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Satellite Operations Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

XMSTART

Operations System Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$71K - $96K/yr

This position requires a strong understanding of operations, with prior experience in satellite operations. The candidate must demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills, creativity, and a ...

XMSTART

Operations System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$71K - $96K/yr

This position requires a strong understanding of operations, with prior experience in satellite operations. The candidate must demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills, creativity, and a ...

SAIC

Operations Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

ORA_ON_SITE Description Join a mission driven satellite program at the forefront of national ... The Operations Systems Engineer provides embedded support within the government program office to ...

XMSTART

Operations System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$71K - $96K/yr

This position requires a strong understanding of operations, with prior experience in satellite operations. The candidate must demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills, creativity, and a ...

SAIC

Operations Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

ORA_ON_SITE Description Join a mission driven satellite program at the forefront of national ... The Operations Systems Engineer provides embedded support within the government program office to ...

SAIC

Satellite Systems Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$177K - $209K/yr

Provide engineering consultation to current satellite operations assisting with vehicle anomaly or event support. * Proactively works with Government, Developer, and SETA program managers and system ...

AST SpaceMobile

Payload Operations Engineer

Lanham, MD · On-site

$69K - $94K/yr

This is a daystaff shift position supporting each AST Satellite Operations Center (SOC), with occasional weekend, holiday, and oncall support to ensure 247 payload coverage. Key Responsibilities

SAIC

Satellite Systems Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$177K - $209K/yr

Provide engineering consultation to current satellite operations assisting with vehicle anomaly or event support. * Proactively works with Government, Developer, and SETA program managers and system ...

AST SpaceMobile

Payload Operations Engineer

Lanham, MD

$69K - $94K/yr

This is a day‑staff shift position supporting each AST Satellite Operations Center (SOC), with occasional weekend, holiday, and on‑call support to ensure 24×7 payload coverage. Key ...

AST SpaceMobile

Payload Operations Engineer

Lanham, MD · On-site

$69K - $94K/yr

This is a day-staff shift position supporting each AST Satellite Operations Center (SOC), with occasional weekend, holiday, and on-call support to ensure 24×7 payload coverage. Key Responsibilities

KBR

GEOINT Operations Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

The GEOINT Operations Systems Engineer is responsible for supporting satellite operations from tasking to product dissemination for a proliferated constellation of imagery satellites. This position ...

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All JobsSatellite Operations JobsSatellite Operations Jobs in Reston, VA

Satellite Operations information

See Reston, VA salary details

$630

$1.2K

$1.7K

How much do satellite operations jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average weekly pay for satellite operations in Reston, VA is $1,225.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,050.00 and $1,450.00 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive in Satellite Operations, you need expertise in orbital mechanics, telemetry, satellite communications, and often a degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Familiarity with satellite ground control software, mission planning tools, and certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or NASA’s MOCC training are highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the capacity to work well under pressure set exceptional candidates apart. These competencies are critical for ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of satellite missions in a dynamic and high-stakes environment.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Satellite Operations professional on a day-to-day basis?

Satellite Operations professionals are responsible for monitoring satellite health, executing planned maneuvers, troubleshooting system anomalies, and ensuring proper data transmission between ground stations and spacecraft. They often work as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes engineers, mission planners, and data analysts, collaborating to maintain seamless satellite performance and mission objectives. Daily tasks might include running diagnostics, analyzing telemetry data, coordinating with other teams during critical mission phases, and responding promptly to unexpected technical issues. It's a role that combines routine operational activities with high-stakes decision-making, especially during launch or anomaly resolution events. This blend of responsibilities makes every day both challenging and rewarding, offering continuous learning opportunities in a collaborative environment.

What is a Satellite Operations job?

A Satellite Operations job involves monitoring, controlling, and maintaining the functionality of satellites in orbit. Operators ensure satellites follow their intended trajectories, manage communication links, and troubleshoot any technical issues. They work in real-time to adjust satellite positioning, optimize performance, and respond to anomalies. This role requires knowledge of orbital mechanics, telemetry systems, and mission-specific software. Satellite operators often collaborate with engineers, mission planners, and ground station personnel to ensure seamless operations.

What are popular job titles related to Satellite Operations jobs in Reston, VA? For Satellite Operations jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Satellite Operations jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Satellite Operations jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Satellite Operations jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Satellite Operations job openings:
Satellite Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Satellite Operations job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Internship, and 67% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $63,740 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Operations System Engineer

XMSTART

Chantilly, VA

$71K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

XMSTART is looking for an Operations System Engineer to support a very dynamic and innovative space program in Chantilly, VA. The candidate will gain experience acquiring and deploying the next-generation of space assets including first of a kind satellite constellations with ground-breaking technology. This rewarding and mission focused position will enable you to have a positive impact on our nation's capabilities, while working with an incredibly strong team that is focused on mission success. This position requires a strong understanding of operations, with prior experience in satellite operations. The candidate must demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills, creativity, and a proactive attitude, with a willingness to go the extra mile to resolve issues in a dynamic, fast-paced NRO System Program Office environment.

If you are passionate about the mission and are excited about next-generation space, you'll love this team! This position is 100% Onsite.

Requirements

Security Clearance Requirements:

  • Top Secret/SCI with CI Polygraph required

Education:

  • Bachelor's and 14 years or more experience, or; Master's and 12 years or more experience, or; PhD and 9 years of experience

Qualifications: 

  • Experience with NRO satellite systems
  • Available to travel domestically

Responsibilities:

  • Provide operations planning and execution support
  • Develop and coordinate operations transition plans for large constellations
  • Provides support to anomaly resolution
  • Develops innovative ways to utilize systems
  • Develop productive relationships with Contractor counterparts, functional counterparts, and other subject matter experts.
  • Maintains solid understanding of system capabilities
  • Maintains a solid understanding of system CONOPS to include numerous tools needed for system tasking, data file transfers, collection statistics
  • Serves as mentor to team members
  • Ability to provide on-call support
  • Provide proactive support to the Government customer and tasks in an integrated office environment
  • Participate in full lifecycle acquisition and SE activities from pre-acquisition through launch and on-orbit checkout
  • Author, review, and coordinate documents, briefings and data to aid the Government in communications and decision-making

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