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Mission Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mission Planner II - Blue Ring

Reston, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Mission Planner on the Service Operations Team, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining integrated mission schedules that enable successful spacecraft planning and operations ...

Mission Planner 1

Overland Park, KS · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Mission Planner is tasked to best analyze trip feasibility and provide recommendations to the Owner Services and Flight Control teams and provide the best option for potential trip outcomes for ...

Mission Planner II - Blue Ring

Reston, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Mission Planner on the Service Operations Team, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining integrated mission schedules that enable successful spacecraft planning and operations ...

Mission Planner/Orbital Analyst

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

a.i. solutions is seeking a Mission Planner/Orbital Analyst with experience in orbital mechanics to support operations of experimental satellite systems. The Orbital Analyst will support Concept ...

Mission Planner (Secret Clearance)

Longmont, CO · On-site

$62K - $83K/yr

  • Retirement

We are hiring for a Mission Planner, to work in the Longmont, CO office. * Monitor and execute tactical near-term collection strategies, supporting project and service level agreements. * Monitor ...

Mission Planner/Orbital Analyst

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

a.i. solutions is seeking a Mission Planner/Orbital Analyst with experience in orbital mechanics to support operations of experimental satellite systems. The Orbital Analyst will support Concept ...

We are hiring for a Mission Planner, to work in the Longmont, CO office. * Monitor and execute tactical near-term collection strategies, supporting project and service level agreements. * Monitor ...

Showing results 21-40

Mission Planner information

See salary details

$54.5K

$91.5K

$140K

How much do mission planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for mission planner in the United States is $91,541.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $123,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mission planner?

A mission planner helps plan missions for an organization or military entity. Job duties vary, but they may include preparing an autopilot route for aircraft or deciding what vehicle is necessary to complete a mission. Career qualifications often include a bachelor’s or master’s degree, experience in logistics, software skills, and knowledge of FAA regulations. As a mission planner, you need to use vehicle information to make critical decisions in real time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mission planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mission Planner, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in fields such as aerospace engineering, military science, or logistics. Familiarity with mission planning software, GIS mapping tools, and relevant certifications like PMP or military planning courses are commonly required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and teamwork are essential soft skills for coordinating complex missions and responding to changing circumstances. These competencies ensure missions are executed efficiently, safely, and in alignment with organizational objectives.

How does a mission planner typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful mission execution?

Mission Planners play a central role in coordinating efforts between various departments, such as operations, logistics, engineering, and communications. They frequently participate in multidisciplinary meetings to gather input, review mission objectives, and address potential obstacles. Effective communication and a collaborative mindset are crucial, as Mission Planners must integrate diverse perspectives and ensure all teams are aligned with the mission plan. This collaborative approach helps identify risks early and facilitates smooth execution, often under tight deadlines or dynamic conditions.

What is the difference between Mission Planner vs Drone Pilot?

AspectMission PlannerDrone Pilot
CredentialsTypically requires UAV-specific certifications and knowledge of flight planning softwareRequires FAA Part 107 certification or equivalent, with piloting skills
Work EnvironmentPrimarily desktop-based, planning missions and analyzing dataField-based, operating drones during missions
Industry UsageUsed by UAV operators, surveyors, and researchers for mission planningUsed by licensed pilots for executing drone flights

Mission Planner focuses on creating flight plans and managing UAV missions, often working behind the scenes. Drone Pilots execute these plans in the field, operating drones during missions. Both roles are essential in the drone industry but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

What cities are hiring for Mission Planner jobs?

Cities with the most Mission Planner job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Mission Planner jobs?

The most popular types of Mission Planner jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Mission Planner jobs?

The top employers for Mission Planner jobs are:

What states have the most Mission Planner jobs?

States with the most job openings for Mission Planner jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Mission Planner jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Mission Planner jobs are:

Infographic showing various Mission Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,541 per year, or $44 per hour.

Mission Planner II - Blue Ring

Blue Origin

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Blue Origin rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.

