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Satellite System Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stellar Solutions, Inc.

$150 - $200/hr

... system operators and service providers, and other industry stakeholders including investors. At ... Stellar Solutions is seeking a Senior Satellite Design Engineer. In this role, you will lead the ...

Nwis

Satellite Systems Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$99K - $206K/yr

Required Skills: * 6+ years of experience managing/operating satellite communication networks ... Yes, 6+ years of hands-on experience in RF/satellite systems * Weapons Certification Required (Yes ...

Nightwing

Satellite Systems Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$99K - $206K/yr

Required Skills: * 6+ years of experience managing/operating satellite communication networks ... Yes, 6+ years of hands-on experience in RF/satellite systems * Weapons Certification Required (Yes ...

Starfish Space

Satellite Systems Engineer

Tukwila, WA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Previous experience designing and/or operating space systems * Programming experience in Python * Working knowledge of systems engineering * Working knowledge of satellite components and technologies ...

Starfish Space

Satellite Systems Engineer

Tukwila, WA · On-site

$100K - $180K/yr

Previous experience designing and/or operating space systems * Programming experience in Python * Working knowledge of systems engineering * Working knowledge of satellite components and technologies ...

Iridium Communications Inc

$80 - $100/hr

Company Overview Iridium is an award-winning satellite communications company operating the world ... As a Ground System Operator II, you will participate in monitoring and controlling ground systems ...

New

Booz Allen Hamilton

Satellite Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$62K - $141K/yr

At a certain point, experience-based system design can start to look like clairvoyance. When you've ... Experience with mission systems and interfacing with mission management planners and operators on a ...

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Satellite System Operator information

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$74K

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How much do satellite system operator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite system 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.

What is a satellite system operator?

Satellite System Operators are professionals responsible for controlling, monitoring, and maintaining satellite systems that support communication, navigation, or data transmission. They work in ground control stations to ensure satellites are functioning correctly, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate with engineers to optimize satellite performance. Their duties may include tracking satellite orbits, performing system diagnostics, and implementing software updates. Satellite System Operators play a critical role in ensuring uninterrupted satellite services for industries such as telecommunications, defense, and weather forecasting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a satellite system operator?

To thrive as a Satellite System Operator, you need a solid understanding of satellite communications, signal processing, and computer networking, typically supported by a degree in engineering, telecommunications, or a related field. Familiarity with satellite control systems, telemetry software, and certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or relevant government clearances are commonly required. Outstanding problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help operators quickly respond to anomalies and coordinate with technical teams. These skills are crucial to maintain operational integrity, ensure uninterrupted satellite functionality, and support mission-critical objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by satellite system operators, and how can they be addressed?

Satellite System Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining system reliability during unexpected technical issues, managing communication link disruptions, and keeping pace with rapidly changing technology. To address these, operators need to develop strong troubleshooting skills, stay updated on the latest satellite technologies, and follow established protocols for incident response. Collaboration with engineering teams and continual training are also essential in overcoming these challenges and ensuring smooth satellite operations.

What is the difference between Satellite System Operator vs Satellite Communications Technician?

AspectSatellite System OperatorSatellite Communications Technician
CredentialsFCC licensing, technical certificationsFCC licensing, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentControl centers, remote sitesField sites, installation environments
Employer & IndustryTelecom, satellite service providersTelecom, satellite installation companies
Job FocusOperating and monitoring satellite systemsInstalling, repairing, maintaining satellite equipment

While both roles require FCC licensing and technical skills, Satellite System Operators primarily focus on operating and monitoring satellite systems within control centers. In contrast, Satellite Communications Technicians are more involved in fieldwork, installing and repairing satellite equipment. Both roles are essential in the satellite industry but differ in daily tasks and work environments.

More about Satellite System Operator jobs

What are popular job titles related to Satellite System Operator jobs?

For Satellite System Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Satellite System Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Satellite System Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,995 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Senior Satellite Design Engineer

On-site

Stellar Solutions, Inc.
See more jobs at Stellar Solutions, Inc.external

$150 - $200/hr

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Overview

Stellar Solutions, a nationally recognized Great Place to Work, has exciting opportunities providing engineering solutions for innovative new-entrant space companies, as well as established space systems manufacturers, commercial space system operators and service providers, and other industry stakeholders including investors.

At Stellar Solutions, we offer talented, energetic, and immediately productive resources to satisfy our customers’ critical needs in systems engineering and integration, mission operations, program management, and strategic planning. We are a leading service and expertise provider for high-tech commercial ventures, spanning communications, earth observation, and remote sensing systems and data products, to the infrastructures that support Earth-orbiting and beyond-Earth-orbit businesses.

Stellar Solutions is seeking a Senior Satellite Design Engineer. In this role, you will lead the overall design and development of spacecraft for a fast-moving constellation program, owning mission outcomes from early concept through sustained on-orbit operations.

Role/Responsibilities/Qualifications

You will execute top-level spacecraft design, cost and risk assessments, systems engineering, testing, and operational planning while serving as the technical authority for in-orbit performance and driving each phase of development within a small, high-impact team to ensure mission success and dependable service delivery.

Basic Qualifications:

  • 5+ years professional design/development experience in satellite systems.
  • Proven experience as a leader on at least one satellite program.
  • Skill in using and creating software tools to model systems performance across a variety of disciplines (MATLAB, Python, Excel, etc.)
  • Strong understanding of satellite technologies, design principles, and concepts of operations
  • Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or related field
  • Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 10+ years professional design/development experience in satellite systems
  • Master's degree in Electrical or Systems Engineering, or related field
  • Previous experience with spacecraft and/or space mission top level design
  • Previous work on small LEO satellites
  • Breadth of experience leading satellite systems development and testing
  • Experience with creating satellite simulations and models
  • Satellite operations experience
  • ITAR Requirements
    • The company is required by the U.S. Government to comply with various space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident(“green card holder”) or a protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. More information on ITAR can be found here.

Compensation:

The typical pay range for this position is USD $140,000 - $170,000 per year. Individual pay is determined by many factors including work location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for a comprehensive total rewards package that includes an annual performance bonus, an employer-funded Profit-Sharing Plan (PSP) contribution based on base compensation, and comprehensive employer-paid medical benefits, PTO pay-out options, along with additional company-sponsored benefits. All of these benefits represent an additional 30-40% to your base compensation for a total compensation package.

Deliverable(s)

Join a small, elite engineering team designing and flying next-generation satellites from concept through on-orbit operations. In this role, you’ll own spacecraft performance in space and help shape an ambitious constellation from the ground up.

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