliver real capability to users.
  • Work cross-functionally and across business lines to plan, execute, and supervise EW field events such as internal and customer facing test events, demonstrations, and customer deliveries.
  • Provide input to product and engineering teams to drive the development of product features and configurations that enhance or greatly improve the employment of Anduril EW products.
  • Support end-users in understanding and using our capabilities through the development of training content, integration into unit training schedules, and delivery of training.
  • Develop and contribute to a streamlined user feedback and engagement system, which include issue tracking, training sessions, refreshers, and focused preparation for large scale exercises and events.
  • Remove obstacles to drive clarity and progress, identify gaps in communication or schedule, manage issue escalations and provide support to teams balancing competing priorities, and drive results proactively.
  • Demonstrate high ownership on all pieces of work; become a trusted partner to Anduril's engineers.
  • Coordinate and execute frequent test events involving various levels of software and hardware, from full-software and hardware-in-the-loop simulations at Anduril HQ to flight test events and demonstrations at test sites.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Minimum of 6+ years experience as a Program Manager, Project Lead, Cross-Functional Team Leader.
  • Experience in leading the planning and execution of events.  
  • Experience translating and decomposing technical concepts into operational requirements and performance specifications.
  • Experience working in a rapidly iterating test environment with high levels of integration with software and hardware development teams.
  • Experience in project management and product deployment roles.
  • Operational experience with the development, employment, or integration of EW systems into operational plans.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.
  • Willing to travel up to 50%.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience and familiarity with software-defined radios
  • Experience with Counter UAS systems
  • Client management experience
  • Ability to work within organizations with minimal structure and with minimal direction
  • Prior military or government acquisition and/or government contracting experience
  • Experience with tools like JIRA and Confluence
  • Professional certifications such as PMP

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

Social media