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Satellite Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

E-Space

5G Core System Engineering Lead

Saratoga, CA

... a satellite operator - session continuity across dynamic links, SIM management, OSS/BSS, charging and policy, and subscription management for a globally mobile user base. You will translate those ...

E-Space

5G Core System Engineering Lead

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

... satellite operator -- session continuity across dynamic links, SIM management, OSS/BSS, charging and policy, and subscription management for a globally mobile user base. You will translate those ...

E-Space

Mission Operations Engineer

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

At least 5 years in system performance and/or quality assurance engineering and/or network operations for a mobile or satellite operator or infrastructure or devices manufacturer * At least 3 years ...

E-Space

5G Core System Engineering Lead

Arlington, TX · On-site

... a satellite operator - session continuity across dynamic links, SIM management, OSS/BSS, charging and policy, and subscription management for a globally mobile user base. You will translate those ...

stanleyreid

Our client is a leading provider of advanced satellite communications solutions for defense, government, and commercial organizations operating in remote and mission-critical environments. They ...

E-Space

5G Core System Engineering Lead

Arlington, TX

$180K - $220K/yr

... satellite operator -- session continuity across dynamic links, SIM management, OSS/BSS, charging and policy, and subscription management for a globally mobile user base. You will translate those ...

Aetherflux

Satellite Engineering

Seattle, WA · On-site

Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of ... Comfort operating in ambiguous, fast-moving environments * Ownership mindset with a willingness to ...

Amazon

Sr. TPM - Satellite

Redmond, WA

... operating in locations without reliable connectivity. We are seeking a Senior Technical Program ... You will develop integrated plans for satellite development, drive execution, work at the ...

Amazon

Sr. TPM - Satellite

Redmond, WA · On-site

... operating in locations without reliable connectivity. We are seeking a Senior Technical Program ... You will develop integrated plans for satellite development, drive execution, work at the ...

EUTELSAT SA

Senior Sales Engineer

London, OH · Hybrid

Connect with Eutelsat Be part of a new era in communications, transforming connectivity with Eutelsat - the world's first GEO-LEO integrated global satellite operator. As a leader in satellite ...

EUTELSAT SA

Senior Sales Engineer

London, OH · On-site

Connect with Eutelsat Be part of a new era in communications, transforming connectivity with Eutelsat - the world's first GEO-LEO integrated global satellite operator. As a leader in satellite ...

Akima, LLC

Satellite Controller III

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

Experience operating within a 24/7 mission operations environment and responding to real-time ... Satellite command and control systems. * Orbital mechanics and spacecraft operations. * Ground ...

Lynk

Satellite Systems Operations Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$71K - $96K/yr

Today, Lynk allows mobile network operators' subscribers to send and receive text messages to and ... The Satellite Operations Engineer at Lynk is a technical systems engineering position pivotal to ...

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Satellite Operator information

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$21K

$74K

$124.5K

How much do satellite operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite operator in the United States is $73,995.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $86,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a satellite operator?

To become a satellite operator, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering, telecommunications, or a related field. Relevant skills include understanding satellite systems, radio communication, and control software, along with certifications in satellite or radio operations. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level technical roles is also beneficial for advancing in this field.

How much do satellite mission operators make?

Satellite mission operators typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often require technical skills in satellite systems, communication protocols, and operational procedures, with some positions offering shift work or on-call responsibilities.

How much do people who work on satellites make?

Satellite operators typically earn between $50,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Advanced roles requiring technical skills and certifications may offer higher salaries, especially in specialized or senior positions.

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

To thrive as a Satellite Operator, you need a solid understanding of satellite communications, orbital mechanics, and technical troubleshooting, often supported by a degree in engineering, physics, or a related field. Familiarity with ground control systems, telemetry software, RF communication tools, and relevant certifications such as COMPTIA Security+ or specific operator licenses are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are essential soft skills in this field. These competencies are crucial for ensuring continuous, safe, and reliable satellite operations in mission-critical environments.

What does a typical day look like for a Satellite Operator?

A typical day for a Satellite Operator involves monitoring satellite systems, performing routine checks, executing scheduled maneuvers, and responding to any anomalies or technical issues that arise. Operators often work alongside engineers, mission planners, and technical support teams to maintain optimal satellite health and performance. Depending on the employer, the role may include shift work to ensure 24/7 coverage of satellite missions and may require quick decision-making during unexpected situations. Regular logging of activities, status reporting, and participation in team briefings are also part of the daily workflow. This collaborative environment keeps operations running smoothly and provides valuable learning opportunities for career development.

What is a Satellite Operator job?

