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Space Systems 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 ...

Offer ad hoc and supplemental hands-on system training for operators upon request * Author training ... Qualifications * 12 years of space operations and/or space intelligence experience with bachelor ...

Space Systems SME Trainer

Fort Belvoir, VA ยท On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

Offer ad hoc and supplemental hands-on system training for operators upon request * Author training ... Qualifications * 12 years of space operations and/or space intelligence experience with bachelor ...

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Space Systems Operator information

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$10

$32

$83

How much do space systems operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for space systems 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 systems operators make?

Space systems operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and security clearance. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and years of service in the aerospace or defense industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a space systems operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Space Systems Operator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in STEM fields such as physics, engineering, or computer science, often supported by relevant military or technical training. Familiarity with satellite communication systems, orbital mechanics software, and secure data transmission tools is typically required, along with certifications like CompTIA Security+ or DoD 8570 compliance. Excellent problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and clear communication are essential soft skills for effective coordination and rapid response to anomalies. These skills ensure the reliability, security, and effective operation of critical space-based assets in high-stakes environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by space systems operators when monitoring and controlling satellite operations?

Space Systems Operators often encounter challenges such as managing complex satellite communication networks, quickly diagnosing and responding to anomalies, and maintaining situational awareness during critical mission events. They must work efficiently under pressure, especially during real-time operations or when troubleshooting technical issues. Collaboration with engineers, mission planners, and external agencies is key to ensuring the smooth operation and security of space assets.

What is the difference between Space Systems Operator vs Satellite Operations Specialist?

AspectSpace Systems OperatorSatellite Operations Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in engineering, aerospace, or related field; certifications in satellite or space systems are commonSimilar credentials; often holds degrees in engineering, aerospace, or related fields; certifications in satellite operations are advantageous
Work EnvironmentOperates in control centers, space agencies, or military facilities managing space systemsWorks in satellite control centers, telecommunications companies, or government agencies managing satellite assets
Industry UsageUsed in space agencies, military, and aerospace companiesCommon in telecommunications, broadcasting, and government satellite agencies

Both roles involve managing satellite or space systems, requiring technical expertise and certifications. While Space Systems Operators focus on broader space system operations, Satellite Operations Specialists typically concentrate on satellite control and maintenance. The roles often overlap in credentials and work environments, but their specific responsibilities differ based on the industry and system type.

What is a space systems operator?

Space Systems Operators are specialized professionals who operate and monitor satellite systems and related space-based technologies. They ensure the functionality, security, and efficiency of satellites used for communication, navigation, surveillance, or scientific purposes. Their responsibilities include tracking satellite positions, managing data transmission, troubleshooting technical issues, and supporting mission operations. Space Systems Operators play a critical role in both military and civilian space missions, working in control centers or field stations to maintain uninterrupted satellite services.
More about Space Systems Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Space Systems Operator jobs? Cities with the most Space Systems Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Space Systems Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,988 per year, or $32.7 per hour.

Space Systems Integration Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

El Segundo, CA โ€ข On-site

$177K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape the existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including Air Force, U.S. Space Command, U.S. Strategic Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers' portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.
As a Space Systems Integration Engineer within the Sensing and Intelligence Integration Department, you will be responsible for assembling a holistic view of national security space systems-of-systems, performing objective evaluations of enterprise performance, and developing recommendations to unlock gains in mission capability. Our department supports the Space Systems Integration Office (SSIO) of the Space Systems Command and is responsible for ensuring space sensing and intelligence capabilities fulfill the mission needs of space, air, maritime, and other users. In this role, you will coordinate closely with acquisition leads, field command units, mission partner organizations, and other FFRDCs to tackle some of the most urgent and high visibility capability integration challenges facing the U.S. Space Force.
This position requires full-time on-site presence at our facility in El Segundo, CA.
What You'll Be Doing
  • Collaborating with mission and capability teams in SSIO, field and combatant commands, and across military branches to characterize the architecture of enterprise space-based sensing and targeting systems
  • Identifying key enterprise performance parameters and leading the evaluation of architecture performance capability under various combinations of mission and environmental demands
  • Identifying risks, issues, gaps, and opportunities to improve enterprise performance and advocating for their implementation via enterprise requirements and policies
  • Serving as a technical sensing and intelligence process point-of-contact and mentor for government acquirers and end users
  • Organizing problems, funding, and products that both anticipate future government needs and help proactively build Aerospace's technical backplane

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for a Project Engineer - Enterprise Systems Engineering
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited program in engineering, science, mathematics, or an equivalent technical field
  • Six or more years of applicable experience with increasing responsibility in engineering and technical roles
  • Demonstrated leadership skills with proven ability to maintain effective working relationships with contractors, industry professionals, government customers, and technical staff
  • Ability to collaborate with U.S. government counterparts, and advise senior leaders on engineering solutions through presentations, discussions and decision-making process
  • Experience in large-scale space systems engineering, acquisition, architecting, and integration for multi-domain or joint mission architectures
  • Proven ability to exercise initiative, persistence, and self-management to deliver impactful products in dynamic and/or ambiguous environments
  • Willing to travel domestically/internationally approximately 25%
  • This position requires a current TS/SCI security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearances, which are 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 Senior Project Engineer - Enterprise Systems Engineering include:
  • Ten or more years of applicable experience in relevant engineering, technical, and/or operational aspects of National Security Space systems
  • Experience leading multi-disciplinary systems engineering activities for space systems
  • Acquisition and operational experience with space sensing and/or intelligence systems and processes

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
  • Previous acquisition, operational, or other technical experience with sensing phenomenology and systems that produce it
  • Experience working directly with one or more agencies from the intelligence community, including with the processes employed for collecting data and transforming it into information
  • Previous experience working with SPACECOM, NSDC, SWAC, the Space Development Agency, or U.S. government space mission partners
  • Previous experience with system requirements development and commercial SATCOM efforts
  • Current SAP access

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.