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Mission Operations Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Satellite Operations Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

You will be responsible for mission planning, mission operations software architecture, constellation management, and flight dynamics as we grow from initial launch to a fully operational service.

Satellite Operations Engineer

Dulles, VA

$68K - $93K/yr

You will be responsible for mission planning, mission operations software architecture, constellation management, and flight dynamics as we grow from initial launch to a fully operational service.

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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 Virginia? For Mission Operations jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mission Operations jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Mission Operations jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Mission Operations job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.
Chief of Mission Operations

Chief of Mission Operations

Booz Allen Hamilton

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$99 - $225/hr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Booz Allen Hamilton rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 58 rated business consultants


Job description

Overview

Your growth matters to us - explore our career development opportunities.

Are you driven by the challenge of building highly reliable, scalable systems that support critical missions? Do you thrive at the intersection of strategy, leadership, and technical execution? Join us as the Chief of Mission Operations and shape the operational backbone that keeps our organization performing at its best.

As the Chief of Mission Operations, you’ll lead day‑to‑day execution while championing transformative improvements across our operational landscape. You will guide and elevate the Lead Site Reliability Engineer and Operations team, ensuring resilience, efficiency, and exceptional service availability across our platform. You will also be the strategic force behind predictive analytics initiatives, outage readiness planning, and the operational rigor required for major mission events. In this role, you’ll collaborate with technical and business leaders, serve as a trusted partner to external stakeholders, and drive a culture of accountability, learning, and high performance.

What You\'ll Work On:

  • Direct leadership of site reliability and operations teams to ensure high‑quality service delivery and strong operational performance.
  • Strategic oversight of incident management, change management, system capacity planning, and operational readiness.
  • Executive‑level reporting on performance, risks, and mission‑critical improvement initiatives.
  • Development and tracking of key operational metrics including availability, incident response, and customer impact.
  • Cross‑functional collaboration with engineering, IT, product, and business teams to enhance workflows and overall service delivery.

You Have:

  • 10+ years of experience in leading site reliability, production operations, or IT operations functions, including incident response, problem management, operational monitoring, and service management practices.
  • Active TS/SCI clearance; willingness to take a polygraph exam.
  • Bachelor’s degree or 14+ years of experience in IT operations functions in lieu of a degree.
  • Ability to obtain a Security+ CE, SSCP, CCNA-Security, or GSEC Certification within 6 months of start date.

Nice If You Have:

  • Experience supporting large, mission‑driven organizations or high‑availability environments.
  • Experience in military or federal agency mission operations tactics, techniques, and protocols (TTPs).
  • Experience with network engineering, systems administration, and software development.
  • Experience with Jenkins, Packer, Git, Docker, Kubernetes, Nessus, JIRA, and Confluence.
  • Possession of exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
  • TS/SCI clearance with a polygraph.
  • Master’s degree in a relevant field.
  • Security+ CE, SSCP, CCNA-Security, or GSEC Certification.

Clearance: Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Compensation

At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well‑being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work‑life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full‑time and part‑time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen’s benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.

Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including location, education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract‑specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $99,000.00 to $225,000.00 (annualized USD). This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.

The Opportunity

Are you driven by the challenge of building highly reliable, scalable systems that support critical missions? Do you thrive at the intersection of strategy, leadership, and technical execution? Join us as the Chief of Mission Operations and shape the operational backbone that keeps our organization performing at its best.

As the Chief of Mission Operations, you’ll lead day‑to‑day execution while championing transformative improvements across our operational landscape. You will guide and elevate the Lead Site Reliability Engineer and Operations team, ensuring resilience, efficiency, and exceptional service availability across our platform. You will also be the strategic force behind predictive analytics initiatives, outage readiness planning, and the operational rigor required for major mission events. In this role, you’ll collaborate with technical and business leaders, serve as a trusted partner to external stakeholders, and drive a culture of accountability, learning, and high performance.

What You\'ll Work On:

  • Direct leadership of site reliability and operations teams to ensure high‑quality service delivery and strong operational performance.
  • Strategic oversight of incident management, change management, system capacity planning, and operational readiness.
  • Executive‑level reporting on performance, risks, and mission‑critical improvement initiatives.
  • Development and tracking of key operational metrics including availability, incident response, and customer impact.
  • Cross‑functional collaboration with engineering, IT, product, and business teams to enhance workflows and overall service delivery.

You Have:

  • 10+ years of experience in leading site reliability, production operations, or IT operations functions, including incident response, problem management, operational monitoring, and service management practices.
  • Active TS/SCI clearance; willingness to take a polygraph exam.
  • Bachelor’s degree or 14+ years of experience in IT operations functions in lieu of a degree.
  • Ability to obtain a Security+ CE, SSCP, CCNA-Security, or GSEC Certification within 6 months of start date.

Nice If You Have:

  • Experience supporting large, mission‑driven organizations or high‑availability environments.
  • Experience in military or federal agency mission operations tactics, techniques, and protocols (TTPs).
  • Experience with network engineering, systems administration, and software development.
  • Experience with Jenkins, Packer, Git, Docker, Kubernetes, Nessus, JIRA, and Confluence.
  • Possession of exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
  • TS/SCI clearance with a polygraph.
  • Master’s degree in a relevant field.
  • Security+ CE, SSCP, CCNA-Security, or GSEC Certification.

Identity Statement

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.

Work Model

Our people‑first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.

  • Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.
  • Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.
  • Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non‑Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.

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About Booz Allen Hamilton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the US government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the firm also serves major corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Founded in 1914 by Edwin G. Booz, the company has a long-standing tradition of helping clients achieve success by delivering a wide range of consulting services that include strategic planning, human capital and learning, communication, systems development, and others. The company's mission is to empower people to change the world, and it has a reputation for maintaining the highest standards of integrity and-excellence.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1914