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Satellite Operations Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apex

Mission Operations Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical ... Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data * Bachelor ...

Astranis

Senior GNC Controls Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$114.30K - $150.80K/yr

... and tune our existing controllers. Role * Design, implement, and test closed-loop control ... Support GNC operations for our fleet of satellites, including on-console and on-call rotations

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$35.5K

$107K

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How much do satellite operations controller jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite operations controller in the United States is $107,027.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,500.00 and $126,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Satellite Operations Controller job?

A Satellite Operations Controller is responsible for monitoring and managing the operations of satellites to ensure they function correctly. They track satellite performance, troubleshoot anomalies, and execute commands to maintain optimal operation. Controllers work in a mission control center, often on rotating shifts, to provide 24/7 coverage. Their tasks may include coordinating with engineers, analyzing telemetry data, and implementing recovery procedures if issues arise. This role is essential for supporting communication, navigation, weather, and scientific satellites.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Satellite Operations Controller position, and why are they important?

A Satellite Operations Controller typically requires a solid background in aerospace engineering, physics, or a related technical field, along with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Familiarity with satellite control systems, mission planning software, and certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or relevant military training are often preferred. Attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are essential soft skills for this role. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring the health, safety, and reliability of satellite operations in a high-stakes environment.

What are typical daily responsibilities for a Satellite Operations Controller?

Satellite Operations Controllers are responsible for monitoring satellite health and status, executing routine and contingency commands, and analyzing telemetry data to identify potential anomalies. Their day often involves coordinating with engineering and flight dynamics teams to schedule maneuvers, track satellite performance, and troubleshoot technical issues in real time. Collaboration with other controllers, mission planners, and external partners is common to ensure seamless operations. The role is typically shift-based, requiring attention to detail and a high level of situational awareness at all times.
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Satellite Operations Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Satellite Operations Controller job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,027 per year, or $51.5 per hour.
Senior Software Engineer - Space Infrastructure

Senior Software Engineer - Space Infrastructure

Loft Orbital Solutions

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$150K - $215K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Wanna join the adventure?
 
As a Space Infrastructure Software Engineer, you are responsible for scaling our ability to operate a heterogeneous fleet of satellites--spanning dedicated, rideshare, and constellation missions. You will work at the intersection of automated satellite operations, ground and flight software, and solving on-orbit problems.
 
The team is responsible for ensuring the reliable, efficient, and standardized operation of Loft’s space infrastructure. Within the operational fleet of Loft satellites, the team is responsible for the stability of the satellite bus, the Hub, and Loft-owned payloads as a platform to execute customer missions.
 
Loft’s business and its customer’s businesses are built on the reliability of its space infrastructure. This team’s work is foundational for that model, and gives you a wide latitude to work on different systems, ranging from code that interacts with and uses Cockpit, our mission control system, to code that executes onboard our satellites. It will also give you the opportunity to become a Flight Director, responsible for the health and safety of our fleet.
About the Role:
  • Develop and maintain the software systems that autonomously operate our satellites, improving the reliability and scalability of our space infrastructure.
  • Build tools, systems, and software libraries to enable other teams to integrate and operate effectively on Loft’s satellite platform.
  • Scale our satellite operations software to support an increasingly heterogeneous and growing fleet.
  • Partner with software product teams to drive continuous improvements based on operational and integration feedback.
  • Contribute to and maintain SatDevOps Academy, our internal training program for company-wide satellite operations readiness.
  • Serve as a rotating Flight Director, overseeing incident response and ensuring the health and safety of the fleet.
Must Haves:
  • 4+ years of professional software engineering experience, with solid skills in automation.
  • Ability to work across the full software and hardware stack—including ground-based automation, space-based automation, and the interfaces that connect them.
  • Proficiency in Python, container technologies (Docker, Kubernetes), CI/CD pipelines, unit/integration testing, Linux, and Git.
  • Willingness and enthusiasm to be trained as a satellite controller and Flight Director (including participation in the on-call rotation).
  • Pragmatic mindset: able to balance long-term reliability with short- and medium-term solutions.
  • Accountability and autonomy; comfortable taking ownership and delivering results.
  • Openness to learning, working outside your comfort zone, and tackling unfamiliar challenges.
Nice to Haves:
  • Familiarity or experience with Argo, Grafana, Loki, Lua, test engineering, or reliability engineering.
  • Hands-on experience as a satellite operator.
Some of Our Awesome Benefits:
  • 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance option for employees and dependents
  • Flexible Spending (FSA) and Health Savings (HSA) Accounts offered with an employer contribution to the HSA
  • 100% employer paid Life, AD&D, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability insurance
  • Flexible Time Off policy for vacation and sick leave, and 12 paid holidays
  • 401(k) plan and equity options
  • Daily catered lunches and snacks in office
  • International exposure to our team in France
  • Fully paid parental leave; 14 weeks for birthing parent and 10 weeks for non-birthing parent
  • Carrot Fertility provides comprehensive, inclusive fertility healthcare and family-forming benefits with financial support
  • Off-sites and many social events and celebrations
  • Relocation assistance when applicable
State law requires us to tell you the base compensation range for this role, which is $150,000- $215,000 per year. This is determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.  The salary range for this role is intentionally wide as we evaluate individuals based on their unique experience and abilities to fit our needs. Most importantly, we are excited to meet you, and see if you are a great fit for our team. What we can’t quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy.
 *Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other underrepresented people tend to only apply when they meet 100% of the qualifications. At Loft, we value respectful debate and people who aren’t afraid to challenge assumptions.  We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don’t check all the boxes.

Who We Are

Loft: Space Made Simple. 

Founded in 2017, Loft provides governments, companies, and research institutions with a fast, reliable, and simple way to deploy missions in orbit.

We integrate, launch, and operate spacecraft, offering end-to-end missions as a service across Earth observation, IoT connectivity, on-orbit AI, national security missions, and more. Leveraging our existing space infrastructure and an extensive inventory of satellite buses, Loft is reducing years-long integration and launch timelines to months. With more than 30 missions flown, Loft’s flight heritage and proven technologies enable customers to focus on their mission objectives.

With a growing fleet on track to reach 30 satellites by 2027, we are scaling up quickly across our offices in San Francisco, CA \u007C Golden, CO \u007C and Toulouse, France to meet accelerating demand for space infrastructure.

As an international company your resume will be reviewed by people across our offices so please attach a copy in English.