ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Spacecraft Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pixxel

Spacecraft Controller - US

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Spacecraft controller (Rotational Shift) Employment Typ e: Full Time Educational Qualification : Bachelors degree in physics / electronics / software / aerospace Citizen: US Citizen Mandatory Work ...

EchoStar

Spacecraft Engineer II

Cheyenne, WY · On-site

$72K - $103K/yr

Provide direction and support to spacecraft controllers during operational activities * Perform 24x7 on-call engineering support on a rotating basis; respond to anomalies, provide direction to ...

EchoStar

Spacecraft Engineer II

Cheyenne, WY · On-site

$72K - $103K/yr

Provide direction and support to spacecraft controllers during operational activities * Perform 24x7 on-call engineering support on a rotating basis; respond to anomalies, provide direction to ...

Akima, LLC

Satellite Controller III

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

The Satellite Controller III Provides real-time spacecraft operations support for DMSP satellite command and control activities in a 24/7 operational environment. Responsible for spacecraft ...

EchoStar

SVP, Spacecraft Operations

Englewood, CO

$300K - $400K/yr

You will lead a mission-critical organization comprising spacecraft controllers, engineers, and ground systems experts to ensure 24/7/365 broadcast continuity and operational excellence. Job Duties ...

Apex

Spacecraft Avionics Technician

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$31 - $40.50/hr

Person status is required as this position needs to access export-controlled data. • Minimum 7+ ... spacecraft flight hardware. • Expert-level proficiency in advanced PCBA rework techniques ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSpacecraft Controller Jobs

Spacecraft Controller information

See salary details

$55K

$119.5K

$175.5K

How much do spacecraft controller jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacecraft controller in the United States is $119,497.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $138,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying space job?

The highest paying space job is typically a spacecraft engineer or mission director, with senior roles such as aerospace engineers or satellite program managers earning six-figure salaries. These positions often require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and experience in project management or systems engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Spacecraft Controller position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Spacecraft Controller, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, physics, or a related STEM field, along with experience in real-time operations and mission support. Familiarity with spacecraft operations software, telemetry systems, and certifications such as NASA's Mission Control Center training is highly valued. Exceptional problem-solving skills, teamwork, and precise communication are critical soft skills for this position. These qualifications ensure safe, effective monitoring and control of spacecraft, where timely decision-making is vital to mission success.

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

In the US, high-paying roles such as senior spacecraft controllers, aerospace engineers, and senior managers in the space industry can earn $300,000 or more annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, specialized skills, and often involve leadership or technical expertise in complex systems or mission operations.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Spacecraft Controller?

As a Spacecraft Controller, your daily responsibilities include monitoring spacecraft telemetry, managing communication with mission teams, and executing command sequences to support mission objectives. You'll collaborate closely with engineers and mission planners to troubleshoot anomalies, conduct routine system checks, and respond to unexpected situations in real time. Much of the work involves shift-based operations to ensure 24/7 coverage, requiring attention to detail and adherence to established protocols. The role provides invaluable experience in systems operations and teamwork, laying the foundation for potential advancement to senior mission control or spaceflight operations roles.

What is a Spacecraft Controller job?

A Spacecraft Controller is responsible for monitoring and operating spacecraft during missions, ensuring that onboard systems function correctly and responding to anomalies in real time. They work in mission control centers, following strict procedures to communicate with satellites, space probes, or crewed spacecraft. Their tasks include tracking telemetry data, executing commands, and coordinating with engineering and mission planning teams. This role requires strong technical knowledge in aerospace, engineering, or computer science, along with the ability to remain calm under pressure.

How much do satellite controllers make?

