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Spacecraft Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Satellite Operations Controller

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Auria is seeking a Satellite Operations Controller to support the US Space Force (USSF) Space and ... Performs real-time evaluation, trend analysis, and troubleshooting of spacecraft, payload, and ...

Spacecraft Environmental Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

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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.

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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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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.

Communications Services Controller (CSC) Trainee

Peraton

Las Cruces, NM

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 224 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities

Peraton has an immediate need for a Communications Services Controller (CSC) Trainee in Las Cruces, NM. As a member of the NASA Space Network Operations Group, the Satellite Communications Services Controller is the technical focal point for the operation of the Space-to-Ground Link Terminal (SGLT) between the WSC ground station and the operational NASA Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS).

Peraton is the prime contractor for NASA at the White Sands Complex (WSC) near Las Cruces, New Mexico. Operating here are two functionally identical satellite ground terminals: The White Sands Ground Terminal, and the Second TDRSS Ground Terminal. These ground terminals ensure uninterrupted communications between various ground stations, NASA's orbiting fleet of Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS), customer spacecraft (satellites), and the computer systems that support such spacecraft. WSC serves as an interface for distributing satellite data to control centers and scientists who then use the daily influx of data to expand our ever-growing knowledge of the Earth and the universe.

This position will be responsible for:

  • Configuring, operating, and monitoring the SGLT equipment needed to communicate with the Mission Spacecraft
  • Configuring, operating, and monitoring the TTC resources needed to control and communicate with the TDRS
  • Monitor TDRS telemetry and transmit commands to the TDRS as required
  • Must have the ability to quickly resolve system anomalies
  • Generate and/or maintain pertinent documentation
  • Respond quickly and effectively during critical and emergency situations
  • Assimilates data quickly and consistently extends the scope of his/her capabilities
  • Implement appropriate routine and contingency procedures with limited supervision
  • Provide on the job training to other controllers
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain an appropriate security clearance
  • Subject to working rotating shifts, weekends and holidays on a rotational basis as a part of normal shift scheduling
  • Must be able to pass physical examinations consistent with the Job Classification.
  • Rotating shifts, weekends, holidays and mandatory overtime, on a rotational basis as a part of normal shift scheduling.
  • Physical requirements include lifting up to 20 lbs., extended sitting or standing, and repetitive motion of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. Visual, hearing, and speaking acuity is required. Handles continued high levels of stress.

#SpaceIntel

Qualifications

Required Experience:

  • Education/Experience: AS degree or 2 years technical training plus 2 years of related experience; High School Diploma/GED and 4 years of related experience can be substituted for 2 years of technical training. Must be able to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and mandatory overtime, on a rotational basis as a part of normal shift scheduling. 
  • Must be able to work rotating shifts on a rotational basis as a part of normal shift scheduling, to include weekends, holidays and mandatory overtime.
  • You acknowledge this position will be union and you will be required to join.
  • Security clearance - this position requires the candidate to be able to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance and to maintain the clearance thereafter. You must be a US Citizen and show proof of citizenship.
  • Must be able to maintain ability to access government worksite.
  • This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. As a federal enclave, membership of the union is required.

Desired Experience:

  • An active Secret security clearance.
  • Great communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Self-motivated, safety minded and demonstrate a team attitude.
  • Able to work well under pressure. 

#CivilSpace

#SENSE26

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary RangeThe rate / range per hour below represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.SCA / Union / Intern Rate or Range$26.23EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017