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Spacecraft Controller Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

KBR, Inc.

Crypto Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... owned or controlled Space systems, through robust cryptographic security engineering and ... Evaluate contractor approaches to cryptographic implementation for spacecraft, ground systems, and ...

KBR

Crypto Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... owned or controlled Space systems, through robust cryptographic security engineering and ... Evaluate contractor approaches to cryptographic implementation for spacecraft, ground systems, and ...

TalentRemedy

HR Manager / Office Manager

Herndon, VA

$62K - $82K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

S. Person status as defined under ITAR (22 CFR § 120.62), given TrustPoint's export-controlled ... Experience supporting technical recruiting for engineering, RF, software, or spacecraft roles ...

Umbra

Director of Congressional Affairs

Arlington, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical ... controlled discussions as appropriate. * Monitor, analyze, and translate legislative, budgetary ...

HawkEye 360

Senior RF Electrical Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Support spacecraft integration and testing efforts, including the design of Electrical Ground ... controlled impedance, grounding, shielding). * Hands-on flight hardware experience (satellite ...

Umbra

Director of Congressional Affairs

Arlington, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical ... controlled discussions as appropriate. * Monitor, analyze, and translate legislative, budgetary ...

Hawkeye 360

Senior RF Electrical Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Support spacecraft integration and testing efforts, including the design of Electrical Ground ... controlled impedance, grounding, shielding). * Hands-on flight hardware experience (satellite ...

TalentRemedy

HR Manager / Office Manager

Herndon, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

S Person status as defined under ITAR (22 CFR 120.62), given TrustPoint's export-controlled work ... Experience supporting technical recruiting for engineering, RF, software, or spacecraft roles ...

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Showing results 21-36

All JobsSpacecraft Controller JobsSpacecraft Controller Jobs in Virginia

Spacecraft Controller information

See Virginia salary details

$54.5K

$118.5K

$174K

How much do spacecraft controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 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 a spacecraft controller?

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.

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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,472 per year, or $57 per hour.

Crypto Systems Engineer

KBR, Inc.

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

142nd of 449 rated engineering

Job description

Title:
Crypto Systems Engineer
Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!
KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.
Why Join Us?
  • Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
  • Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
  • Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Position Summary:
KBR National Security Solutions is seeking an intermediate Crypto Systems Engineer to serve as a technical advisor to the Government on cryptographic architecture, integration, and risk across space and ground systems. The Crypto System Engineer provides Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support to a dynamic System Program Office (SPO) acquiring, launching and operating the next generation of proliferated satellites by evaluating and certifying the implementation, integration, and embedment of cryptography and cryptographic-related cyber security solutions into customer-owned or controlled Space systems, through robust cryptographic security engineering and information systems security engineering disciplines.
This role is not limited to certification activities. Instead, the Crypto Systems Engineer ensures that cryptographic solutions are designed in early, integrated correctly across system boundaries, and executable within the constraints of proliferated satellite production, launch, and operations.
Responsibilities
  • Advise the Government SPO on cryptographic architecture and design decisions across space and ground systems.
  • Evaluate contractor approaches to cryptographic implementation for spacecraft, ground systems, and networks.
  • Support development and review of Key Management Infrastructure (KMI) concepts, plans, and interfaces.
  • Assess crypto-related requirements for feasibility, interoperability, and lifecycle impact.
  • Identify integration risks associated with crypto solutions in proliferated satellite environments.
  • Support security certification activities by providing technical insight into system designs and interfaces.
  • Coordinate with cybersecurity, information assurance, and accreditation teams to align technical and compliance perspectives.
  • Participate in technical reviews and risk discussions related to secure system operation.
  • Provide input to acquisition strategies to ensure crypto solutions are scalable, supportable, and have realistic schedule estimates.
  • Support resolution of crypto-related issues that arise during development, integration, test, and early operations.
  • Contribute to system documentation, reviews, and decision briefings for Government leadership.
  • Document, develop and deliver analyses, recommendations, plans, reports, and briefings to the Government.

Work Environment
  • Location: On-Site
  • Travel Requirements: Minimal (less than 25%) travel to contractor facilities, test sites, or launch locations.
  • Working Hours: Flexible. Standard Government work hour support and surge support during integration and launch phases.

Required Qualifications:
  • Citizenship: Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Clearance: Active TS/SCI clearance (with current polygraph).
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, computer engineering, mathematics or a related STEM technical discipline. Specific contract requirements regarding education and experience will prevail.
  • Relevant Experience: Demonstrated 5+ years of experience in cryptographic engineering, COMSEC, or secure system design.
  • Experience supporting DoD, Intelligence Community, or national security space programs.
  • Working knowledge of cryptographic key management concepts and system integration.
  • Ability to assess technical tradeoffs and communicate crypto-related risks to non-specialist stakeholders.
  • Experience interfacing with Government acquisition or systems engineering organizations.
  • Ability to take initiative, proactively address customer requirements with minimal supervision, and expertly define solutions for broad, abstract topics.
  • Ability to work with standard business management tools and financial systems, MS Office, and project management software.
  • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain trusted client relationships.
  • Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to communicate technical issues clearly to customers and/or Government leadership.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Education: Master's or Ph.D. degree in cybersecurity, computer science, computer engineering, mathematics or a related STEM technical discipline is preferred.
  • Relevant Ground Experience: Demonstrated 8+ years of experience in cryptographic engineering, COMSEC, or secure system design is preferred.
  • Breadth of Experience: Experience working across multiple satellite ground programs or production lines is preferred.
  • Experience in initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and controlling DoD or Intelligence Community projects or programs.
  • Familiarity with JIRA and Confluence.

Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.
KBR Benefits
KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998

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