Satellite controllers, also known as spacecraft controllers, typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced controllers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in government or aerospace industries.
More about Spacecraft Controller jobs
What cities are hiring for Spacecraft Controller jobs? Cities with the most Spacecraft Controller job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Spacecraft Controller jobs? The most popular types of Spacecraft Controller jobs are:
What states have the most Spacecraft Controller jobs? States with the most job openings for Spacecraft Controller jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Spacecraft Controller jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Spacecraft Controller jobs are:
Spacecraft Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spacecraft Controller job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,497 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

Spacecraft Controller - US

Pixxel

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Role:
Spacecraft controller (Rotational Shift)
Employment Type: Full Time
Educational Qualification: Bachelors degree in physics / electronics / software / aerospace
Citizen: US Citizen Mandatory Work Experience:
0-2 yrs with good knowledge of spacecraft subsystems
Role Description:
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self driven individual to take up the responsibility of spacecraft operations. The primary responsibility of this role is to monitor and control the spacecraft as per the mission plan and schedules. The hire will need to ensure that there is zero downtime in operations due to operational lapses/errors, while also ensuring that the spacecrafts are safe and healthy.
Responsibilities & Duties:
  • Conduct spacecraft monitoring and control operations on a 24/7 basis during assigned shifts.
  • Provide detailed accounts of activities conducted, telemetry observations, and assist with smooth shift handovers.
  • Identify and report anomalies and utilize contingency procedures to troubleshoot issues. Prepare thorough reports for documentation.
  • Engage in operations planning meetings, and when requested, furnish supplementary documentation for telemetry analysis.

Desirable Skills & Certifications:
  • Systems engineering background in satellite and ground systems.
  • Good communications skills (in English), both in speaking and writing.
  • Exceptional observation skills with a keen attention to detail and strong analytical abilities.
  • Highly systematic and process-oriented with the ability to stay calm and follow the process during a stressful situation.
  • Proficiency in working with the Unix (Linux) platform.
  • Willingness to work in rotational shifts as per operational requirements.

Candidate Acumen:
  • Very high attention to detail and ability to manage multiple stakeholders.
  • Quick resolution of problems
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Process oriented, strong time management and documentation skills.
  • Diligent and honest, able to follow processes and report as needed.
  • Effective communication and collaboration with team members and end-users.

Benefits:
  • Health insurance coverage
  • Unlimited leaves & flexible working hours
  • Role-based remote work and work-from-home benefit
  • Relocation assistance
  • Professional Mental Wellness services
  • Creche facility for primary caregivers (limited to India)
  • Employee Stock Options for all hires

About Pixxel
Pixxel is a space data company and spacecraft manufacturer redefining Earth observation with hyperspectral imaging. The company's first three commercial hyperspectral satellites-Fireflies-deliver imagery at 5-meter resolution and 135+ spectral bands, providing 50x richer detail than traditional Earth observation systems and unlocking insights across agriculture, climate, energy, environment, and more.
Once fully deployed, Pixxel's constellation of 18-24 satellites will capture imagery across up to 250 bands in VNIR and SWIR ranges, with a 40 km swath and daily global revisit capability. Pixxel's most unique strength is its full-stack approach, integrating every layer of the value chain from satellite hardware and manufacturing to AI-powered analytics.
Pixxel's satellite constellation is complemented by Aurora, its in-house Earth Observation Studio that simplifies satellite imagery analysis and democratises remote sensing for all. Designed to make hyperspectral data more accessible, Aurora by Pixxel combines high-frequency imagery with AI-powered tools to generate actionable insights, even for users without technical backgrounds. The third pillar of Pixxel's ecosystem is its in-house satellite manufacturing capability. Beyond building its own spacecraft, Pixxel also provides satellite systems and subsystems to other organisations. This dual capacity sets it apart in a sector where most companies focus on either payload design or data operations, but not both.
Pixxel's team is young but deeply mission-aligned, with a culture rooted in curiosity, speed, and long-term thinking. As the company grows its constellation and expands Aurora, the focus remains on making space-based insights practical, scalable, and genuinely helpful so that the health of the planet becomes measurable and action becomes possible.
Pixxel was the only Indian startup selected for the Techstars Starburst Space Accelerator in Los Angeles and has been recognised in TIME's Best Inventions of 2023, Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, and Via Satellite's Top Innovators list.
For more information, see our Careers page or follow Pixxel on LinkedIn and X/Twitter.
Culture
Pixxel is an organization where we enable our employees to work on world-changing problems that they are passionate about, and a place where they can be their best selves day in and day out while ensuring they have fun every day.
Central to our employee-first ethos is a commitment to ensuring that every team member feels valued and heard. We nurture a healthy and supportive work environment where we prioritise well-being and growth in all aspects of life
Link to Pixxel in Media

Apply