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Space Operations Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Office Manager - Coworking Space Operations Schedule: Full-Time, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm EST M - F Place of Performance: Hybrid, Leesburg VA 3x weekly and ability to provide emergency coverage Start Date ...

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Space Operations information

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$9

$23

$48

How much do space operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Space Operations, and why are they important?

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 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 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.

What can you do with a space operations degree?

A space operations degree prepares individuals for careers managing satellite systems, spacecraft, and ground control operations. Roles include satellite operator, mission planner, or space systems analyst, often requiring knowledge of aerospace engineering, programming, and specialized tools like mission control software. These positions typically involve working in government agencies, private aerospace companies, or research institutions and may require security clearances or certifications.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In space operations, high-paying roles such as senior aerospace engineers, satellite program managers, and space systems directors can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require specialized technical skills, security clearances, and management expertise within government agencies or private aerospace companies.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In space operations, roles such as satellite communications technicians or remote mission planners can sometimes earn around $10,000 per month, especially with specialized skills and experience. These jobs often require technical knowledge, certifications, and familiarity with space systems or related technology but may not always require a traditional college degree.

How much do space operations make?

Salaries for space operations professionals vary based on experience, education, and location, but entry-level positions typically start around $60,000 annually. Experienced specialists or managers can earn over $120,000 per year, especially with advanced skills in satellite systems, mission planning, or aerospace engineering.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,808 per year, or $23.9 per hour.
Special Technical Operations (STO) Analyst - Junior

Special Technical Operations (STO) Analyst - Junior

Peraton

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Peraton rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 204 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities

Space Operations Analyst, you will support mission protection, flight safety, and space domain awareness activities that help safeguard critical U.S. space assets and enable successful mission execution.

Working alongside experienced operators, engineers, and intelligence professionals, you will contribute to real-world space operations by monitoring mission systems, analyzing orbital and threat data, supporting conjunction assessments and deconfliction activities, and helping develop operational products used by mission leaders and decision-makers. This role offers hands-on experience with advanced mission systems, flight safety tools, and space operations processes while providing opportunities to grow technical and operational expertise in a rapidly evolving space environment.

Successful candidates are curious, detail-oriented problem solvers who thrive in collaborative environments and are eager to learn the skills required to support complex space missions.

Key Responsibilities
  • Support daily mission protection, flight safety, and space operations activities.
  • Monitor operational systems, indications and warning (I&W) tools, and mission data to identify potential risks to space and ground assets.
  • Assist with conjunction assessments, collision avoidance analyses, and laser deconfliction screenings under the guidance of senior analysts and engineers.
  • Analyze orbital data, satellite trajectories, ephemerides, and Resident Space Object (RSO) information to support mission planning and asset protection.
  • Help develop and maintain operational reports, briefings, mission products, and situational awareness updates for mission teams and leadership.
  • Support the creation and maintenance of procedures, checklists, training materials, and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
  • Utilize mission systems and analytical tools such as Systems Tool Kit (STK), Astrodynamics Support Workstation (ASW), and other space operations software.
  • Assist in testing and integrating new mission systems, data sources, and operational capabilities.
  • Participate in training events, exercises, mission rehearsals, and operational planning activities.
  • Collaborate with flight safety, engineering, intelligence, mission protection, and Mission Ground Station (MGS) personnel to support mission objectives.
  • Maintain awareness of current space-domain events, operational priorities, and emerging threat activity.
  • Support 24/7 operations during mission events and periods of increased operational tempo as required.

This position is contingent upon contract award.

QualificationsRequired Qualifications
  • Minimum of 9 years w/o a degree or 7 years with AS/AA or 5 years with BS/BA or 3 years with MS/MA or 0 years with PhD
  • Basic understanding of orbital mechanics, satellite operations, or space mission concepts.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Ability to learn and operate technical mission systems and software applications.
  • Active TS/SCI clearance with adjudicated Polygraph
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with STK, ASW, SuperCombo, or other flight safety and orbital analysis tools.
  • Exposure to conjunction assessment, mission assurance, space domain awareness, or mission protection activities.
  • Familiarity with Intelligence Community, Department of Defense, or national security space missions.
  • Knowledge of space and ground-based threat systems and operational environments.
  • Experience developing reports, briefings, or technical documentation.
  • Ability to work effectively in team-based, operational environments.

Worklocation:

  • Fort Belvoir
Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$86,000 - $138,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017