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Satellite Flight Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Viasat

Flight Dynamics Engineer

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$117K - $176K/yr

What you'll do The Flight Dynamicist position ultimately encompasses all the tasks associated with ... Clarity in written and verbal communications for providing Satellite Controllers and Analysts with ...

Viasat

Flight Dynamics Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$117K - $176K/yr

What you'll do The Flight Dynamicist position ultimately encompasses all the tasks associated with ... Clarity in written and verbal communications for providing Satellite Controllers and Analysts with ...

Viasat, Inc.

Flight Dynamics Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$117K - $176K/yr

Clarity in written and verbal communications for providing Satellite Controllers and Analysts with ... by a Flight Dynamicist * 2+ years of experience working in an engineering-related field.

Vast

Staff Mission Operations Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$73K - $98K/yr

Develop technical training materials across all vehicle subsystems for flight controllers who will ... vehicle, satellite, crew capsule). * Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with other ...

Viasat, Inc.

Flight Dynamics Engineer

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$117K - $176K/yr

Clarity in written and verbal communications for providing Satellite Controllers and Analysts with ... by a Flight Dynamicist * 2+ years of experience working in an engineering-related field.

Vast

Senior Mission Operations Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$109K - $150K/yr

Develop technical training materials across all vehicle subsystems for flight controllers who will ... vehicle, satellite, crew capsule). * Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with other ...

Firefly Aerospace

Mission Operations Engineer II

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

$65K - $88K/yr

... satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing ... In this role, you aren't just a flight controller; you are contributing to the entire operations ...

Cedarparktexasedc

Mission Operations Engineer II

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

$65K - $88K/yr

... satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing ... In this role, you aren't just a flight controller; you are contributing to the entire operations ...

Firefly Aerospace

Mission Operations Engineer II

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

$65K - $88K/yr

... satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing ... In this role, you aren't just a flight controller; you are contributing to the entire operations ...

Firefly Aerospace

$63K - $86K/yr

... satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing ... In this role, you aren't just a flight controller; you are contributing to the entire operations ...

Firefly Aerospace

Mission Operations Engineer II

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

$65K - $88K/yr

... satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing ... In this role, you aren't just a flight controller; you are contributing to the entire operations ...

HIKINEX

$49.25 - $66.25/hr

We are seeking a Satellite Bus Flight Software System Engineer to lead or support the system level ... version controlled in PLM environment. Support design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR/TRR...etc.

EchoStar

SVP, Spacecraft Operations

Englewood, CO · On-site

$300K - $400K/yr

Experience 15+ years in spacecraft ops or aerospace leadership; proven track record of managing large-scale satellite constellations. * Crisis Management: Demonstrated & flight-controller ...

Vast

Staff Mission Operations Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$73K - $98K/yr

Develop technical training materials across all vehicle subsystems for flight controllers who will ... vehicle, satellite, crew capsule). * Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with other ...

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Satellite Flight Controller information

See salary details

$70.5K

$143.9K

$224.5K

How much do satellite flight controller jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite flight controller in the United States is $143,860.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,000.00 and $164,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a satellite flight controller?

Satellite Flight Controllers are professionals responsible for monitoring, managing, and operating satellites while they are in orbit. They work in ground control centers, ensuring satellites perform their intended functions, such as communication, weather monitoring, or navigation, and respond to any anomalies or emergencies. Their duties include tracking satellite positions, sending commands, and analyzing data to maintain optimal performance. These specialists collaborate with engineers and mission planners to support both routine operations and critical maneuvers throughout a satellite’s mission lifespan.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a satellite flight controller?

To thrive as a Satellite Flight Controller, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, physics, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree and specialized training. Familiarity with mission control software, satellite telemetry systems, and simulation tools is typically required, along with certifications like ITAR compliance. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are critical soft skills for managing complex operations and collaborating with technical teams. These qualifications ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of satellites in highly sensitive and dynamic environments.

What are common challenges faced by satellite flight controllers during routine operations?

