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$36K

$85K

$135K

How much do spacecraft operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacecraft operations in the United States is $85,029.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Spacecraft Operations position, and why are they important?

Excelling in Spacecraft Operations requires a solid background in aerospace engineering, physics, or a related field, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with spacecraft control systems, mission planning software, and telemetry monitoring tools such as SCOS-2000 or GMSEC is highly valued, and some roles may require security clearances or certifications from agencies like NASA or ESA. Attention to detail, clear communication, and teamwork are critical soft skills in this high-stakes environment. These competencies are essential to ensure mission safety, coordinate complex tasks, and respond effectively to rapidly changing scenarios during space operations.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in Spacecraft Operations?

Professionals in Spacecraft Operations are responsible for monitoring spacecraft health, analyzing telemetry data, executing mission commands, and troubleshooting anomalies in real time. Daily tasks often include coordinating with engineers, mission planners, and ground station teams to maintain smooth operations and prepare for mission events such as maneuvers or data downlinks. The role may also involve shift work, as many spacecraft require 24/7 oversight. Strong collaboration and communication are key, as team members regularly share critical updates and work together to resolve technical challenges. This dynamic environment offers the opportunity to directly support groundbreaking missions and contribute to the success of complex space operations.

What is a Spacecraft Operations job?

A Spacecraft Operations job involves monitoring, controlling, and maintaining the health and functionality of a spacecraft. Operators ensure the spacecraft follows its planned mission by sending commands, analyzing telemetry data, and troubleshooting issues that arise. These professionals work closely with engineers and mission planners to ensure smooth operations, whether for satellites, probes, or crewed spacecraft. The role often requires shift work, as space missions operate 24/7. Strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and knowledge of mission-specific software and systems are essential.

More about Spacecraft Operations jobs
What cities are hiring for Spacecraft Operations jobs? Cities with the most Spacecraft Operations job openings:
What states have the most Spacecraft Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Spacecraft Operations jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Spacecraft Operations jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Spacecraft Operations jobs are:
Spacecraft Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spacecraft Operations job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Part Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,029 per year, or $40.9 per hour.
Spacecraft Operations Systems Engineer

Spacecraft Operations Systems Engineer

KBR, Inc.

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 352 rated engineering

Job description

Title:
Spacecraft Operations 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.

KBR is seeking a Spacecraft Operations Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA. A TS/SCI with polygraph clearance is required for consideration.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Provide real-time support for on-orbit spacecraft operations, including:
  • Telemetry monitoring and data analysis
  • Subsystem performance assessment
  • Anomaly troubleshooting and root cause analysis
  • Impact assessments and development of recovery strategies
  • Support and contribute to system engineering reviews, including:
  • Evaluation and improvement of operational procedures
  • Technical analysis of system performance and behaviors
  • Insight into protective modes, anomaly resolution, and contingency operations
  • Ensure effective and reliable spacecraft operations by:
  • Monitoring spacecraft and payload health and safety
  • Driving timely resolution of anomalous conditions
  • Supporting operational readiness and mission continuity
  • Contribute to spacecraft constellation maintenance and engineering activities, including:
  • Configuration management
  • Performance monitoring and optimization
  • Anomaly tracking and resolution
  • Serve as a technical point of contact for spacecraft operations, maintenance, and calibration activities
  • Prepare and deliver briefings, status updates, and technical feedback to leadership and stakeholders

Work Environment:
  • Location: On-site
  • Travel Requirements: Up to 25%
  • Working Hours: Core hour support required

Qualifications:
Required:
  • Active TS/SCI with polygraph clearance
  • Education and experience:
    Bachelor's degree with 9+ years of experience (or) Master's degree with 7+ years of experience, (or) PhD or JD with 4+ years of experience
  • Experience supporting satellite programs within NRO, Intelligence Community (IC), or Department of Defense (DoD) environments
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including:
  • Root cause analysis in collaborative, cross-functional settings
  • Trend analysis and summarization of findings for stakeholders

Desired:
  • Experience supporting execution and management of U.S. Government contracts
  • Experience with acquisition processes or contract execution related to spacecraft enhancements

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.
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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