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Satellite Mission Operations Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mission Operations Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$74K - $100K/yr

ABOUT THE TEAM The Mission Operations (MOPs) team owns the execution, growth, and success of our customer accounts. Working across product, engineering, test, business development, and logistics ...

... satellite, crew capsule). * Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with other engineering ... Willing to support 24/7 operations during mission critical phases. Preferred Skills & Experience ...

New

Mission Operations Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

As a Mission Operations Engineer, you will be at the center of how ACS technologies are applied across real-world missions. You'll plan and execute domestic and international events, provide critical ...

Mission Operations Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$74K - $100K/yr

ABOUT THE TEAM The Mission Operations (MOPs) team owns the execution, growth, and success of our customer accounts. Working across product, engineering, test, business development, and logistics ...

Mission Operations Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$66K - $90K/yr

Working across product, engineering, sales, and logistics teams, our Mission Operations Engineers own the client relationships and develop, plan, and deploy Anduril products in support of their ...

New

Mission Operations Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

As a Mission Operations Engineer, you will be at the center of how ACS technologies are applied across real-world missions. You'll plan and execute domestic and international events, provide critical ...

Mission Operations Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

As a Mission Operations Engineer, you will be at the center of how ACS technologies are applied across real-world missions. You'll plan and execute domestic and international events, provide critical ...

The Senior Mission Operations Engineer will be responsible for leading the development, integration, and execution of mission operations across the spacecraft lifecycle. This role serves as a primary ...

WI · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

... satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing ... Firefly Aerospace is seeking a Mission Operations Engineer III . We are scaling our operations for ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 4, 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 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 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 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.

Are satellite mission operations engineers in demand?

Satellite mission operations engineers are in demand due to the growing reliance on satellite technology for communications, navigation, and Earth observation. The role requires skills in spacecraft systems, ground control, and software tools, with employment opportunities often available in government agencies, aerospace companies, and defense contractors.

What does a satellite mission operations engineer do?

A satellite mission operations engineer is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining satellite systems during their operational life. They analyze telemetry data, troubleshoot issues, and execute commands to ensure satellite performance and mission success, often using specialized software and adhering to strict schedules. Strong technical skills, knowledge of satellite systems, and certification in relevant standards are typically required.
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The top searched job categories for Satellite Mission Operations Engineer jobs are:

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 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,029 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Mission Operations Engineer

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$74K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,674 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM
The Mission Operations (MOPs) team owns the execution, growth, and success of our customer accounts. Working across product, engineering, test, business development, and logistics, Mission Operations Engineers own the customer relationship and are accountable for getting Anduril products into the hands of operators and keeping them effective there.
ABOUT THE JOB
We are looking for a Mission Operations Engineer to own the Barracuda family of affordable, autonomous cruise missiles. You will become the company expert on how Barracuda is employed: the all-up round, its launch and employment systems, mission planning, and the customer units and kill chains it plugs into. You will spend a significant share of your time in the field partnered with our Test & Evaluation team, executing tests, demonstrations, and customer events. As Barracuda moves from development into production and O&S contracts, you will carry the account forward into fielded sustainment support. This role is in-person at one of our office locations and requires frequent domestic and international travel (up to 50%).
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Own the Barracuda mission. Become intimately familiar with the Barracuda product line, its employment and launch systems, mission planning workflows, and the customer operations and tactics it supports. Be the person the customer calls and the person engineering trusts to represent the operator.
  • Support test, demos, and events. Partner with Test & Evaluation to plan and execute flight tests, live-fire demonstrations, capability exercises, and customer events. Own the operational side of getting to the range: site coordination, hardware readiness, operator training, range and safety requirements, and debriefing results back to the customer and the product team.
  • Train and enable operators. Build and deliver the training that lets end users plan, load, and employ Barracuda without us in the room. Capture how they actually use the system and feed that back into TTPs, training products, and product requirements.
  • Shape the product. Translate customer mission problems into concrete engineering feedback and requirements. Represent the operator at design and program reviews and push hard on the changes that move mission effectiveness.
  • Grow into sustainment. Partner with Logistics and Integrated Product Support to stand up the support model behind a fielded munition: all-up-round accountability and spares, technical data and manuals, support equipment, storage and transportation, and field support concepts. As O&S contracts come online, own the operational side of delivering against them.
  • Grow the account. Build trust-based relationships from the operator to the executive level, articulate where Barracuda fits in the customer's problem set, and support proposals and new opportunities that expand the program.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or a related technical field (equivalent military or operational experience may be substituted in lieu of education).
  • 4+ years of operational, test, or program experience in a military and/or defense industry environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to learn a complex weapon system end to end - hardware, software, employment systems, and the operations it supports - and explain it credibly to both operators and engineers.
  • Experience planning and executing field activity: tests, exercises, demonstrations, deployments, or live-fire events.
  • Strong technical aptitude and intellectual curiosity; comfortable working directly with engineers on a system you did not build.
  • Clear, direct written and verbal communication; able to distill a messy problem into a plan and drive it to completion.
  • Bias toward action and an ownership mentality - you find gaps and close them rather than reporting them.
  • Ability to remain effective in austere, ambiguous, and rapidly changing environments.
  • Able to travel up to 50% domestically and internationally.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret clearance, with the ability to obtain Top Secret access.
  • Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Operational or test experience with cruise missiles, munitions, or precision strike weapons - employment, mission planning, weaponeering, or targeting.
  • Military background in a strike, fires, weapons, aircrew, EOD/ammunition, or armament role, or service as a weapons and tactics instructor.
  • Experience with autonomous or unmanned air systems and their launch, control, and mission planning systems.
  • Prior work supporting flight test campaigns, range operations, or joint capability demonstrations.
  • Familiarity with munitions logistics: all-up-round accountability, storage and transportation of energetics, ammunition surveillance, and depot or field support constructs.
  • Exposure to DoD acquisition and sustainment (product support strategy, CLS, or O&S contract execution).
  • Experience delivering operator training or authoring TTPs, tactics manuals, or technical publications.
  • Foreign Military Sales or allied partner engagement experience.
  • Experience at a startup, a new program start, or as the first person supporting a program.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


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About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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