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Space Flight Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

E-Space

Flight Operations Engineer

Saratoga, CA · On-site

At E-Space, we're focused on bridging Earth and space with the world's most sustainable low Earth ... Develop and execute operational scripts and automation tools. Leverage Python and Bash scripting to ...

Boeing

Flight Operations Mechanic

Berkeley, MO · On-site

Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) is seeking Flight Operation Mechanics to join our Production Test team in Berkeley, MO. This position will be supporting all major Air Dominance programs in ...

Boeing

Flight Operations Mechanic

Berkeley, MO

Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) is seeking Flight Operation Mechanics to join our Production Test team in Berkeley, MO. This position will be supporting all major Air Dominance programs in ...

Boeing

Flight Operations Mechanic

Saint Charles, MO · On-site

$27 - $35.50/hr

Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) has a number of openings for Flight Operation Mechanics to join our dynamic Weapons Team in St. Charles, MO. Flight encompasses all of the duties of the ...

Boeing

Flight Operations Mechanic

Saint Charles, MO · On-site

$27 - $35.50/hr

Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) has a number of openings for Flight Operation Mechanics to join our dynamic Weapons Team in St. Charles, MO. Flight encompasses all of the duties of the ...

Boeing

Flight Operations Mechanic

Saint Charles, MO · On-site

$27 - $35.50/hr

Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) has a number of openings for Flight Operation Mechanics to join our dynamic Weapons Team in St. Charles, MO. Flight encompasses all of the duties of the ...

US Department of the Army

$56K/yr

The AASF or AAFA provides flight services and mission briefings which are relatively small in ... availability of space accommodations. Experience planning and organizing the work of others.

Reliant Space

Mission Operations Engineer

Reston, VA · Remote

$71K - $96K/yr

Demonstrated flight and ground operations experience for low-earth orbit space vehicles * Experience in ground system maintenance and sustainment General Overview & Responsibilities: * Develop and ...

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Space Flight Operations information

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$36.5K

$62.1K

$114K

How much do space flight operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for space flight operations in the United States is $62,063.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in space flight operations, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Space Flight Operations often encounter challenges such as rapid decision-making under pressure, coordinating across multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. These challenges can be addressed by developing strong communication skills, staying current with operational procedures, and participating in regular simulation training. Working closely with engineers, mission planners, and astronauts also helps foster a collaborative environment where issues can be resolved efficiently and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a space flight operations specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Space Flight Operations Specialist, you need expertise in aerospace engineering, systems analysis, and mission planning, typically supported by a relevant degree and specialized training. Familiarity with spacecraft control software, telemetry systems, and mission simulation tools is essential, along with certifications like NASA's Flight Controller certification. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork under pressure are critical soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the safe, efficient execution of space missions and the ability to respond quickly to complex technical challenges.

What is space flight operations?

Space Flight Operations refers to the planning, coordination, and management of spacecraft missions, including launch, on-orbit activities, and re-entry or landing. Professionals in this field ensure that all mission procedures are executed safely and efficiently, monitor spacecraft systems, and respond to anomalies. Their work is critical for both crewed and uncrewed missions, supporting communication between the spacecraft and ground control. Space Flight Operations specialists typically work for space agencies, commercial space companies, or defense organizations.
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Space Flight Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Space Flight Operations job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,063 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Flight Operations Lead ARO

Metrea Management LLC

Temecula, CA • On-site

$175K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Company Overview

Metrea delivers effects-as-a-service to national security partners across five domains and more than a dozen mission areas—including airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special mission aviation, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. 

Wherever we operate, we build vertically integrated full stacks of capability—designing, building, and operating turnkey solutions that let customers scale capacity while benefiting from continuous cycles of innovation. With operators and engineers under one roof, we close the gap between lab and field—what we call connecting design with effect. 

Metrea’s solutions are built for elegance: effective, efficient, and evolving. This approach enables our partners to do more with less and achieve outsized, asymmetric advantage against rapidly evolving threats. 

