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Satellite Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IonQ

Staff Satellite Operations Engineer

Louisville, CO · On-site +1

$167K - $219K/yr

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 ...

SAIC

Satellite & Ground Operations Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$72K - $98K/yr

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

Viasat, Inc.

Student Satellite Pilot

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$28.37 - $42.79/hr

What you'll do Join our Satellite Control Center team in Tempe or Carlsbad and become part of the force behind Viasat's innovative satellite operations. You'll have the outstanding opportunity to ...

Viasat, Inc.

Student Satellite Pilot

Tempe, AZ

$28.37 - $42.79/hr

What you'll do Join our Satellite Control Center team in Tempe or Carlsbad and become part of the force behind Viasat's innovative satellite operations. You'll have the outstanding opportunity to ...

Viasat, Inc.

Student Satellite Pilot

Tempe, AZ

$28.37 - $42.79/hr

What you'll do Join our Satellite Control Center team in Tempe or Carlsbad and become part of the force behind Viasat's innovative satellite operations. You'll have the outstanding opportunity to ...

SAIC

Satellite & Ground Operations Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$72K - $98K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a Satellite and Ground Operations Engineer to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support the NRO Electro-Optical System Program Office (ESPO)

Viasat, Inc.

Student Satellite Pilot

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$28.37 - $42.79/hr

What you'll do Join our Satellite Control Center team in Tempe or Carlsbad and become part of the force behind Viasat's innovative satellite operations. You'll have the outstanding opportunity to ...

Viasat, Inc.

Student Satellite Pilot

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$28.37 - $42.79/hr

What you'll do Join our Satellite Control Center team in Tempe or Carlsbad and become part of the force behind Viasat's innovative satellite operations. You'll have the outstanding opportunity to ...

Muon Space

Satellite Operator

San Jose, CA · On-site

$31 - $40/hr

About the role Muon seeks a Satellite Operator to join our Operations team in San Jose, CA. You will be at the forefront of our satellite and specialty sensing operations, ensuring the seamless ...

Viasat, Inc.

Student Satellite Pilot

Tempe, AZ

$28.37 - $42.79/hr

What you'll do Join our Satellite Control Center team in Tempe or Carlsbad and become part of the force behind Viasat's innovative satellite operations. You'll have the outstanding opportunity to ...

Viasat, Inc.

Student Satellite Pilot

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$28.37 - $42.79/hr

What you'll do Join our Satellite Control Center team in Tempe or Carlsbad and become part of the force behind Viasat's innovative satellite operations. You'll have the outstanding opportunity to ...

Viasat, Inc.

Student Satellite Pilot

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$28.37 - $42.79/hr

What you'll do Join our Satellite Control Center team in Tempe or Carlsbad and become part of the force behind Viasat's innovative satellite operations. You'll have the outstanding opportunity to ...

Capella

Senior Satellite Operations Engineer

Louisville, CO · 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 ...

Viasat, Inc.

Student Satellite Pilot

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$28.37 - $42.79/hr

What you'll do Join our Satellite Control Center team in Tempe or Carlsbad and become part of the force behind Viasat's innovative satellite operations. You'll have the outstanding opportunity to ...

Peraton

$51K - $82K/yr

Peraton is seeking motivated Satellite Operations Controller in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to support our Front Range Operations and Sustainment Team (FROST) program, and to provide satellite ...

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Satellite Operations information

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How much do satellite operations jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average weekly pay for satellite operations in the United States is $1,178.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,009.62 and $1,394.23 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.

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Satellite Operations jobs near you
Staff Satellite Operations Engineer

Staff Satellite Operations Engineer

IonQ

Louisville, CO • On-site, Remote

$167K - $219K/yr

Other

Posted 25 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: This role is based at our Louisville, CO office with the option to work a few days a week remotely. 
Travel: 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: 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.

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
  • 4+ 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:
    • Astrodynamics
    • Guidance, Navigation, and Control
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Communications Systems
    • Thermal Engineering
    • Embedded Software
    • 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.

Compensation 

The approximate base salary range for this position is $167,808 - $219,704. The total compensation package includes base salary, bonus, equity, and a range of benefits available on our career site. 

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