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Spacecraft Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more ... S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data. * Bachelor ...

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more ... S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data. * Bachelor ...

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more ... Person status (ability to access export-controlled data) * Bachelor's degree in Aerospace ...

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more ... Persons status is required as this position needs to access export-controlled data. • Bachelor ...

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more ... S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data. * Bachelor ...

Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data. * 1-3 years of spacecraft RF and Telemetry communications experience * Experience across multiple spacecraft ...

Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data. * 3-6 years of spacecraft RF and Telemetry communications experience * Experience across multiple spacecraft ...

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Spacecraft Controller information

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$55K

$119.5K

$175.5K

How much do spacecraft controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 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 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.

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?

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What states have the most Spacecraft Controller jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Spacecraft Controller jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Spacecraft Controller jobs are:

Infographic showing various Spacecraft Controller job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. 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 and Ground Systems Integrations Engineer

KBR

Colorado Springs, CO

$100K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 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:

Spacecraft and Ground Systems Integrations Engineer

Spacecraft and Ground Systems Integration Engineer

This role will be responsible for spacecraft and ground system integration for multiple mission systems and serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external customers. Integration activities include requirements identification and verification, launch and on-orbit operations, vehicle disposal, CONOP development, mission analysis, and on-console operations. Our ideal candidate will also provide expertise and have an active role in shaping on-orbit and future operations.

Key Responsibilities:

will include, but not be limited to, the following:

Performs and leads integration activities for spacecraft and ground systems, ensuring on-orbit command and control.

Investigates and troubleshoots system issues. Documents problems and opportunities for improvement. Proposes and implements process improvements.

Evaluates, influences, refines, integrates, and validates program requirements for on-orbit and future programs.

Advocates for operations requirements and ensures engineering implementations meet operational needs.

Provides spacecraft and ground systems expertise to a broad array of engineering, development, integration, and strategic initiatives.

Supports planning, preparation, execution, and evaluation of spacecraft and launch vehicle rehearsals, exercises, and compatibility tests.

Prepares, reviews, and improves operational, anomaly, and contingency procedures for launch, on-orbit, and disposal operations.

Works in a dynamic team environment that includes government personnel, SETAs, program offices, contractors, and spacecraft and launch vehicle manufacturers.

Interfaces with systems engineering, software engineering, cyber, IT, and launch personnel to ensure requirements are being met.

Achieves and maintains certification as a ground systems operations controller. Provides on-console support to test, launch, and on-orbit operations. Provide surge support to operations.

Requirements:

Must have an Active TS/SCI DoD security clearance AND an adjudicated Polygraph

Completed Bachelor's STEM degree with 3 years of experience

Robust knowledge of spacecraft flight operations and ground systems utilized for spacecraft command and control.

Knowledge of systems engineering processes, system verification validation and test (VV&T), and requirements interpretation.

Demonstrable skills in both written/oral communications, including the ability to understand and explain technical concepts in briefing and working group settings, and the ability to tailor delivery to those with differing knowledge levels or backgrounds.

Ability to efficiently and independently multi-task in a deadline-driven environment.

Self-motivated and able to complete tasks with minimal oversight.

Able to maintain crew certification as a ground systems operations controller.

Able to occasionally work abnormal hours to support events such as enterprise and compatibility testing, and spacecraft launches.

Able to occasionally travel to factory, government, and launch locations within the US.

Qualifications:

Experience working within the intelligence community.

Spacecraft ground systems engineering or spacecraft vehicle engineering experience.

Experience working with Collaborative Task Management tools such as JIRA and Confluence.

Experience with spacecraft and ground systems verification validation and test (VV&T) activities.

Working knowledge of orbital mechanics.

Work Environment:

  • Location: On-site

  • Travel Requirements: Minimal

  • Working Hours: Shift, 24/7 on call

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40 hours

Basic Compensation:

$100,000 - $111,000 USD annually

The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

Additional Compensation:

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short term incentives, long term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance

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