A Satellite Operator is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining the functionality of satellites in orbit. They ensure proper satellite positioning, troubleshoot system anomalies, and coordinate with ground stations for data transmission. Operators also analyze telemetry data to detect issues and execute commands to optimize satellite performance. This role is critical in industries such as telecommunications, defense, and space exploration.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Satellite operators typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized engineers, or business owners in the aerospace or satellite industry. High-paying positions often require advanced technical skills, extensive experience, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or ownership stakes.
More about Satellite Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Satellite Operator jobs? Cities with the most Satellite Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Satellite Operator jobs? The most popular types of Satellite Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Satellite Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Satellite Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Satellite Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Satellite Operator jobs are:
Satellite Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Satellite Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 63% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,995 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

5G Core System Engineering Lead

E-Space

Saratoga, CA

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you've come to the right place!

E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.

We're intentional, we're unapologetically curious and we're 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.

We are looking for a 5G Core System Engineering Lead to own end-to-end system design and interface definition for E-Space's satellite 5G Core network. This role sits at the architecture level: you will decompose requirements across the full core service chain, define interfaces and information flows at every boundary, and drive the trade-offs that are unique to a satellite operator - session continuity across dynamic links, SIM management, OSS/BSS, charging and policy, and subscription management for a globally mobile user base. You will translate those trade-offs into concrete architectural decisions and drive them to closure across software, platform, and back-end engineering teams.

What you will do:
  • Own end-to-end 5G Core system architecture across the full service chain - AMF, SMF, UPF, UDM, PCF, AUSF, CHF, NEF - and produce architecture decision records (ADRs), system decomposition documents, and interface specifications that serve as the engineering source of truth.
  • Define and own interface specifications at every core domain boundary: interfaces between network functions, Nx reference points, UPF-to-data-network anchoring, and integrations with back-end platforms including charging, billing, and SIM provisioning.
  • Drive system-level trade-off analyses across competing constraints, latency-aware timer and retransmission parameter tuning, and complexity vs. flexibility trade-offs in policy and charging architecture.
  • Analyse how satellite-imposed constraints propagate into core design decisions.
  • Lead call-flow design for key 5G Core procedures in the satellite context.
  • Define requirements and interface contracts for back-end platform integration: CDR generation and CHF interface, SIM provisioning and UDM data model, BSS/OSS integration points.
  • Evaluate build-vs-buy options for core network functions and platform components; produce structured trade studies with quantified criteria covering performance, standards conformance, operational complexity, and cost.
  • Define system-level acceptance criteria and performance benchmarks - session setup latency, registration success rate, charging accuracy, failover recovery time - and coordinate with the integration lab team to ensure test coverage matches architecture scope.
  • Maintain alignment with 3GPP Rel-17/18 core specifications (SA2, SA5, CT4); identify where standard assumptions diverge from satellite operational constraints and drive resolution.
What you bring to this role:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • 12+ years in system or network engineering, with deep focus on 5G SA Core or LTE EPC architecture.
  • Strong command of 3GPP 5G Core architecture: NAS protocols, SBI service interfaces, N-reference points, and session, policy, and charging management across AMF, SMF, UPF, UDM, PCF, AUSF, and CHF.
  • Demonstrated experience authoring interface specifications, system requirement documents, and trade study reports in a multi-team engineering environment.
  • Understanding of how network-layer constraints propagate into core protocol behaviour and how to address them through parameter tuning or architectural adaptation.
  • Experience with charging and policy architecture.
  • Proven ability to drive architecture decisions to closure across software, platform, and back-end engineering teams.
  • Strong written communication; able to produce precise interface specifications and trade-off analyses that stand on their own.
Bonus points for the following:
  • Experience with 3GPP NTN core adaptations (Rel-17/18): satellite access node (SAN) architecture, timer and window parameter adaptation for high-latency links, or UPF placement in non-terrestrial topologies.
  • Background in MVNO core architecture: roaming interfaces (N32/SEPP, Diameter S6a/S9), multi-PLMN federation, MVNO interconnect, or eSIM/SM-DP+ integration.
  • Familiarity with 3GPP SA2/CT4 specifications or direct standards contribution experience.
  • Experience with NEF or network exposure APIs and B2B API gateway architecture.
  • Background in SIM provisioning platforms, subscription management, or UDM/HSS data modelling.
  • Experience in a startup or fast-paced R&D environment where architectural decisions move at product speed.
$180,000 - $220,000 a year

This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Arlington, TX office. 
 
The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. 
 
We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used-so we're looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that's your experience - then we'll be immediately wow-ed.
 
E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.  The Company is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.

Why E-Space is right for you:

As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success.  Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals.  In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry.  

We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That's why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space:

An opportunity to really make a difference
Sustainability at our core
Fair and honest workplace
Innovative thinking is encouraged
Competitive salaries
Continuous learning and development
Health and wellness care options
Financial solutions for the future
Optional legal services (US only)
Paid holidays
Paid time off

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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