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Spacecraft Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Peraton

Spacecraft Aerospace Engineer

Las Cruces, NM

$51K - $82K/yr

Lead spacecraft operations activities as a Test Conductor, providing engineering guidance to the Satellite Controllers as well as second-person verification for all commands transmitted to the ...

Apex

Spacecraft Avionics Technician

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$31 - $40.50/hr

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more ... Person status is required due to access to export-controlled data. * 7+ years of hands-on ...

Peraton

Spacecraft Aerospace Engineer

Las Cruces, NM · On-site

$51K - $82K/yr

Lead spacecraft operations activities as a Test Conductor, providing engineering guidance to the Satellite Controllers as well as second-person verification for all commands transmitted to the ...

Peraton

Spacecraft Aerospace Engineer

Las Cruces, NM · On-site

$51K - $82K/yr

Lead spacecraft operations activities as a Test Conductor, providing engineering guidance to the Satellite Controllers as well as second-person verification for all commands transmitted to the ...

Auria

Satellite Operations Controller

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50 - $90/hr

Satellite Operations Controller Location: Albuquerque, NM Remote Status: On-Site Job Id: 13709-POPS ... Perform real‑time evaluation, trend analysis, and troubleshooting of spacecraft, payload, and ...

Apex

Spacecraft GNC Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $180K/yr

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 ...

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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 Sep 7, 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.

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Spacecraft Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spacecraft Controller job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,497 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

Satellite Controller IV - Day Shift (Able to obtain Secret Clear with Security Clearance

Akima

Suitland, MD • On-site

$100K - $145K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Akima rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

377th of 453 rated engineering

Job description

Five Rivers Analytics, LLC is hiring for a Day Shift Satellite Controller IV, located in Suitland, MD. The Satellite Controller IV Provides senior-level real-time spacecraft command and control support for DMSP spacecraft operations within a 24/7 operational environment. Performs advanced spacecraft operations, anomaly response, mission assurance, flight software support, and operational coordination activities supporting national defense weather and environmental missions. Serves as a senior controller and technical mentor supporting mission continuity and operational readiness. To join our team of outstanding professionals, apply today! Responsibilities * Execute spacecraft command and control operations for DMSP spacecraft
* Monitor spacecraft telemetry, subsystem health, and mission performance
* Lead anomaly response and operational recovery activities
* Coordinate with mission planners, engineers, and operations teams
* Support contingency operations and COOP exercises
* Perform flight software maintenance and command verification activities
* Provide shift turnover briefings and operational reporting
* Support operational review boards and anomaly investigations
* Support a 12-Hour shift, Day or Night Qualifications * Must be a US Citizen
* Minimum 8 years of experience supporting satellite operations, spacecraft systems, TT&C operations, or aerospace mission operations in a real-time operational environment.
* Ability to obtain and maintain a US SECRET Clearance
* Ability to lift up to 25lbs
* Experience operating within a 24/7 mission operations environment and responding to real-time anomalies.
* Experience serving as a senior controller, shift lead, trainer, or technical advisor.
* Advanced knowledge of: * Satellite command and control systems
* Orbital mechanics and spacecraft operations
* Ground systems and RF communications
* Telemetry processing and analysis
* Satellite health and status monitoring
* Operational procedures and anomaly resolution
Certifications: * DMSP Satellite Controller Certification required
* applicable IA/Cyber Awareness training certifications required Job ID 2026-23606 Work Type On-Site Pay Range $100,000 - $145,000 Benefits Regular - The company offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) and a range of other voluntary benefits. Paid Time Off (PTO) is offered to regular full-time and part-time employees. Company Description Work Where it Matters Five Rivers Analytics (FRA), an Akima company, is not just another federal IT contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska. At FRA, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States. For our shareholders, FRA provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years. For our government customers, FRA delivers streamline operations in support of an increasingly fast-paced, complex, and dynamic digital environment. As a FRA employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.

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About Akima

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As an Alaska Native Corporation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Akima is dedicated to delivering superior outcomes for our customers’ missions while simultaneously creating a long-lived asset for our Iñupiat shareholders. Akima maintains a portfolio of small businesses, 8(a) companies, and operating companies that deliver simplified and accelerated access to the products and services agencies need to ensure mission success.

Industry

Specialty trade contractors

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

1995

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