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Space System Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arcadis

Environmental System Operator

Clifton, NY · On-site

... system is operating at optimal operation for the established metrics including Municipal, State ... Confined Space Entry training * Behavioral-Based Safety training * Knowledge of Programable logic ...

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How much do space system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for space system operator in the United States is $32.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $38.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do space system operators make?

Space system operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the systems they manage. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and working for government agencies or private aerospace companies.

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

Space System Operators typically do not earn $300,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive, specialized engineering, or senior management roles within the aerospace industry. High-paying positions in this field often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and security clearances. Salaries above $300,000 are usually associated with leadership roles or highly specialized technical positions.

What are some common challenges faced by a Space System Operator, and how can they be addressed?

Space System Operators often encounter challenges such as managing complex satellite systems, troubleshooting real-time anomalies, and adapting to rapidly evolving technology. Effective communication and close coordination with engineers, mission planners, and other operators are essential for resolving issues quickly. Continuous training, strong attention to detail, and a proactive approach to learning new procedures help operators stay prepared and maintain mission success in this dynamic environment.

What are Space System Operators?

Space System Operators are professionals responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining satellite and spacecraft systems. They ensure that space assets, such as communication or navigation satellites, function correctly and securely. Their duties include overseeing system performance, troubleshooting anomalies, and coordinating with engineers and mission control teams. This role is critical for national security, scientific research, and commercial applications that rely on space-based technology.

How to become a spacecraft operator?

To become a spacecraft operator, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field, along with experience in systems operation or aerospace. Training on specific spacecraft systems and certifications in relevant software or safety procedures are often required. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work in high-pressure environments are essential for this role.

What does a space systems operator do?

A space systems operator monitors, controls, and maintains satellite and space-based systems to ensure their proper functioning. They use specialized software and tools to track satellite health, execute commands, and troubleshoot issues in real-time, often working in command centers or control rooms. This role requires technical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of aerospace systems and protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Space System Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Space System Operator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in physics, engineering, or a related technical field, often supported by relevant military training or a degree. Familiarity with satellite communication systems, mission control software, and secure data transmission protocols is typically required. Effective problem-solving, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring the safe and accurate operation of critical space-based assets and for responding swiftly to anomalies or mission changes.
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Space System Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Space System Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,988 per year, or $32.7 per hour.
Space System Architect Engineer/Senior Space System Architect Engineer

Space System Architect Engineer/Senior Space System Architect Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.
The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace's strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a wide-ranging and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.
The Architecture Concepts Department (ArCon) provides expertise in architecture methods, processes, and tools to an extremely broad range of customers, including National Space Security (NSS) and other defense programs, NASA, NOAA, NNSA, DHS, and others. ArCon staff participate in and lead architecture trade studies, architecture conceptualization studies, architecture modeling tasks, and program assessment analyses at multiple levels of complexity, ranging from prototype systems to full scale acquisition systems in the space, ground, communications, and network domains. ArCon applies disciplined system architecting principles and leads cross-functional teams to provide impactful guidance to assist our customers in making key acquisition and operations decisions.
Work Model: This position will follow an in-person work model at one of Aerospace's campuses in Chantilly, VA, Colorado Springs, CO, or El Segundo, CA.
What You'll Be Doing
  • Lead and participate in architecture studies of complex system concepts, to include multi-disciplinary engineering teams, supporting problem framing, gap analysis, and trade space assessment

  • Work with Aerospace program office, customer, and contractor personnel as a technical subject matter expert to elicit and identify needs, requirements, and constraints for studies; mentor junior staff; support the scoping, planning, and execution of the study; and effectively communicate task status, methods, results, and recommendations in briefings and formal technical reports

  • Define system capabilities, system of systems interfaces, and requirements for space and intersegment system architectures to address user needs and perspectives

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for Engineering Specialist:
  • Bachelor of Science degree engineering, science, or a related technical field

  • At least 8 years of engineering experience in the space, intelligence, and/or defense domains

  • Proficiency in system or enterprise architecting, systems engineering, concept design, and/or model-based systems engineering

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present methods and results effectively in briefings, formal reports, and informal communications

  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with teams, customers, Aerospace program offices, and contractors; to collaborate with other functional organizations within Aerospace; and to mentor and develop junior staff

  • Exceptional time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and schedule commitments

  • Available and willing to travel domestically and internationally approx. 5-10%

  • A current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Sr. Engineering Specialist - Enterprise Systems Engineering include:
  • A minimum of 12 years of substantive experience in the space, intelligence, and/or defense domains

  • Ability to identify problem space, assess trade options, and independently formulate courses of action

  • Experience initiating and leading cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to plan and execute projects or studies

  • Experience developing and presenting strategic decision-making and strategic communications artifacts for senior-level management and technical architecture design artifacts for engineering-level reviews

  • Ability to collaborate with employees, customers, acquisition program offices, and contractors

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
  • Master's and/or Ph.D. in engineering, math, science, or related technical discipline

  • Demonstrated initiative to innovate, shape, drive, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of tasks, projects, or organizations

  • Demonstrated success in organizing and leading cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to execute studies and assessments and generate quality products

  • More relevant work and/or graduate school experience, greater than 5 years, in system or enterprise architecting, systems engineering, or model-based systems engineering

  • More relevant work and/or graduate school experience, greater than 5 years, in space or intersegment systems

  • Hands-on experience with system or enterprise modeling in the Systems Modeling Language (SysML), Unified Architecture Framework (UAF), or Unified Profile for DoDAF and MODAF (UPDM)

  • Experience working closely with key Aerospace customer agencies in the defense and intelligence community, including strong knowledge of their domain and strong professional networks

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Max)
$117,300.00 - $226,900.00
Pay Basis: Annual
Leadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:
  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:
  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
  • Relocation assistance
  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
  • Education assistance programs
  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

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