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Mission Operations Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Blue Origin

Mission Operations Engineer III - Blue Ring

Reston, VA · On-site

$72K - $97K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Mission Operations Engineer, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams spanning both space and ground segments to ensure the readiness and flawless execution of on-orbit flight operations ...

Blue Origin, LLC

Mission Operations Engineer II - Blue Ring

Reston, VA · On-site

$72K - $97K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Mission Operations Engineer, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams spanning both space and ground segments to ensure the readiness and flawless execution of on-orbit flight operations ...

Blue Origin, LLC

Mission Operations Engineer III - Blue Ring

Reston, VA · On-site

$72K - $97K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Mission Operations Engineer, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams spanning both space and ground segments to ensure the readiness and flawless execution of on-orbit flight operations ...

Blue Origin

Mission Operations Engineer II - Blue Ring

Reston, VA · On-site

$72K - $97K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Mission Operations Engineer, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams spanning both space and ground segments to ensure the readiness and flawless execution of on-orbit flight operations ...

Blue Origin

Senior Mission Operations Engineer - Blue Ring

Reston, VA · On-site

$108K - $149K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Senior Mission Operations Engineer, you will lead the preparation and execution of on-orbit Blue Ring operations-developing ConOps, building operations products, streamlining workflows through ...

ARES Corporation

Mission Engineer

Wallops Island, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

For more than 60 years, ARES has provided innovative engineering, mission operations, safety and mission assurance, information technology, and range support services for some of the nation's most ...

Blue Origin

Senior Mission Planning Engineer - TeraWave

Reston, VA · On-site

$108K - $149K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Your expertise in mission planning, orbital mechanics, spacecraft operations, and software development will be essential in standing up a world-class mission planning capability for TeraWave.

Blue Origin

Satellite Service Operations Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$72K - $97K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ensure mission objectives, performance standards, and delivery commitments are consistently met on behalf of customers. * Oversee ground system command and control operations, ensuring telemetry ...

Blue Origin

Blue Ring Mission Systems Engineer

Reston, VA

$130K - $182K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Define the ground system and mission operations architectures that enable highly effective and labor-efficient real-time and store-and-forward spacecraft and ground system operation. * Plan and ...

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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 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?

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 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:

Mission Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mission Operations job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Mission Operations Development Engineer - Level 2 - Chantilly

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$91K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 362 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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 Sector is seeking a Mission Operations Development Engineer to assist with executing multiple mission support activities in a geographically distributed operations team that supports the preparation and execution of high-tempo on-orbit spacecraft activities, including Launch and Early Orbit Operations, specialized test activities, and long-term sustainment operations.

This position will require full-time on-site work. Position will support day staff mission operations script testing work approximately 50% of the time, and shift work (including nights/weekends/holidays) approximately 50% of the time.

In this role, the Mission Operations Development Engineer will be responsible for performing the following activities:

  • Provide mission operations support to classified Satellite programs.
  • Work with systems engineers to integrate and test operational scripts for use during all phases of satellite operations, including early operations and sustainment operations.
  • Conduct testing using simulators and resolve discrepancies.
  • Develop and test command procedures, telemetry pages, and other products derived from vendor provided documentation.
  • Support campaign mission preparation and operations activities including mission rehearsals, mission execution, and post launch test execution.
  • Provide leadership to cross-functional geographically dispersed satellite operations team during real-time mission execution.
  • Lead troubleshooting of satellite, ground, and/or C2 software issues during mission operations.
  • Enact configuration management processes for space vehicle configuration, to include both hardware, software, and configurable item parameters.
  • Make modifications to existing operations procedures to incorporate lessons learned from in-flight performance, to include adding automation capabilities.
  • Support internal and external customer meetings through proficient verbal and documented (MS PowerPoint, MS Word, MS Excel) communications.
  • Utilize Agile Processes and Tools, including Atlassian Suite (Jira, Confluence), BitBucket, MatterMost.
  • This position will require up to 50% shift work

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with 2 years of professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 0 years of professional experience. Will consider an additional 4+ years of experience in lieu of degree.
  • Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope
  • Scripting experience in Python, STOL, or other coding languages.
  • System engineering experience or significant classwork in system engineering or system design.
  • Outstanding verbal and written communications skills, including the ability to make persuasive presentations to external customers at milestone reviews.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active/Current TS/SCI
  • Experience with operations of on-orbit satellites
  • Support mission simulation, scripting, and verification activities
  • Proficiency with one or more of the following programming languages/tools: MATLAB, Python, SIMULINK, Fortran, Java, C/ C++
  • Experience with rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) or formation flight
  • Ability to work within a group of diversified individuals with varying backgrounds to achieve mission success.
  • Experience with execution of spacecraft launch campaigns or sustainment operations
  • Experience with automating scripted processes related to spacecraft or ground operations
  • Experience working on government systems and/or government process environment

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

Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00The 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.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

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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

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