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Spacecraft Controller Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Principal Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

Direct experience with radar payload integration and spacecraft interfaces. * Expertise with ICD development, verification planning, and configuration-controlled documentation. * Hands-on experience ...

SAIC

Principal Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Direct experience with radar payload integration and spacecraft interfaces. * Expertise with ICD development, verification planning, and configuration-controlled documentation. * Hands-on experience ...

SAIC

Principal Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Direct experience with radar payload integration and spacecraft interfaces. * Expertise with ICD development, verification planning, and configuration-controlled documentation. * Hands-on experience ...

Lynk

Flight Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

... and controlling our satellites. This includes developing our satellite command and data handling ... We build spacecraft fast! So, the ideal candidate enjoys designing, developing, and testing ...

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Spacecraft Controller information

See Virginia salary details

$54.5K

$118.5K

$174K

How much do spacecraft controller jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacecraft controller in Virginia is $118,472.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,200.00 and $137,300.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Spacecraft Controller jobs in Virginia? For Spacecraft Controller jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Spacecraft Controller jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Spacecraft Controller jobs in Virginia are:
Spacecraft Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spacecraft Controller job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,472 per year, or $57 per hour.
Principal Integration Engineer

Principal Integration Engineer

SAIC

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 230 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2614461

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-07-10

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Sys Integration

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI with Poly

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

Position Summary:

The Principal Integration Engineer – Payload leads end-to-end integration of advanced radar and ISR payloads into spacecraft bus architectures. This role requires radar payload integration experience and supports complex interface, verification, and mission integration activities for national security space programs.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead integration of radar and ISR payloads with spacecraft bus subsystems across electrical, mechanical, thermal, RF, and command/data interfaces.
  • Develop and manage payload-to-bus interface control documents (ICDs) and verification artifacts.
  • Execute system-level functional integration, hardware bring-up, and payload performance testing.
  • Coordinate with systems engineering, RF payload, radar design, and MBSE/digital engineering teams.
  • Drive integration readiness events including interface reviews, IRRs, environmental test plans, and launch readiness activities.
  • Perform integration risk assessments and technical trade studies.
  • Lead troubleshooting of payload anomalies during integration, test, and early orbit operations.

Qualifications

  •  Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field;
  • Master’s preferred.
  • 10–15+ years of experience in payload or spacecraft integration, including radar or ISR payloads.
  • Direct experience with radar payload integration and spacecraft interfaces.
  • Expertise with ICD development, verification planning, and configuration-controlled documentation.
  • Hands-on experience with system-level test environments and space hardware certification.
  • Active TS/SCI clearance .

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience with space-based radar payloads or ISR mission architectures.
  • Knowledge of digital engineering workflows and MBSE tools such as Cameo or MagicDraw.
  • Experience supporting launch campaigns and early-orbit commissioning.
  • Strong communication skills for technical leadership and customer engagement.
  • Must have a TS/SCI, and be willing to obtain a poly.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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