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Space Operations Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Space Operations Center Manager Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

Space Operations Center Manager Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

Space Operations Center Manager Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

Space Operations Center Manager Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

As a Space Operations Analyst, you will help protect mission-critical space and ground assets by supporting flight safety, mission protection, and space domain awareness activities across a dynamic ...

As a Space Operations Analyst, you will help protect mission-critical space and ground assets by supporting flight safety, mission protection, and space domain awareness activities across a dynamic ...

As a Space Operations Analyst, you will help protect mission-critical space and ground assets by supporting flight safety, mission protection, and space domain awareness activities across a dynamic ...

Space Operations Spec Sr

Springfield, VA · On-site

$97K - $164K/yr

Seeking a Space Operations & Sustainment Engineer for satellite Operations and Maintenance (O&M) positions. This role provides engineering support in a dynamic and diverse environment to ensure ...

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Space Operations information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$23

$48

How much do space operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for space operations in Virginia is $23.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $27.40 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Space Operations job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,808 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Space Operations Center Manager

Chantilly, VA


KBR
IT Services • 10K+ employees

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

144th of 450 rated engineering

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$177K - $216K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Title:

Space Operations Center Manager

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.

Why Join Us?

  • Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
  • Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
  • Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

This is a contingent position based upon contract award

KBR is seeking a highly motivated and career-oriented Space Operations Center Manager to join our team. As the Space Operations Center Manager, you will direct operations and integration activities at the Space Operations Center to synchronize contractor efforts across all technical requirements and do so in coordination with the manager of the partner Space Operations Center.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Mission Monitoring & Real-Time Operations
    • Maintain continuous oversight of satellite and ground system operational status.
    • Ensure timely detection of mission impacts, anomalies, or system degradations.
    • Coordinate immediate triage and direct the response to mission-impacting events.
  • Incident & Crisis Management
    • Serve as first-line operational authority during system incidents
    • Lead incident response teams and coordinate with engineering, security, and intel partners.
    • Provide operational recommendations to senior leadership during time-sensitive events.
  • Command, Control, & Communications (C3) Oversight
    • Ensure reliable communications flow between organization, mission partners, and national intelligence customers.
    • Validate reporting, alerts, and operational updates are accurate and timely.
    • Oversee operational message traffic, executive notifications, and situational reporting.
  • Leadership & Workforce Management
    • Lead a 24/7 operations shift workforce consisting of operators, analysts, and technical specialists.
    • Train, certify, and evaluate operations personnel for mission readiness.
    • Establish performance standards, workflow processes, and knowledge management practices.
  • Coordination with mission partners
  • Reporting & Executive Communication
    • Provide senior leadership with accurate, timely operational summaries and incident reports.
    • Deliver briefs, mission health updates, and significant activity summaries.
    • Ensure reporting supports national-level situational awareness.

Required Qualifications:

  • Master's Degree plus 11 years of relevant space domain awareness / operations experience with demonstrated expertise or bachelor's degree with 12 years of relevant experience with demonstrated experience with demonstrated expertise or No Degree with 14 years of relevant experience with demonstrated experience with demonstrated expertise
  • 2 years relevant operations floor experience
  • 7 years combined experience in space enterprise operations, including working knowledge of systems integration, dependencies and data flows
  • Active TS/SCI with Poly required to be considered
  • Familiarity with DOD satellite operations
  • Be able to perform contract tasks independently and lead teams
  • Strong oral and written communications skills

Basic Compensation:

$177,300 - $216,600

This range is for the Virginia area only

The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

Additional Compensation:

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.


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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998


What KBR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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