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Satellite Mission Operations Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mission Operations Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$78K - $106K/yr

Required : • 4+ years of professional experience in hardware engineering. • Experience in environments like propulsion test stands, satellite mission operations, or flight testing. • Strong ...

Mission Operations Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

Required : • 4+ years of professional experience in hardware engineering. • Experience in environments like propulsion test stands, satellite mission operations, or flight testing. • Strong ...

Mission Operations Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Required : • 4+ years of professional experience in hardware engineering. • Experience in environments like propulsion test stands, satellite mission operations, or flight testing. • Strong ...

Mission Operations Engineer

Reston, VA · Remote

$71K - $96K/yr

Reliant Space is seeking an Mission Operations Engineer to support real-time on-orbit operations ... Experience in space/ground satellite communications * Experience in ground system architectures ...

Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical ... About the Role We are seeking an experienced and motivated Mission Operations Engineer to join our ...

Mission Operations Engineer

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$76K - $103K/yr

The Mission Operations Engineer will lead the testing effort for the Mission Ops program, ensuring product requirements are met and overseeing the testing processes for satellite systems.

Mission Operations Engineer

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$76K - $103K/yr

The Mission Operations Engineer will lead the testing effort for the Mission Ops program, ensuring ... in the satellite, ground systems and devices environments and before commercial launch in a ...

Mission Operations Engineer

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

The Mission Operations Engineer will lead the testing effort for the Mission Ops program working ... Experience with multiple LEO satellite programs and satellite Systems Engineering Integration and ...

Mission Operations Engineer

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$76K - $103K/yr

The Mission Operations Engineer will lead the testing effort for the Mission Ops program working ... Experience with multiple LEO satellite programs and satellite Systems Engineering Integration and ...

Mission Operations Engineer

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$76K - $103K/yr

The Mission Operations Engineer will lead the testing effort for the Mission Ops program working ... Experience with multiple LEO satellite programs and satellite Systems Engineering Integration and ...

Mission Operations Engineer

NE · On-site

$65K - $89K/yr

Position: Mission Operations Engineer Location: Omaha, NE Altamira Technologies is seeking a Mission Operations Engineer with knowledge in data brokerage applications and data governance. This ...

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Satellite Mission Operations Engineer information

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$36K

$85K

$135K

How much do satellite mission operations engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite mission operations engineer in the United States is $85,029.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges faced by satellite mission operations engineers during satellite commissioning and how can they be addressed?

Satellite Mission Operations Engineers often encounter challenges such as hardware anomalies, unexpected telemetry data, and communication link issues during satellite commissioning. These situations require quick problem-solving, close coordination with spacecraft manufacturers, and detailed analysis of telemetry to ensure mission success. Proactive planning, robust procedures, and clear communication within the operations team and with external stakeholders are essential to effectively address these challenges and minimize mission risk.

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

To excel as a Satellite Mission Operations Engineer, you generally need a degree in aerospace engineering, physics, or a related field, along with expertise in satellite systems and orbital mechanics. Familiarity with ground control software, satellite telemetry systems, and mission planning tools is typically required, as well as certifications like ITAR or COMSEC where applicable. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you manage the complexities of mission operations. These combined skills ensure safe, efficient satellite operations and quick resolution of anomalies to safeguard mission objectives.

What is a satellite mission operations engineer?

Satellite Mission Operations Engineers are professionals responsible for the planning, control, and execution of satellite missions. They monitor satellite health, manage communication between satellites and ground stations, and ensure that mission objectives are met efficiently and safely. Their work involves troubleshooting, coordinating responses to anomalies, and optimizing satellite performance throughout the mission lifecycle. These engineers collaborate closely with design teams, analysts, and mission planners to ensure the ongoing success of space missions.

What is the difference between Satellite Mission Operations Engineer vs Satellite Systems Engineer?

AspectSatellite Mission Operations EngineerSatellite Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in engineering, physics, or related field; certifications like PMP or satellite-specific trainingBachelor's or higher in electrical, aerospace, or systems engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentMission control centers, ground stations, real-time operationsDesign labs, development teams, system integration environments
Industry UsageOperational phase, satellite command, and controlDesign, development, and testing of satellite systems

The Satellite Mission Operations Engineer focuses on the real-time operation and management of satellites during their mission life, ensuring successful command and control. In contrast, the Satellite Systems Engineer is involved in designing and developing satellite systems before deployment. Both roles require technical expertise but differ mainly in their project phase and daily responsibilities.

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What cities are hiring for Satellite Mission Operations Engineer jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Satellite Mission Operations Engineer jobs look for?

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Infographic showing various Satellite Mission Operations Engineer 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 $85,029 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Mission Operations Engineer

Nominal

Washington, DC • On-site

$78K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Nominal is building a connected test and operations platform for advanced hardware systems. As a Mission Operations Engineer, you'll bridge software with real-world applications, ensuring solutions exceed operational requirements while enhancing user experiences and transforming customer operations.
Responsibilities:
• Deploy & Integrate: Take Nominal's tech to operation on the ground, tailoring solutions to fit our clients' high-stakes environments perfectly.
• Build Relationships & Business: You're not just deploying technology; you're growing Nominal's presence and impact and establishing deep, productive partnerships. You’re acting as an account manager and product expert, and important relational and technical capital is on your shoulders.
• Train & Support: You're on the front lines, making sure our users understand our products and can use them to their full potential.
• Enhance & Evolve: Your feedback loops are gold, turning user experiences into actionable insights for continuous product improvement.
• Solve & Streamline: See an issue? You're on it, with the autonomy to fix problems fast and keep our technology ahead of the curve.
• Be the Bridge: You're the vital link between Nominal and our customers, translating needs into solutions and ensuring seamless collaboration across all fronts.
Qualifications:
Required:
• 4+ years of professional experience in hardware engineering.
• Experience in environments like propulsion test stands, satellite mission operations, or flight testing.
• Strong intuition for the math and physics encountered in hardware engineering.
• Ability to articulate complex ideas with ease and confidence.
• Experience in leading and collaborating with teams.
• Solid track record of managing the full cycle from planning to deployment.
• Willingness to travel up to 50%.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. TS Clearance.
Preferred:
• Experienced consultant, customer success leader, and/or technical program manager.
• Proficiency with hardware engineering tools such as DAQs, DDS, Nix, RTOS, MCAP, H5, TDMS, LabVIEW, MATLAB/Simulink, and WinPlot.
• Expertise in SQL, Python, Pandas, Influx, and Grafana.
• Familiarity with Spark, Arrow, Kafka, Beam, and Flink.
Company:
Nominal develops software platforms that support hardware engineering teams with testing, monitoring, and analysis of operational data. Founded in 2022, the company is headquartered in Austin, USA, with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.