ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Mission Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lockheed Martin Corporation

We implement capabilities using an expansive suite of mission planning software and hardware to provide direct sustainment support for our Air Force customers. What You Will Be Doing As an F-22 ...

Lockheed Martin

We implement capabilities using an expansive suite of mission planning software and hardware to provide direct sustainment support for our Air Force customers. What You Will Be Doing As an F-22 ...

The Ascendancy Group LTD

OPSEC Planner

Tampa, FL · On-site

Description OPSEC Planner The Ascendancy Group's Mission To be the unequaled provider of special operations forces (SOF) and Intelligence Community focused technical, service, and training-based ...

The Ascendancy Group

OPSEC Planner

Tampa, FL · On-site

Job Type Full-time Description OPSEC Planner The Ascendancy Group's Mission To be the unequaled provider of special operations forces (SOF) and Intelligence Community focused technical, service, and ...

Ascendancy Group LTD

OPSEC Planner

Tampa, FL · On-site

OPSEC Planner The Ascendancy Group's Mission To be the unequaled provider of special operations forces (SOF) and Intelligence Community focused technical, service, and training-based solutions.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMission Planner Jobs

Mission Planner information

See salary details

$54.5K

$91.5K

$140K

How much do mission planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 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.

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 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 jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

For a Mission Planner, high-paying roles typically include senior positions in aerospace, defense, or government agencies, often requiring advanced degrees, security clearances, and extensive experience. These roles may involve strategic planning, project management, or leadership in complex operations and can reach or exceed $300,000 annually. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and level of expertise.

What does a mission planner do?

A mission planner designs, develops, and coordinates operational plans for unmanned systems such as drones or spacecraft. They use specialized software to create flight paths, set waypoints, and ensure mission objectives are met safely and efficiently. Strong knowledge of navigation, automation tools, and safety protocols is essential for this role.

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.

What job should I get if I love space?

A mission planner is a role that involves designing and coordinating space missions, requiring knowledge of aerospace engineering, navigation, and project management. Careers in aerospace engineering, astrophysics, or satellite operations also align with a passion for space and often require specialized education and technical skills.

What jobs can you do with urban planning?

Urban planners, including mission planners involved in city development projects, can work in roles such as city planning, transportation planning, environmental planning, and land use management. These jobs typically require knowledge of zoning laws, GIS tools, and community engagement, and often involve working with government agencies, consulting firms, or private developers.
More about Mission Planner jobs
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:
What are popular job titles related to Mission Planner jobs? For Mission Planner jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Mission Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mission Planner job openings in the United States 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, with an average salary of $91,541 per year, or $44 per hour.
F-22 Mission Planner - Level 3

F-22 Mission Planner - Level 3

Lockheed Martin

Nellis Air Force Base, NV • Hybrid

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago

Lockheed Martin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 388 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 61 rated aerospace companies

Job description

What You Will Be Doing:
Looking to fuel your passion and take on an exciting hands-on opportunity to support the world's preeminent fifth-generation air dominance fighter? Join us to thrive as a trusted and critical point of contact for delivering F-22 mission planning success in two of the fighter squadrons in the United States Air Force at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada just minutes north of Las Vegas. We implement modernization capabilities across an expansive suite of mission planning software and hardware and provide direct sustainment support to our Air Force customer.
As an F-22 Strategic Mission Planner, you will integrate and configure the F-22 Mission Support System (MSS) mission planning suite for day-to-day operations of both fielded and future product releases. You will:
Use your communication skills to work directly with the F-22 Test Director, Pilots, Weapons School Cadre, Flight Test Managers, Flight Test Engineers and Analysts.
Use your planning skills to provide support, assistance, and guidance to the pilots in establishing and maintaining F-22 mission data sensor scenarios for Operational Test execution
Use your collaboration skills to travel and provide on-site mission planning support or exercise support to operational F-22 squadrons.
Use your troubleshooting skills to resolve anomalies in beta versions of software across the F-22 mission planning hardware and software product suite.
Use your organizational skills to develop mission planning processes & procedures to assist F-22 integration labs and flight test organizations.
In this world-wide deployable position, you will have opportunities to travel around the world to work with the top F-22 pilots in the U.S. Air Force. You may be required to work non-standard hours, nights or weekends in support of flying operations but with smart, flexible scheduling you'll maintain a great quality of life.
This position requires CompTIA Security+ certification within six months upon hiring. The certification must remain current through continuing education.
You must be a US Citizen, have a current Top Secret clearance, and eligibility for special program access.
What's In It For You:
From onsite to remote, we offer flexible work schedules to comprehensive benefits investing in your future and security. Learn more about Lockheed Martin's comprehensive benefits package here.
Do you want to be part of a company culture that empowers employees to think big, lead with a growth mindset, and make the impossible a reality? We provide the resources and give you the flexibility to enable inspiration and focus - if you have the passion and courage to dream big, work hard, and have fun doing what you love then we want to build a better tomorrow with you.

What Lockheed Martin employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Lockheed Martin logo

About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912

View All Lockheed Martin Jobs

Apply