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Space Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

This business unit focuses on designing, building and integrating ground systems in support of air and space-based assets, providing operational support for mission platforms and instruments and ...

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Space Operations information

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How much do space operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for space operations in the United States is $24.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $27.64 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.

More about Space Operations jobs
What cities are hiring for Space Operations jobs? Cities with the most Space Operations job openings:
What states have the most Space Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Space Operations jobs include:
Infographic showing various Space Operations job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,239 per year, or $24.2 per hour.
Space Operations Analyst Junior

Space Operations Analyst Junior

Peraton

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 210 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities

Join a mission-focused team supporting critical national security space operations. 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 warfighting mission.

Working alongside experienced operators, engineers, and intelligence professionals, you will conduct orbital analysis, support conjunction assessment and deconfliction activities, monitor potential threats to mission assets, and contribute to the development of operational products used by decision-makers. This role offers a unique opportunity to build expertise in orbital mechanics, flight safety, mission protection, and space operations while supporting real-world national security missions.

Successful candidates will be analytical problem-solvers who are eager to learn, adaptable in fast-paced environments, and committed to ensuring mission success through accurate analysis and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support conjunction assessment (CA), flight safety, and mission protection activities for operational space missions.
  • Conduct routine and time-sensitive analysis of orbital data, trajectories, ephemerides, and resident space object (RSO) information to identify potential risks to mission assets.
  • Assist in directed-energy (laser and RF) deconfliction and other mission protection assessments to support asset protection and operational planning.
  • Monitor space-domain events, threat activity, and operational conditions that may impact mission execution.
  • Develop and maintain mission products, reports, briefings, and analytical assessments for operators and decision-makers.
  • Support the maintenance of operational procedures, checklists, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), and training materials.
  • Utilize mission systems and analytical tools such as Systems Tool Kit (STK), Astrodynamics Support Workstation (ASW), SuperCombo, and other operational applications.
  • Support integration and testing efforts for new data sources, software tools, and mission capabilities.
  • Collaborate with flight safety, engineering, intelligence, mission protection, and Mission Ground Station (MGS) teams to support mission objectives.
  • Participate in training activities, mission rehearsals, exercises, and operational planning events.
  • Maintain awareness of current space-domain threats, mission priorities, and operational procedures.
  • Support operational surge events and periods of elevated mission tempo as required.

This position is contingent upon contract award.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum Experience: 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
  • Experience supporting space operations, flight safety, orbital analysis, mission protection, engineering, intelligence, or related technical mission areas.
  • Familiarity with orbital mechanics concepts and satellite operations.
  • Experience using analytical software tools, databases, or operational mission systems.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Active TS/SCI clearance with adjudicated Polygraph, or willingness to submit to a polygraph examination.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with STK, ASW, SuperCombo, or other orbital analysis and flight safety tools.
  • Familiarity with conjunction assessment, collision avoidance, laser deconfliction, or space mission assurance activities.
  • Understanding of foreign and domestic space and ground-based threat capabilities.
  • Experience supporting Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, or national security space programs.
  • Knowledge of space domain awareness, satellite operations, or mission planning processes.
  • Experience creating technical reports, briefings, and operational documentation.
  • Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced operational environment.
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$104,000 - $166,000. 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