1

Space System Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skilled Craft/Collection System Operator Date Posted: 5/9/2025 Location: Wastewater Treatment Plant ... Must complete training for confined space entry, an eight hour Hazmat training, and first aid/CPR ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Space System Operator information

See salary details

$10

$32

$83

How much do space system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 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.

What jobs in the U.S. pay 300,000 a year?

In the U.S., high-paying roles related to space systems, such as senior space system operators, aerospace engineers, and satellite program managers, can reach or exceed $300,000 annually with experience, advanced skills, and often require specialized certifications. These positions typically involve leadership, technical expertise, and working in high-stakes environments like government agencies or private aerospace companies.

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 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.

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

A Space System Operator typically requires specialized training and experience, and salaries vary widely; however, some high-paying roles in the aerospace industry or related fields can reach or exceed $10,000 per month with relevant skills and certifications. Many of these positions involve working with satellite systems, ground control, or mission operations and may require technical knowledge rather than a traditional degree.

What does a space systems operator do?

A space systems operator monitors and manages satellite and spacecraft operations, ensuring communication, navigation, and surveillance systems function correctly. They use specialized software and tools, often working in control centers, and may require technical certifications or security clearances. Their responsibilities include troubleshooting issues, executing commands, and maintaining system security and performance.

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.
More about Space System Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Space System Operator jobs? Cities with the most Space System Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Space System Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,988 per year, or $32.7 per hour.
Space System Architecture Capability Lead

Space System Architecture Capability Lead

The Aerospace Corporation

Colorado Springs, CO

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 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 divisionleveragesa 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) providesexpertisein 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.ArConstaffparticipatein 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.ArConapplies disciplined system architecting principles and leads cross-functional teams toprovideimpactful guidance toassistour 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.

WhatYou'llBe Doing

  • Directcomplextechnical activities, organizemulti-disciplinaryproject teams, and execute a variety ofspacearchitecture conceptualization, assessment, and modeling activities and provide decision supportexpertiseto Aerospace program offices as a technical subject matter expert and project leader

  • Steer and implement strategyinspace systemarchitecturesfor thedepartment, andseek,identify, and pursue opportunities foradditional, expanded, and new business andassisthigher management in the evaluation and pursuit of new opportunities

  • Lead efforts toidentifyand incorporate emerging technologies, commercial capabilities, interoperable solutions, and industry best practices intospacesystem architectures

  • Campaign toestablishnewpartnershipswith a wide range ofdepartments acrossthe Engineering and Technology Groupand program offices, servingasthesubdivision focal pointforleading high-impactspacearchitecturedesign and evaluation,trade studies, analysis ofalternatives, programmaticassessments, andinvestigatingurgent technical problems

  • Expandscope ofArConrelationship with program offices and customer bases, such asSSIO, SWAC, SSDP,and the IC,and leverage department staffandexpertisefrom across ETGtosolve complex customer problems.

  • Facilitate outreach and education ofETG, program offices, customers,andindustryonAerospacespace systemarchitecture capabilities

  • Initiate new program office relationshipsto collaborativelydefinenew tasking,utilizingsystem architecting problem framing principles toenableprogram offices to define the problem space, create implementation plans, and identifyappropriate personnelto perform the work based on your knowledge of resources andexpertiseacross the company

  • Mentorearly career and experiencedstaff, serving as a role model andtechnicaladvisor to an exceptionally talented and highly motivated cadre of architects, analysts, and modelerstodevelopdepartment capabilities and meet emerging demand for departmentexpertise.

What youNeedToBe Successful(Minimum Requirements forSr.ProjectLead- Enterprise Systems Engineering)

  • Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, science, or a related technical field

  • At least12years ofincreasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience, including multi-disciplinary systems engineering and/or program management environments, with a strong command of systems engineering principles

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

  • Demonstrated ability toidentifyproblem space, assess trade options, andindependentlyformulate courses of action

  • Experienceinitiatingand leading cross-functional, cross-organizational teams toplan andexecute projects or studies

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

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

  • Demonstrated ability toestablishand maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with employees, customers, acquisition program offices, and contractors

  • Exhibit exceptionallyhigh levelof innovation, creativeness, and initiative

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

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

How You Can Stand Out

  • Advanced degree (Master'sor Ph.D.) from an accredited program in a relevant engineering discipline

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

  • Experience intraining,mentoringand inspiring staff

  • Experience working in partnership with multiple Aerospace program offices and customers

  • Strong interpersonal networks with Aerospace and customer organizations that can beleveragedto establish collaborations and obtain sponsorship for projects

  • Experience in methods and processes for early life cycle systems engineering, system architecting, and US government system acquisition

  • Experience with Intelligence Community systems engineering and programmatic processes, methods, tools, and personnel

  • Experience withspacearchitectures at the system level inclusive ofsatellites, constellations, ground systems, networks, user terminals, andexternal interfaces

  • Experience with space system architecture conceptual design, analysis, and concurrent engineering techniques

  • Experience with architecture modeling and/or descriptive system modeling for MBSE

  • Experience with architecture frameworks such as the Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF) or the Unified Architecture Framework (UAF)

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)

$155,900.00 - $233,900.00Pay 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 equalopportunity 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,geneticinformation, 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 emailatpeoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.