ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Satellite Controller Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Integration & Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $140K/yr

Acting as a satellite controller, you'll be in the driver's seat of the satellite; all satellite activities go through you. Using a first principles approach, you'll be responsible for defining test ...

K2 Space

Integration & Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Acting as a satellite controller, you'll be in the driver's seat of the satellite; all satellite activities go through you. Using a first principles approach, you'll be responsible for defining test ...

K2 Space

Integration & Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Acting as a satellite controller, you'll be in the driver's seat of the satellite; all satellite activities go through you. Using a first principles approach, you'll be responsible for defining test ...

K2 Space

Integration & Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Acting as a satellite controller, you'll be in the driver's seat of the satellite; all satellite activities go through you. Using a first principles approach, you'll be responsible for defining test ...

Muon Space

Satellite Operator

San Jose, CA · On-site

$31 - $40/hr

About the role Muon seeks a Satellite Operator to join our Operations team in San Jose, CA. You ... C. § 1158, (B) eligible to access the export controlled information without a required export ...

K2 Space

Satellite Mechanical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels ... S. Person." The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by ...

K2 Space

Satellite Mechanical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels ... S. Person." The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by ...

K2 Space

Satellite Mechanical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels ... S. Person." The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSatellite Controller JobsSatellite Controller Jobs in California

Satellite Controller information

See California salary details

$54.3K

$117.9K

$173.2K

How much do satellite controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite controller in California is $117,932.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,700.00 and $136,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a satellite controller?

A Satellite Controller is responsible for monitoring, operating, and maintaining communication, weather, or research satellites. They track satellite performance, adjust its operations as needed, and troubleshoot any technical issues. Controllers work in ground stations, ensuring the satellite remains in optimal condition and fulfills its mission. They may also coordinate with engineers and mission planners to support satellite maneuvers and data transmission. This role requires strong technical skills and the ability to respond quickly to anomalies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the satellite controller position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Satellite Controller, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, physics, or a related technical field, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with satellite control software, telemetry systems, and industry certifications such as ITIL or SCJP is highly valued. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure precision, safety, and seamless operations when monitoring and controlling critical satellite systems.

What are the typical work shifts and work environment like for satellite controllers?

Satellite Controllers often work in secure operations centers that require 24/7 monitoring, so shift work—including nights, weekends, and holidays—is common. The environment is typically team-oriented with close collaboration among controllers, engineers, and operations managers to ensure satellite health and rapid response to anomalies. Controllers spend much of their time monitoring data streams, coordinating scheduled maneuvers, and troubleshooting any issues that arise. The role is well-suited for those who thrive in structured, high-responsibility settings and enjoy working as part of a team dedicated to maintaining mission-critical infrastructure.

How much does a satellite controller make?

A satellite controller typically earns between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the satellite systems managed. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced controllers with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Certifications and familiarity with satellite tracking and communication tools can also influence compensation.

What are popular job titles related to Satellite Controller jobs in California?

For Satellite Controller jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Satellite Controller jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Satellite Controller jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Satellite Controller jobs?

Cities in California with the most Satellite Controller job openings:

Satellite Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Satellite Controller job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,932 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Integration & Test Engineer

K2 Space

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

The Role 

As an Integration & Test Engineer, you'll be the last line of defense for all operations when the satellite is powered. Acting as a satellite controller, you'll be in the driver's seat of the satellite; all satellite activities go through you. Using a first principles approach, you'll be responsible for defining test plans that simulate all modes of flight, dictating what the vehicle needs to do, when, why, and how often. Your work will span most technical disciplines at the company and will require you to build consensus from multiple teams. Initial ground and on-orbit operations will be more manual but quickly grow into fully automated activities. As you build your knowledge of the vehicle through manual procedures and vehicle control, you'll be positioned to take the next step with the Vehicle Operations team towards a fully automated future.   

Responsibilities 

  • Collaborate with design and systems engineers to define test plans with pass/fail criteria for vehicle checkouts 
  • Develop test procedures used to confirm spacecraft hardware and software flightworthiness 
  • Operate spacecraft (interpret telemetry, send commands) during system tests at the factory, test facilities, launch sites, and during pre-launch operations 
  • Investigate and troubleshoot vehicle issues and drive further actions to reduce future failures  
  • Understand general vehicle operations and become expert for at least 1 subsystem on the vehicle 
  • Regularly lead and organize vehicle operations activities for the integration campaign  
  • Act as a test conductor (and POC, if offsite) for environmental test campaigns  
  • Own and maintain HITL table configuration and build out, including the racks 
  • Create and release harness drawings for required ground support equipment 
  • Support pre-launch activities at the launch provider's payload processing facility  
  • Support Mission Operations by acting as a satellite controller while vehicle is on-orbit 

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical, aerospace, mechanical, computer, or other engineering discipline 
  • 2+ years of experience in an integration/test/automation engineering role (includes internships and design/build/compete extracurricular projects) 
  • Experience testing and troubleshooting spacecraft and their related components and systems, including subsystem checkouts and system acceptance testing 
  • Experience with environmental testing, such as thermal vacuum or random vibration 
  • Experience working in a clean room and with ESD-sensitive equipment 
  • Hands-on experience using electrical test equipment (PSU, Oscilloscope, DMM, etc.) 
  • Hands-on experience with HITL or Flatsat software verification testbeds 
  • Excellent conflict resolution and negotiation skills 

Nice to Have 

  • Proficient in Python and/or Rust 
  • Experience with Linux systems 
  • Experience managing contractual interfaces (e.g. customer, launch vehicle) 

Compensation and Benefits 

  • Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $140,000 + equity in the company 
  • Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level 
  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks 
K2 Space logo

About K2 Space

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2022

View All K2 Space Jobs

Apply