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Satellite Mission Operations Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Satellite Operations Engineer

Dulles, VA

$68K - $93K/yr

... Satellite Operations Engineer to join the team and help design, build, and operate the ground ... You will be responsible for mission planning, mission operations software architecture ...

Satellite Operations Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

... Satellite Operations Engineer to join the team and help design, build, and operate the ground ... You will be responsible for mission planning, mission operations software architecture ...

Satellite Operations Engineer

Dulles, VA · On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

... Satellite Operations Engineer to join the team and help design, build, and operate the ground ... You will be responsible for mission planning, mission operations software architecture ...

Mission Operations Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

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 working ... Experience with multiple LEO satellite programs and satellite Systems Engineering Integration and ...

Mission Operations Engineer

Saratoga, CA

$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

$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

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Demonstrated experience in satellite or space mission operations, spacecraft engineering, or ground system operations. * Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems (ACS, power, thermal, comms ...

Mission Operations Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Demonstrated experience in satellite or space mission operations, spacecraft engineering, or ground system operations. * Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems (ACS, power, thermal, comms ...

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Satellite Mission Operations Engineer information

See salary details

$36K

$85K

$135K

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

As of Jul 2, 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 are Satellite Mission Operations Engineers?

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.

More about Satellite Mission Operations Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Satellite Mission Operations Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Satellite Mission Operations Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Satellite Mission Operations Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,029 per year, or $40.9 per hour.
Satellite Operations Engineer

Satellite Operations Engineer

TrustPoint

Dulles, VA

$68K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Join TrustPoint and Build the World's First Commercial GPS System in Space

GPS is a ubiquitous global utility in modern society; knowing one's location is critical for government, commercial, and personal applications. Still, today's solutions for determining location are inaccurate, slow, unencrypted, and susceptible to jamming and spoofing. These shortcomings make today's GPS insufficient for tomorrow's safety-critical and high-precision applications.

TrustPoint is developing a fully commercial next-generation GPS service to provide significant performance, security and reliability improvements for GPS users. Our work includes both the development and launch of orbiting satellites along with the software needed to provide better accuracy, faster positioning, and both anti-spoof and anti-jam advanced capabilities. The improvements will support US Government position and timing service resiliency as well as enable next-generation commercial applications like drone delivery, self-driving cars, urban air mobility, and augmented reality. The $260B annual GNSS Hardware, Software and Data Services market is ripe for disruption and TrustPoint intends to lead that revolution with our commercial infrastructure and services.

The Position

With locations outside Washington DC and in Silicon Valley, TrustPoint is currently seeking a Full Time Satellite Operations Engineer to join the team and help design, build, and operate the ground infrastructure required for our commercial Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) constellation. You will be responsible for mission planning, mission operations software architecture, constellation management, and flight dynamics as we grow from initial launch to a fully operational service. You will also support broader TrustPoint engineering needs including flight software development and data processing pipelines. As an early hire with deep academic preparation, significant upward mobility will be available to this individual given strong performance, including technical lead and senior engineer roles in the coming years.

We'll Expect You To...

  • Lead constellation mission planning, including pass scheduling, contact planning, and maneuver timeline management for our GNSS satellite fleet.
  • Develop and maintain mission operations software architecture, including ground system tools, commanding frameworks, and telemetry processing pipelines.
  • Perform flight dynamics analyses including orbit determination, maneuver planning, collision avoidance, and station-keeping for the TrustPoint constellation.
  • Support constellation management across all phases: launch and early orbit phase (LEOP), on-orbit commissioning, steady-state operations, and anomaly recovery.
  • Contribute to flight software development, including onboard software testing, verification, and integration with ground systems.
  • Design and implement data processing solutions to support navigation signal performance analysis, health monitoring, and service assurance.
  • Develop operations procedures, mission rules, and CONOPS documentation to enable safe and reliable satellite operations.
  • Support system commissioning, operations automation, anomaly investigation, and mitigation for both space and ground segments.
  • Maintain unwavering focus on meeting operational milestones and mission readiness objectives.

You'll Need to Have...

  • BS or MS in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field (PhD preferred or in progress).
  • Demonstrated experience with orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, and flight dynamics, including orbit propagation and maneuver design.
  • Proficiency with flight dynamics tools such as STK, GMAT, FreeFlyer, Orekit, or equivalent.
  • Experience developing software or analysis tools in Python, MATLAB, or C/C++ for space mission applications.
  • Familiarity with satellite telemetry and commanding processes, ground system architectures, and mission operations concepts.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to document operations procedures and interface with multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Highly motivated, self-starting, and able to perform duties with significant autonomy in a fast-paced startup environment.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities across multiple workstreams.
  • Must be U.S. Person.

We'd Like to See...

  • PhD in Aerospace Engineering or closely related field, with research in orbital mechanics, GNSS/PNT, flight dynamics, or spacecraft systems.
  • Hands-on experience with GNSS, GPS, or PNT constellation operations or receiver technology.
  • Prior internship or research experience with satellite mission operations, flight dynamics, or ground systems development.
  • Experience with space mission software development including flight software, CONOPS tools, or data processing systems.
  • Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and software version control tools such as Git.
  • Experience with Amazon Web Services (AWS) or other cloud infrastructure for data processing and operations automation.
  • Active US security clearance, or eligibility to obtain one.
  • Self-starter with a builder mindset and experience thriving in a startup or research environment.

Cultural Fit

  • Thrive in a start-up environment where every team member's contributions directly shape the product.
  • Effective communication style that instills a culture of optimism and positivity.
  • Sense of humor and ability to proactively problem solve.
  • Encourages colleagues to think and plan strategically while executing well tactically.
  • Works well with all company levels and disciplines (i.e. Legal, HR, etc.).
  • Willing to "roll up sleeves" in a new venture, working closely with colleagues.

Compensation and Benefits

The selected candidate will be competitively compensated with salary, equity (stock options), and standard benefits.

TrustPoint, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, arrest record or any other characteristic

Employment Type: FULL_TIME