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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 ...

Mission Operations Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

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 ...

Senior Mission Operations Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Mission Operations Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

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

$68K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

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 ...

Vehicle & Mission Operations Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

... the satellite bus, and working with world-class RE teams to validate system health. You'll then ... Familiarity with mission operations concepts such as LEOP, telemetry, commanding, fault protection ...

Senior Mission Operations Engineer - TeraWave

Seattle, WA · On-site

$118K - $163K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This multi-orbit constellation will consist of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth ... As a Senior Mission Operations Engineer, you will ensure readiness to execute on-orbit TeraWave ...

Senior Mission Operations Engineer - TeraWave

Reston, VA · On-site

$108K - $149K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This multi-orbit constellation will consist of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth ... As a Senior Mission Operations Engineer, you will ensure readiness to execute on-orbit TeraWave ...

Mission Operations Engineer

Cape Canaveral, FL · On-site

$129K - $193K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cape Canaveral We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Mission Operations Engineer with a focus on launch automation, vehicle systems, and launch day Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for our Nova ...

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 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.

More about Satellite Mission Operations Engineer jobs

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

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 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,029 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Mission Operations Engineer (Mid Level) - Millennium Space Systems

Boeing

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$74K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 612 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Mission Operations Engineer (Mid Level) - Millennium Space Systems
Company:
Millennium Space Systems
Millennium Space Systems, a part of Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS), is a fast, agile small satellite company focused on national security space. Our missions have direct impact to global security, like missile warning and Earth observation.
Our team is curious, bold and innovative. We take risks, innovate and explore new techniques and technologies. We influence change because we challenge the status quo. And when we watch our satellites launch, we know each one of us made it happen.
Job Summary
As a Mission Operations Engineer, you will be the lead technical authority for Millennium's on-orbit spacecraft. Your work will encompass the entire spacecraft mission life cycle, from the proposal phase to spacecraft and mission design, through space vehicle integration and test, and culminating with launch and on-orbit operations. You will be responsible for all facets of the mission design, including definition of operational concepts, development of on-orbit procedures, and innovation of advanced methods of spacecraft operation unique to each space mission. Mission Operations requires composure in high-pressure situations, in-depth knowledge of both the space vehicles and ground segment, and an ability to respond to anomalous scenarios in real-time. You will be directly responsible for Millennium's critical on-orbit assets.
This position's internal job code is Systems Engineer. Our team is currently hiring for levels 3-4.
Responsibilities
  • Lead a team of spacecraft and subsystem engineers during launch and early orbit activities to commission the space vehicle(s) for service
  • Perform duties of lead technical authority during mission operations for both the space and ground segments
  • Support every aspect of the mission lifecycle, from proposal/mission modeling, design, integration and test, space vehicle shipment, launch and on-orbit operations, to decommissioning
  • Define ground and mission operations requirements, and flow mission requirements back to the space vehicle team
    • Define mission concept of operation and design reference missions
    • Improve future vehicle designs by cataloguing lessons learned from on-orbit exercises
  • Support the ground segment design, including command and control, mission planning, mission data processing, and the associated infrastructure to support all activities
  • Implement and test space vehicle fault and autonomy, including fault detection and response, autonomous space vehicle behavior, and on-board command and control
  • Develop and implement methods of operational automation, to reduce day-to-day operator responsibilities
  • Create and execute space vehicle simulator tests to validate mission/fault/autonomy design
  • Create and execute in-factory flight vehicle tests to validate mission design compatibility with flight hardware
  • Conduct critical ground segment testing, including radio-frequency compatibility testing, remote ground facility interface testing, and acceptance testing of critical ground assets/locations
  • Forms and leads anomaly response team when off-nominal vehicle conditions arise
  • Contribute to customer briefings/debriefings for orbital events
  • Design and validate the mission "sequence of events" for bus commissioning, payload checkout/calibration, and mission operations
  • Contribute to Mission Rehearsal events to train the mission team and to validate the mission design

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.
This position requires the ability to obtain a US Security Clearance for which the US Government requires US Citizenship. A Final U.S. secret clearance Prestart is required OR An interim and/or final U.S. secret clearance Post Start is required
Minimum Qualifications
  • B.S. in Aerospace, Electrical, Software, Computer, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in Mission Operations or similar
  • Experience with real-time satellite command and control
  • Willingness to support occasional off-nominal working hours during critical 24/7 mission operations activities
  • Willingness to apply for a TS clearance with SCI eligibility

Preferred Qualifications
  • M.S. in Aerospace, Electrical, Software, Computer, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in Mission Operations or similar
  • Experience in leading multidisciplinary technical teams, especially to resolve anomalous scenarios
  • Deep knowledge of satellite systems engineering, including all satellite subsystems
  • Experience with Spacecraft Command & Control software systems
  • Familiarity with software and scripting tools such as MATLAB, Python, C/C++, Java, etc.
  • Active TS clearance and SCI eligibility

Conflict of Interest:
Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process
Drug Free Workplace:
Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, is a Drug Free Workplace (DFW) where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.
Shift:
  • This role will be on 1st shift

Total Rewards:
At Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
Millennium Space Systems also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Summary pay range:
Level 3: $99,000 - 177,000
Level 4: $121,000 - $215,000
Millennium is DDTC-registered, ITAR-compliant Company. This position is located at a facility that requires special access. Applicants MUST be U.S. citizens and eligible for a security clearance. Additionally, applicants must be willing to apply for and maintain a security clearance. We encourage all interested candidates to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified.
Category = Engineering
Language Requirements:
Not Applicable
Education:
Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent
Relocation:
Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.
Export Control Requirement:
This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
Safety Sensitive:
This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.
Security Clearance:
This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.
Visa Sponsorship:
Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.
Contingent Upon Award Program
This position is not contingent upon program award
Shift:
Shift 1 (United States of America)
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