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Mission Operations Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Saalex

Senior Mission Coordinator (East Coast)

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

This role requires a strong understanding of range capabilities, assets, and operational procedures ... Attend pre-mission conferences for users and support groups * Coordinate training system assets and ...

Saalex

Senior Mission Coordinator (East Coast)

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

This role requires a strong understanding of range capabilities, assets, and operational procedures ... Attend pre-mission conferences for users and support groups * Coordinate training system assets and ...

VTG

Space Protection Operations Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$130K - $197K/yr

Provides space protection operations mission expertise to acquisition managers and software engineers in the development of tools that provide operators Indications and Warning against Space threats.

QinetiQ US

SETA Mission Support Member

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

You will support mission planning, technical analysis, operations coordination, and systems engineering and technical assistance (SETA) activities tied to flight operations, ground site operations ...

QinetiQ US

SETA Mission Support Member

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$43K - $50K/yr

You will support mission planning, technical analysis, operations coordination, and systems engineering and technical assistance (SETA) activities tied to flight operations, ground site operations ...

QinetiQ US

SETA Mission Support Member

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$43K - $50K/yr

You will support mission planning, technical analysis, operations coordination, and systems engineering and technical assistance (SETA) activities tied to flight operations, ground site operations ...

QinetiQ US

SETA Mission Support Member

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

You will support mission planning, technical analysis, operations coordination, and systems engineering and technical assistance (SETA) activities tied to flight operations, ground site operations ...

QinetiQ U.S.

SETA Mission Support Member

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$43K - $50K/yr

You will support mission planning, technical analysis, operations coordination, and systems engineering and technical assistance (SETA) activities tied to flight operations, ground site operations ...

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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.

Space Protection Operations Engineer

Science Applications International Corporation

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$71K - $96K/yr

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 223 rated it services

Job description

SAIC is seeking a Space Protection Operations Engineer to join the Air Force, Space, and Intelligence Business Group providing systems engineering and technical advisory services to a rapidly expanding Government Intelligence Community (IC) customer. The customer is developing the next generation of space and ground systems, architectures, and hardware and software solutions.


The Space Protection Operations Engineer will serve as the subject matter expert (SME) and System Program Office (SPO) representative coordinating with the development contractor and stakeholders (including end user operators) for deployment of new protection capabilities into space operations. The Space Protection Operations Engineer collaborates within a team of mission-related SMEs to support system testing, transition to operations planning, user/operator training, and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) planning and Deficiency Report (DR) management, as well as being the SPO focal point for coordinating with Operations stakeholders.


The Space Protection Operations Engineer responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
    Provides space protection operations mission expertise to acquisition managers and software engineers in the development of tools that provide operators Indications and Warning against Space threats.
    Elicits system capability needs and user interface/experience (UI/UX) preferences from operational users.
    Collaborates with software developers to inform/guide mission application enhancements. 
    Manages the transition of new capabilities and software deliveries to operations. 
    Leads the review and coordination of system documentation and training materials. 
    Evaluates developer solutions, guides software deployment activities, and assesses software patches/fixes.
 

SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

Required:
    Bachelor's and 9 or more years of experience; master's and 7 or more years of experience; PhD and 4 or more years of experience.
    Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with Poly.
    Experience in space mission operations.
    Experience transitioning new capabilities/software deployments to operations in a 24/7 operations center and managing mission operations opportunities, challenges, and risks.
    Knowledge of agile software development principles.
 

Desired:
    Experience supporting the NRO.
    Experience in Space Protection operations and familiarity with protection technologies.
    Experience authoring operator-related or software deployment documentation.
    Experience in Space system testing, simulation, and modeling environments.
    Familiarity with transitioning software into operations within IC (preferably NRO) or DoW.
    Knowledge of the fundamentals of orbital mechanics and orbit determination.
 

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