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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 Vehicle Platform/Payload Systems Engineer

Space Vehicle Platform/Payload Systems Engineer

Stellar Solutions

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$145K - $185K/yr

Other

Retirement

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Space Vehicle Platform/Payload Systems Engineer
Job Locations US-CA-El Segundo
ID 2026-1953 Category Systems Engineer Required Security Clearance Secret (SBI) Type Full-Time
Overview

Stellar Solutions, a nationally recognized "Great Place To Work", has exciting opportunities providing Engineering solutions for innovative new-entrant space companies, as well as established space systems manufacturers, commercial space system operators and service providers, and other industry stakeholders including investors.

At Stellar Solutions, we offer talented, energetic, and immediately productive resources to satisfy our customers' critical needs in systems engineering and integration, mission operations, program management and strategic planning. We are a leading service and expertise provider for high-tech commercial ventures, spanning communications, earth observation and remote sensing systems and data products, to the infrastructures that support earth orbiting and beyond earth orbit businesses.
Stellar Solutions is seeking a Space Vehicle Platform/Payload Systems Engineer to support advanced space vehicle development through disciplined planning, integration, and test across critical subsystem and payload activities. This role contributes to technically demanding efforts that help translate mission needs into resilient on-orbit capability. It is a strong fit for an engineer who enjoys working across architecture, payload development, and program execution in support of consequential national security missions.

Role/Responsibilities/Qualifications

This role supports systems engineering across space vehicle platform and payload development, with emphasis on technical reviews, subsystem coordination, and lifecycle execution. The engineer will help inform design and development efforts while collaborating across government and partner teams to strengthen technical readiness and mission alignment.


Key responsibilities include:

    Support space vehicle systems engineering, planning, integration, and testing activities
  • Contribute to platform and payload systems engineering across space vehicle development efforts
  • Support risk and opportunity management activities to inform sound program execution
  • Participate in reviews of space systems, including SRR, SDR, SFR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FCA, SVR, MRR, and PCA
  • Apply understanding of the DoD acquisition system to systems engineering support activities
  • Collaborate with government clients and partner teammates to achieve program goals
  • Support technical planning, integration, and design maturity across the lifecycle
  • Contribute to requirements verification and design review support as needed
  • Help assess technical issues and opportunities related to payload or subsystem development
  • Provide mission-focused systems engineering support in a dynamic defense environment

Required Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience with space vehicle systems engineering, planning, integration, and testing
  • 7+ years of experience with risk and opportunity management
  • 3+ years of experience with reviews of space systems, including SRR, SDR, SFR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FCA, SVR, MRR, or PCA, and the DoD acquisition system
  • Ability to be highly motivated, have a dynamic work ethic, and contribute to the DoD mission
  • Ability to communicate and establish collaborative relationships with government clients and contractor teammates
  • Active Secret clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or Computer Science

Desired Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience with space vehicle systems engineering, planning, integration, and testing
  • Experience with computer tools, including Confluence or JIRA
  • Experience with designing, building, and testing communications antennas, transmitters, or receivers of a payload
  • Knowledge of DoD systems engineering, test, and production policies and practices
  • Ability to perform multiple systems engineering and program management functions in support of design reviews and requirements verification
  • Possession of excellent interpersonal skills
  • Possession of excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Experience with mission assurance or strategic or tactical MILCOM-related payload development
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance

Clearance & Additional Requirements

  • Active Secret clearance required
  • Active TS/SCI clearance is desired

Location
El Segundo, California - This position is full-time and supports a Government customer environment; Work style expectation is considered hybrid-local (2-4 days per week on site at LAAFB).

Compensation:

The typical salary range for this position is USD $145,000 - $185,000 per year. Individual pay is determined by many factors including work location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. This position is also eligible for a discretionary annual performance bonus, retirement plan and other benefits (all in addition to salary).

Deliverable(s)

Deliverables will be in the format of reports, briefings, spreadsheets, or other documents as directed by the Government, using government approved and/or mandated systems/software and processes governed by guidance/instructions/policy or direction.

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