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Space Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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How much do space operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for space operations in California is $23.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $27.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is space operations?

Space operations refer to the activities involved in planning, managing, and executing missions in space. This includes satellite deployment, spacecraft navigation, mission control, communication with space vehicles, and monitoring space environments. Professionals in space operations work with advanced technology to ensure the safety and success of space missions, whether they're for scientific research, defense, or commercial purposes. These roles are critical in supporting astronauts, maintaining satellite networks, and advancing our exploration of outer space.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in space operations?

To thrive in Space Operations, you need a strong background in engineering, physics, or a related STEM field, often complemented by a relevant degree and specialized training. Familiarity with satellite communications, mission control software, and space systems such as telemetry and tracking is essential. Excellent problem-solving skills, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These qualifications and skills ensure safe, efficient mission execution and rapid response to the dynamic challenges of space environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in space operations?

Professionals in Space Operations often encounter challenges such as coordinating across multidisciplinary teams, managing tight launch schedules, and ensuring strict compliance with safety protocols. The fast-paced, high-stakes environment requires attention to detail and the ability to quickly adapt to changing mission parameters or unexpected technical issues. Additionally, collaboration with engineers, mission planners, and external agencies is frequent, making strong communication skills and teamwork essential for success.

What is the difference between Space Operations vs Satellite Operations?

AspectSpace OperationsSatellite Operations
Required CredentialsEngineering degrees, certifications in aerospace or space systemsEngineering or technical degrees, satellite-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentMission control centers, space agencies, aerospace companiesGround stations, satellite control centers, aerospace firms
Employer & Industry UsageNASA, SpaceX, Boeing, military space programsCommercial satellite providers, telecom companies, government agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in space missions, mission planningManaging satellite health, orbit adjustments, data collection

Space Operations involves managing and executing space missions, including planning, launch, and mission control. Satellite Operations focuses on maintaining and controlling satellites once in orbit, ensuring their proper function. While both roles require aerospace knowledge and work in related environments, Space Operations covers broader mission activities, whereas Satellite Operations specializes in satellite health and orbit management.

How much do space operations make?

Space operations professionals typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and specific roles such as satellite controllers or mission planners. Higher salaries are common for those with advanced certifications or specialized skills in satellite systems, mission analysis, or aerospace engineering.

What jobs can you get with a space operations degree?

A space operations degree prepares individuals for roles such as satellite operations specialist, mission planner, space systems analyst, and space operations engineer. These jobs typically involve managing satellite systems, coordinating space missions, and working with aerospace technology, often requiring knowledge of orbital mechanics, communication systems, and relevant certifications. Employment can be found in government agencies, private aerospace companies, and defense contractors.

What are popular job titles related to Space Operations jobs in California?

For Space Operations jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Space Operations jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Space Operations jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Space Operations jobs?

Cities in California with the most Space Operations job openings:

Space Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Space Operations job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,581 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Senior Space Operations Engineer

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, CA

$140K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Description
As a Space Operations Engineer at Impulse, you will work on all aspects of spacecraft operations and play a pivotal role in the success of Impulse’s missions.  You will help to architect the plans, procedures, and toolsets necessary to carry out our spacecraft operations, and be a part of the control room team responsible for executing exciting missions that span a broad range from near-earth payload deliveries to Mars surface landers.

Responsibilities
  • Develop and implement methods of operational automation, to reduce day-to-day operator responsibilities
  • Develop all aspects of the operational lifecycle, including proposal/mission modeling, spacecraft integration and system-level test, shipment, launch, and on-orbit operations
  • Define ground and mission operations requirements, and flow mission requirements back to the spacecraft design
  • Develop mission concept of operation and design reference missions
  • Develop and execute operational procedures and mission-level engineering work for spacecraft operation
  • Interact with subsystem teams including GNC, flight software, avionics, propulsion, and others to bring the team together around operational needs.
  • Develop mission operations input to spacecraft fault and autonomy, including fault detection and response, autonomous spacecraft behavior, and on-board command and control
  • Support creation and execution of spacecraft simulator tests to validate mission/fault/autonomy design
  • Create and execute in-factory flight vehicle tests to validate mission design compatibility with flight hardware
  • Support design and operation of the ground segment, including command and control, mission planning, mission data processing, and the associated infrastructure to support all activities
  • Resolve technical issues with innovative and resourceful solutions

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science
  • 5+ years' experience working in testing or operational environments 
  • 5+ years' experience with basic software scripting 
  • Demonstrated ability of taking project ownership and working well in small teams

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Master’s degree in engineering or science 
  • 5+ years' experience with Python, C++ or similar programming language
  • 3+ years' experience with writing operations documentation 
  • Previous experience conducting on-orbit operations 
Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.