This role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is pioneering the development, manufacturing, and operation of Blue Ring, a groundbreaking space-mobility platform that unlocks unparalleled access to any orbit and the freedom to maneuver between orbits at will. With Blue Ring, our customers are empowered to go anywhere in cislunar or Earth orbit domains, redefine mission flexibility, and pursue bold new concepts that were once beyond reach. If you're energized by the idea of working with a platform capable of enabling missions without compromise, this is your moment to make history with us.

As a Mission Planner on the Service Operations Team, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining integrated mission schedules that enable successful spacecraft planning and operations throughout the Blue Ring lifecycle. You'll coordinate across engineering teams, payload customers, and operations personnel to translate mission objectives into executable plans while optimizing resource utilization. Your expertise in mission analysis, orbital mechanics, and scheduling will be essential in managing complex, multi-manifest spacecraft operations and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Join us in enabling Blue Origin's vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit earth - passion for our mission is required!

Special Mentions:Based at Reston, VA, office. Relocation provided.

Responsibilities:

  • Support real-time Blue Ring mission operations execution as an on-console flight crew member; operations primarily occur during business hours, with periods of shift work including nights, weekends, and holidays as required by mission objectives, and on-call availability for operational support.
  • Develop and maintain schedules for spacecraft operations, balancing operational priorities, customer activities, engineering tasks, and resource constraints.
  • Perform tactical scheduling of ground network resources and spacecraft activities to maximize mission effectiveness.
  • Generate and validate command sequences and mission planning products for routine operations and mission-critical events.
  • Coordinate with astrodynamics, flight dynamics, and engineering teams to integrate trajectory and maneuver planning into operational timelines.
  • Support customer mission planning activities, translating customer requests into feasible, executable schedules while ensuring alignment with operational constraints.
  • Perform deconfliction analysis to ensure all scheduled activities comply with spacecraft operational constraints, resource availability, and mission priorities.
  • Collaborate with mission planning software developers and operations development teams to ensure operational constraints and requirements are properly captured and integrated into planning tools, supporting continuous alignment between system capabilities and mission execution needs.
  • Support development of mission planning tools and automation capabilities to improve operational efficiency and scalability.

Qualifications:

  • Minimum of a B.S. degree in engineering or equivalent technical field
  • 2+ years of related experience in one or a combination of the following: systems engineering, spaceflight operations, flight dynamics and/or satellite mission planning
  • Knowledge or experience with satellite tasking, ground contact planning, activity planning, flight dynamics, orbital mechanics, and/or orbit analysis
  • Experience with command and control systems or mission planning software platforms
  • Software development experience in Python or equivalent programming language
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
  • Strong communication and coordination skills for interfacing with customers, engineering teams, and operations personnel
  • Ability to earn trust, build positive professional relationships, contribute to a culture of inclusion, and collaborate with individuals of diverse backgrounds to achieve mission success

Desired:

  • M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
  • Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) Eligible
  • Demonstrated proficiency in orbital mechanics principles, satellite dynamics, and control theory, with a strong foundation in academic or professional experience
  • Experience with hosted or separable payload mission planning and operations
  • Knowledge of electric propulsion systems and low-thrust trajectory planning
  • Familiarity with ground station networks, RF communications planning, and link budget analysis
  • Experience developing and/or optimizing mission planning processes
  • Experience with supporting pre-launch development of mission planning software and CONOPs

Base Pay Range for:

VA applicants is $107,136.00 - $149,990.40

Other site ranges may differ


Culture Statement

Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.


Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S.as a refugee or granted asylum.


Background Check

  • Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check
  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
  • Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

  • Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
  • Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
  • Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
  • Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.


Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.



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About Blue Origin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blue Origin is a private aerospace manufacturing and suborbital spaceflight services company based in Kent, Washington, USA. Established in 2000 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the company operates in the cutting-edge aerospace industry aiming to build a future where millions of people can live and work in space. They develop a variety of technologies, with a focus on reusable rocket systems which significantly reduce the cost of space travel. Blue Origin's core mission is to make this vision come to life by incrementally building on its successes with an ultimate vision of dramatic cost reduction and increased reliance on reusable spacecraft.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kent, WA, US

Year founded

2000