ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Space Mission Operations Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsConstruction JobsInterior Design JobsInterior Designer JobsSpace Mission Operations Planner Jobs

Space Mission Operations Planner information

See salary details

$36K

$74.9K

$121.5K

How much do space mission operations planner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for space mission operations planner in the United States is $74,860.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,500.00 and $87,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a space mission operations planner do?

A Space Mission Operations Planner is responsible for developing and coordinating the detailed schedules and procedures required to ensure the successful execution of space missions. They work closely with engineers, scientists, and flight controllers to define mission objectives, plan spacecraft activities, and manage timelines. This role involves analyzing mission requirements, identifying potential risks, and adapting plans in real-time to address unexpected events. The planner ensures that all mission phases, from launch to landing or end of mission, are carefully orchestrated for maximum safety and efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a space mission operations planner?

To thrive as a Space Mission Operations Planner, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, physics, or a related technical field, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with mission planning software, satellite communication systems, and project management tools is typically required, along with certifications such as PMP or ITAR compliance. Exceptional problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you coordinate across multidisciplinary teams and adapt to rapidly changing mission parameters. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and successful execution of complex space missions.

What are some of the main challenges space mission operations planners face when coordinating multi-disciplinary teams during a mission?

Space Mission Operations Planners often work with diverse teams, including engineers, scientists, and flight controllers, each with specialized expertise. One major challenge is ensuring seamless communication and alignment of objectives across these groups, especially when dealing with complex timelines and rapidly changing mission parameters. Planners must anticipate potential conflicts, manage resource constraints, and prioritize tasks to keep the mission on track. Successful planners are adept at problem-solving, adapting to evolving situations, and fostering strong collaboration among all stakeholders.

What are popular job titles related to Space Mission Operations Planner jobs?

For Space Mission Operations Planner jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Space Domain Mission Analyst

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

Va Tech Foundation
See more jobs at Va Tech Foundationexternal

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Support space mission operations, including mission planning, execution, and operational assessments.

  • Analyze operational data to identify trends, risks, and mission impacts, and develop related workflows and documentation.

  • Collaborate with mission partners and provide technical guidance to improve operational effectiveness and decision-making.

Job description

About Us:

VT-ARC, a technical services and applied research company, has built an organizational culture marked by four primary values: Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Service. Integral to our success is our staffs enthusiasm for solving tough problems by working together in teams to get the job done. We foster a culture where every employees contribution is valued and performed with integrity while maintaining a fun work environment. VT-ARC strives for excellence in all that is done for our clients, and such achievement is recognized through service/merit awards. Moreover, we promote a sense of community larger than VT-ARC alone, where staff and institutional resources can be applied in service to our country.

We are proud to be the recipient of the Best Workplace in Defense Award by Emergent Magazine, an honor that recognizes companies with positive cultures that not only impact their people but also make a meaningful difference in the community.

About You:

You are a mission-focused analyst with a passion for solving complex operational challenges in the space domain. You combine strong analytical skills with a deep understanding of space operations to assess mission needs, develop actionable solutions, and support informed decision-making. You thrive in collaborative environments, working closely with operators, engineers, intelligence professionals, and leadership to enhance mission readiness, operational effectiveness, and the success of critical space missions.

Position Overview:

The Space Domain Mission Analyst serves as a senior subject matter expert (SME) supporting space mission operations, mission analysis, and operational planning activities across U.S. Space Force and related mission organizations. The analyst provides expert-level mission support focused on Space Domain Awareness (SDA), Electronic Warfare (EW), Orbital Warfare, Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT), and other space operations mission areas.

The successful candidate will work closely with operational stakeholders to assess mission requirements, analyze operational data, develop mission workflows, and translate operational needs into actionable processes, documentation, and recommendations. The analyst will support mission planning, operational execution, capability assessments, and decision-making in classified environments while providing technical and operational expertise to government leadership.

This position is contingent upon contract award, with performance anticipated to begin on or about September 15th, 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Serve as a subject matter expert in space mission operations supporting operational organizations, deltas, squadrons, and mission partners.
  • Analyze space mission requirements and translate operational needs into workflows, business processes, operational concepts, and technical documentation.
  • Support mission planning, operational assessments, and mission execution activities across Space Domain Awareness (SDA), Electronic Warfare (EW), Orbital Warfare, and PNT mission areas.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret operational data to identify trends, risks, opportunities, and mission impacts.
  • Develop and maintain mission workflows, standard operating procedures (SOPs), concept of operations (CONOPS), and mission support documentation.
  • Support mission engineering, requirements development, and capability integration efforts.
  • Conduct research and assessments of current and emerging threats, mission impacts, and operational capabilities.
  • Prepare written reports, briefings, assessments, and recommendations for government leadership and operational stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with intelligence, engineering, cyber, operations, and mission planning teams to support enterprise mission objectives.
  • Facilitate mission analysis activities to improve operational effectiveness, mission readiness, and decision-making.
  • Provide technical guidance and subject matter expertise to government personnel and mission partners.
  • Support classified operations, exercises, testing events, and operational demonstrations as required.

Required Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 9 years of relevant experience supporting military, intelligence, space, or mission operations environments.
  • Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following mission areas:
    • Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
    • Electronic Warfare (EW)
    • Orbital Warfare
    • Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT)
    • Space Mission Operations
  • Experience supporting operational planning, mission analysis, and requirements development efforts.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate mission objectives and operational requirements into workflows, processes, and documentation.
  • Experience preparing reports, operational assessments, and executive-level briefings.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Associate's degree or higher in Intelligence Studies, Military Operations, Aerospace Studies, Engineering, Computer Science, Physical Sciences, or a related discipline.
  • Experience supporting U.S. Space Force, Department of Defense, National Security Space, or Intelligence Community organizations.
  • Experience supporting Space Operations Commands, Deltas, Squadrons, or equivalent operational organizations.
  • Knowledge of space mission systems, sensor architectures, command and control systems, and operational data environments.
  • Experience supporting mission engineering, capability development, or requirements management activities.
  • Familiarity with Joint Planning Process, Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP), or operational mission planning methodologies.
  • Experience supporting classified exercises, wargames, or operational assessments.
  • Advanced degree in a relevant technical or operational discipline

Primary Work Location: Work is expected to be fully onsite in Colorado Springs, CO. The selected candidate must be able to support in-person program, customer, and technical coordination activities as required.

Special Work Conditions: Travel will be required, up to 25%.

Security:

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Active Top Secret/SCI clearance is required

Competitive Salary: VT-ARC offers a competitive salary and benefits package designed to attract and retain senior technical talent supporting mission-critical programs.

Salary Range: $140,000 - $165,000 annually

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation: VT-ARC is a 501(c)(3), non-profit R&D organization affiliated with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech or VT). Our mission is to provide superior analytic and technology solutions across multiple domains by leveraging Virginia Techs multidisciplinary research and innovation ecosystem. With unique access to the broad and rich research enterprise found at Virginia Tech, VT-ARC forms multi-disciplinary teams to apply innovative solutions to the real-world problems that strain our social, political, industrial, and economic foundations.

To learn more about VT-ARCs Benefits, Perks, Culture & more visit our Careers page: https://vt-arc.org/careers/

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. As a federal contractor, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunity and affirmative action for qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at hr@vt-arc.org

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.E-Verify.gov.

Apply