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Space Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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How much do space operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 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.

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.
More about Space Operations jobs
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What states have the most Space Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Space Operations jobs include:
Strategic Planner - Space Operations

Strategic Planner - Space Operations

Peraton

Fort Belvoir, VA

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Peraton rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 204 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities

As a Planner supporting a critical national security space warfighting mission, you will help transform strategic objectives into operational outcomes. Serving within the Plans & Strategy Division, you will lead and support Joint Planning Process (JPP) and Combatant Command (COCOM) planning efforts that shape the protection, resilience, and employment of vital space capabilities.

In this role, you will bridge strategy and execution by developing plans, procedures, and courses of action that enable mission success across the space domain. You will assess operational effectiveness, capture lessons learned from real-world events and exercises, and drive continuous improvement across planning, training, and mission assurance activities. Working closely with Intelligence Community (IC), Department of Defense (DoD), and interagency partners, you will influence decision-making, support contingency planning efforts, and help advance effects-based operations against threats to critical national security systems.

The ideal candidate is an experienced space operations professional with a strong background in operational planning, strategic analysis, and interagency collaboration who thrives in a dynamic, mission-focused environment.

Responsibilities
  • Support the development and refinement of strategic orders, plans, reports, and operational planning products using Adaptive Planning and Execution (APEX), Joint Planning Process (JPP), and Joint Operational Planning and Execution System (JOPES) methodologies.
  • Develop and enhance tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), courses of action (COAs), and operational criteria that optimize effects-based operations.
  • Assess the effectiveness of current plans, procedures, and mission systems; identify opportunities to improve operational performance and mission outcomes.
  • Capture, analyze, and document lessons learned from exercises, training events, and real-world operations to drive procedural and capability improvements.
  • Advise on the integration of emerging Indications and Warning (I&W) systems, collection capabilities, and mission tools into operational planning processes.
  • Monitor and assess evolving terrestrial and space-based threats, adversary patterns of behavior, collection priorities, and operational risks impacting mission success.
  • Support collection management activities and provide planning expertise to optimize mission effects against threats to agency assets.
  • Coordinate and provide logistical support for contingency planning meetings, operational workshops, and senior leader engagements.
  • Identify intelligence, operational, procedural, and capability gaps that could impact mission effectiveness and provide recommendations to leadership.
  • Collaborate with government, military, intelligence, and interagency partners to ensure unity of effort and mission readiness.
  • Work full-time on-site at a government facility in Springfield, Virginia.

This position is contingent upon contract award.

QualificationsRequired
  • Minimum of 12 years w/o a degree or 10 years with AS/AA or 8 years with BS/BA; or 6 years with MS/MA; or 3 years with PhD
  • Active TS/SCI clearance with adjudicated Polygraph.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting operational planning, strategy development, and mission execution within national security environments.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to develop and brief complex planning products to senior leaders and stakeholders.
Preferred
  • 3+ years of Intelligence Community (IC) and/or Department of Defense (DoD) planning and exercise experience, including Joint Planning Process (JPP), Adaptive Planning and Execution (APEX), and Joint Operational Planning and Execution System (JOPES).
  • 10+ years of combined space operations, intelligence, and operational planning experience.
  • Experience integrating Joint Special Technical Operations (STO) and Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP) methodologies.
  • Prior military service in relevant operational specialties, including:
    • U.S. Space Force (5S)
    • U.S. Air Force (13S Officer or 1C6 Enlisted)
    • U.S. Army Functional Area 40 or 59
    • U.S. Marine Corps 8866 or 0540 specialties (Weapons School graduate or instructor preferred)
  • Experience leading projects, planning large-scale exercises, and developing operational TTPs.
  • Advanced understanding of foreign and domestic space and ground-based threat capabilities, space surveillance networks, and space domain awareness operations.
  • Experience tasking and leveraging space surveillance resources in support of operational objectives.
  • Knowledge of orbital mechanics, flight safety tools, collection management processes, and Indications and Warning (I&W) systems.

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$112,000 - $179,000. 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