Satellite Flight Controllers often encounter challenges such as managing unexpected anomalies in satellite systems, coordinating real-time responses to changing orbital conditions, and maintaining clear communication with engineering and mission teams. Balancing multiple satellites and ensuring accurate data logging under tight time constraints can also be demanding. Strong attention to detail and the ability to make quick, well-informed decisions are essential for success in this fast-paced, collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Satellite Flight Controller vs Satellite Operations Specialist?

AspectSatellite Flight ControllerSatellite Operations Specialist
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in satellite systemsEngineering or technical degree, certifications in satellite operations
Work EnvironmentMission control centers, ground stationsOperations centers, ground stations
Employer & Industry UsageSpace agencies, satellite companiesSatellite service providers, aerospace firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Satellite Flight Controllers focus on the real-time operation and management of satellites during missions, ensuring proper functioning and troubleshooting. Satellite Operations Specialists handle broader planning, scheduling, and overall satellite mission support. While both roles require technical expertise and work in ground stations, Flight Controllers are more involved in operational control, whereas Operations Specialists focus on mission planning and coordination.

How hard is it to become a satellite flight controller?

Becoming a satellite flight controller typically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or a related field, along with strong technical skills and experience with spacecraft systems. The role often involves on-the-job training, familiarity with mission operations, and certifications in relevant software or procedures, making it a specialized and competitive career path.

How much does a satellite flight controller make?

A satellite flight controller typically earns between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and the employer. The role requires strong technical skills, knowledge of spacecraft systems, and often involves shift work in a mission control environment.

What are popular job titles related to Satellite Flight Controller jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Satellite Flight Controller job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,860 per year, or $69.2 per hour.

Flight Dynamics Engineer

Tempe, AZ • On-site

Viasat
Telecommunications • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Viasatexternal

$117K - $176K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Viasat rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

About us

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we’re on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We’re looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.

What you'll do

The Flight Dynamicist position ultimately encompasses all the tasks associated with the station-keeping of Viasat satellites such that their operational lifetimes are maximised. Once fully trained on these satellites, the successful candidate will contribute to the manoeuvre planning and station-keeping of Viasat’s state of the art plasma-based fleet.

The day-to-day
  • Learn Inmarsat Flight Dynamics processes by way of an effective apprenticeship
  • Prime focus to become proficient at station-keeping Viasat-1, Viasat-2, Viasat-3 and Inmarsat-5 satellites
  • Assist with Flight Dynamics operations support to customers internal and external to FD
  • Developing and integrating mission specific support software as required
  • Eventually learn to plan station-keeping manoeuvres for future satellite generations
  • Automating interactions with modem software to support continuous deployment to stationkeeping
What you'll need
  • Bachelor's degree in Science, Mathematics or Engineering to provide a sound basis for the analytical tasks typically performed by a Flight Dynamicist
  • 2+ years of experience working in an engineering-related field.
  • Experience of software programming languages such as: Fortran/C/C++/Java/Tk-tcl /Python as well as the UNIX and Linux operating system to allow software development for analytical work and maintenance of existing software packages under the direction of the FD manager
  • Written and verbal proficiency in the English language
  • US citizenship is required
What will help you on the job
  • General knowledge of orbit dynamics and related topics such as orbit determination, orbit propagation, celestial event prediction and station-keeping theory
  • Some understanding of attitude control theory would be helpful
  • Some familiarity with Weighted least-squares algorithm and/or Kalman Filter applications
  • Clarity in written and verbal communications for providing Satellite Controllers and Analysts with unambiguous direction regarding any special manoeuvre instructions
  • General software/functional familiarity with Matlab, Excel or similar related analytical tools
  • Acceptance of routine operations work taking precedence over other work given that manoeuvres need to be executed on time
Salary range

$95,000.00 - $149,500.00 / annually. For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $117,500.00- $176,500.00/ annually

At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat’s comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.

EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.

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About ViaSat

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate.

Industry

Telecommunications

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Carlsbad, CA, US

Year founded

1986

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