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Satellite Operations Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IonQ

Satellite Operations Engineer

Louisville, CO ยท Hybrid

$85K - $165K/yr

Up to 5% Job ID: 1637 The Role Capella is looking for a Satellite Operations Engineer to join our close-knit team of spacecraft operators! In this role, you will own the full operational life-cycle ...

IonQ

Satellite Operations Engineer

Louisville, CO ยท On-site

$85K - $165K/yr

Up to 5% Job ID: 1637 The Role Capella is looking for a Satellite Operations Engineer to join our close-knit team of spacecraft operators! In this role, you will own the full operational life-cycle ...

IonQ

Staff Satellite Operations Engineer

Louisville, CO ยท On-site +1

$167K - $219K/yr

Up to 5% Job ID: 1569 The Role Capella is looking for a Satellite Operations Engineer to join our close-knit team of spacecraft operators! In this role, you will own the full operational life-cycle ...

IonQ

Staff Satellite Operations Engineer

Louisville, CO ยท On-site

$167K - $219K/yr

Up to 5% Job ID: 1569 The Role Capella is looking for a Satellite Operations Engineer to join our close-knit team of spacecraft operators! In this role, you will own the full operational life-cycle ...

SAIC

Satellite & Ground Operations Engineer

Springfield, VA

$72K - $98K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description ๏ปฟSAIC is seeking a Satellite and Ground Operations Engineer to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support the NRO Electro-Optical System Program ...

Capella

Satellite Operations Engineer

Louisville, CO ยท On-site +1

$110/hr

The Role Capella is looking for a Satellite Operations Engineer to join our close-knit team of spacecraft operators! In this role, you will own the full operational life-cycle: from designing mission ...

Capella

Satellite Operations Engineer

Louisville, CO ยท On-site

$110/hr

The Role Capella is looking for a Satellite Operations Engineer to join our close-knit team of spacecraft operators! In this role, you will own the full operational life-cycle: from designing mission ...

Lynk

Satellite Systems Operations Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$71K - $96K/yr

The Satellite Operations Engineer at Lynk is a technical systems engineering position pivotal to ensuring the operational integrity and safety of the constellation of LEO satellites. Your primary ...

Capella

Senior Satellite Operations Engineer

Louisville, CO ยท On-site

$145K - $191K/yr

The Role Capella is looking for a Satellite Operations Engineer to join our close-knit team of spacecraft operators! In this role, you will own the full operational life-cycle: from designing mission ...

Capella

Senior Satellite Operations Engineer

Louisville, CO ยท On-site +1

$145K - $191K/yr

The Role Capella is looking for a Satellite Operations Engineer to join our close-knit team of spacecraft operators! In this role, you will own the full operational life-cycle: from designing mission ...

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How much do satellite operations engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite 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 does a typical day look like for a Satellite Operations Engineer?

A typical day for a Satellite Operations Engineer involves monitoring satellite performance, analyzing telemetry data, and coordinating responses to any anomalies or unexpected events. You may participate in shift work to ensure 24/7 operational coverage, collaborate with hardware engineers, mission planners, and ground station teams, and document system status or updates. Regular tasks include executing command sequences, supporting satellite launches or maneuvers, and preparing detailed reports for senior engineers and management. This role combines technical hands-on work with real-time problem-solving and teamwork, providing a dynamic and impactful work environment.

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

To thrive as a Satellite Operations Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, physics, or a related technical field, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with satellite control systems, mission planning software, telemetry, and (where applicable) industry certifications such as ITAR or FCC licensure is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for success in this role. These competencies are essential to ensure the reliable operation, monitoring, and troubleshooting of satellites in a highly collaborative and mission-critical environment.

What is a Satellite Operations Engineer job?

A Satellite Operations Engineer is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining the health and performance of satellites in orbit. They operate ground control systems, analyze telemetry data, troubleshoot anomalies, and implement corrective actions to ensure continuous satellite functionality. Their role may involve planning satellite maneuvers, coordinating with mission teams, and supporting pre-launch testing. Strong analytical skills, knowledge of satellite communication systems, and experience with ground station operations are essential for this role.

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What cities are hiring for Satellite Operations Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Satellite Operations Engineer job openings:
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Satellite Operations Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Satellite Operations Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,029 per year, or $40.9 per hour.
Satellite Operations Engineer

Satellite Operations Engineer

IonQ

Louisville, CO โ€ข Hybrid

$85K - $165K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

About Capella

Capella, an IonQ company, spans national security, advanced sensing, and next-generation compute to deliver secure, mission-ready intelligence. Capella's culture is built on collaboration, rigorous engineering, and a shared commitment to delivering solutions that strengthen global stability and security. Team members work side-by-side with some of the most innovative minds in space systems, quantum-enabled technologies, and mission-critical operations.

Capella values curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to tackle hard problems with precision and creativity. Capella welcomes and encourages applicants whose perspectives are historically underrepresented in technology, national security, and aerospace. No prior space experience is required. Diverse viewpoints strengthen Capella's ability to innovate and deliver meaningful impact for partners worldwide.

Location:ย This role is based at our Louisville, CO office with the option to work a few days a week remotely.ย 
Travel:ย Up to 5%
Job ID: 1637

The Role

Capella is looking for a Satellite Operations Engineer to join our close-knit team of spacecraft operators! In this role, you will own the full operational life-cycle: from designing mission operations and executing high-stakes commissioning campaigns, to maintaining fleet health and leading on-orbit anomaly response.

As a vital member of our Satellite Operations Team, you will drive the reliability and autonomy of our expanding SAR constellation as well as upcoming special projects and demonstrations. If you thrive on solving complex problems in a fast-paced environment and want to have a direct hand in the success of a growing fleet, we want you at Capella.

This is a hybrid role located in Louisville, CO.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the launch and commissioning of new satellites for autonomous operations
  • Perform spacecraft analysis, maintenance, and anomaly response
  • Develop and automate operational procedures and tools
  • Test and deploy satellite software updates
  • Support the execution of special projects and demonstrations
  • Participate in a team rotation to be the on-call first responder for spacecraft anomalies
  • Interface with other teams to develop and maintain a highly autonomous spacecraft operations system

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical field
  • 2+ years of relevant work experience
  • Proficiency in Python for data analysis and automation
  • Familiarity with all of the following disciplines and significant experience with at least one:ย 
    • o ย  Astrodynamics
    • o ย  Guidance, Navigation, and Control
    • o ย  Electrical Engineering
    • o ย  Communications Systems
    • o ย  Thermal Engineering
    • o ย  Embedded Software
    • o ย  Propulsion
  • Experience with Git or other version control systems

Soft Skills

  • Strong ability to communicate and collaborate within a team environment
  • Comfortable dealing with unknowns, quantifying risk, addressing uncertainty, and handling the pressure of a real-time operating environment
  • Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills

Required Qualification

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Capella Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Compensationย 

The approximate base salary range for this position is $85,000 - $165,000. The final job level and annual salary will be determined based on the education, qualification, knowledge, skills, ability, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location and calibrated against relevant market data and internal team equity.ย  Benefits listed in this posting may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Capella Space. ย  ย 

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