Headquartered in Washington, DC, Metrea has facilities across the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and beyond.

This role sits within the Air Mobility area of Metrea.

Air Mobility Group (AIRMOB) is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea’s aerial refueling (AAR) capabilities, ensuring the readiness and operational effectiveness of the tanker fleet. AIRMOB oversees fleet management, maintenance, and airworthiness, working to sustain and enhance refueling operations. It manages the integration of new processes and technologies, ensuring that tanker aircraft remain mission-ready through effective logistics, maintenance oversight, and regulatory compliance. By coordinating across various teams, AIRMOB ensures the fleet meets both current and future operational needs, supporting a range of specialized air mobility missions. 


Position Summary 

The Lead Air Refueling Operator is a pivotal role responsible for ensuring operational excellence, safety, and regulatory compliance of our flight operations. This position requires an individual with exceptional leadership skills and in-depth knowledge of FAA regulations who will uphold the standards of Metrea's flight operations and safety procedures. This role mentors AROs to maintain the highest standards of safety and proficiency.


What You’ll Do

  • Acts as a liaison between crew members and other managers.
  • May plan and modify routes for company aircraft in operations.
  • Maintain an adequate roster of properly qualified, current, and available AROs to meet company requirements.
  • Ensure that each ARO assigned to flight duty meets the applicable requirements and that the certification for these requirements is maintained in the crew member’s record.
  • Monitor ARO currency and legality and remove any ARO from the schedule before the expiration of any applicable qualification requirement.
  • Will serve as ARO in KC-135 operations, adhering to all applicable provisions and regulations.
  • Adhere to company Flight Operation Procedures (FOPs), Ground Operation Procedures (GOPs), FAA regulations, and Safety Notices.
  • Maintain all currencies, qualifications, and advanced systems knowledge related to the MSM KC-135 tanker fleet.


What You’ll bring

  • Must be highly knowledgeable in applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Company Manuals, and all related policies and procedures.
  • Extensive KC-135 flight experience.
  • Strong organizational and leadership skills.
  • Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
  • Set a high standard for providing our customers with world-class air refueling.
  • Knowledgeable on the use of Foreflight.


Additional Eligibility Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management or related field or equivalent experience.
  • Previous USAF Instructor and Evaluator certification for KC-135 desired
  • Valid Driver’s License and US Passport.
  • Ability to maintain Top Secret clearance.


Our Firmware

At Metrea, our single core value, Rooted in Humility, and our four cornerstone attributes—Entrepreneurial, Systematic, Discerning, and Over-Deliver. These form what we call our Teammate Firmware. Just like technical firmware connects software and hardware, our Firmware is the constant interface between our mission and our people. It defines how we show up, how we work together, and how we solve complex problems.

Our team Firmware creates a web-like, hyper-collaborative, dynamically hierarchical way of working that helps us adapt quickly, communicate openly, and distribute decision-making to where expertise actually lives. It enables groups to self-organize around hard problems, shift fluidly as priorities evolve, and operate with the trust, curiosity, and discipline required in a complex mission space. This foundation allows us to deliver elegant, effective solutions and uphold our purpose: protecting our precious inheritance.


Benefits

Comprehensive medical plan options

HSA/FSA accounts

Dental and vision coverage

6% employer 401(k) match

Fully paid parental leave for all new parents

Generous PTO

Life and disability insurance
Long-term and Short-term disability coverage

AD&D Coverage

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Subsidized gym membership / plans through Wellhub


Work Authorization / Security Clearance

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen.

Ability to maintain a Secret clearance throughout employment.

Role requires adherence to export control regulations (ITAR/EAR).


AAP/EEO Statement

This Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.


Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time exempt position with typical working hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours and work shifts may change in accordance with department and business needs. Exempt Employees must have the ability to be on-call and available, as business needs require.   


Work Location

Temecula and Moreno Valley, CA


Work Environment

This job operates in an office setting and aboard KC-135R/RG and C-135FR aircraft


Travel

30%


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