ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Spacecraft Operations Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Waypoint Sierra Consultants

Be Seen First

Spacecraft Operations Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$165K - $210K/yr

The Spacecraft Operations Engineer at Waypoint S plays a critical role in managing daily operations and supporting long-term missions within a large cross-functional team. Based on-site at the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSpacecraft Operations Engineer Jobs

Spacecraft Operations Engineer information

See salary details

$36K

$85K

$135K

How much do spacecraft operations engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacecraft operations engineer 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 some typical challenges faced by Spacecraft Operations Engineers during mission operations?

Spacecraft Operations Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating real-time responses to unexpected anomalies, managing complex schedules for satellite maneuvers, and ensuring seamless communication between ground control and the spacecraft. The role requires balancing strict adherence to operational procedures while quickly adapting to unforeseen technical issues. Effective teamwork and cross-functional collaboration with systems engineers, mission planners, and ground station personnel are crucial to successfully navigating these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Spacecraft Operations Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Spacecraft Operations Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, physics, or a related field, often complemented by experience in satellite or spacecraft mission operations. Familiarity with ground control software, mission planning tools, and certifications such as ECSS or ITIL are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities make candidates excel in this position. These skills are crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient, and successful operation of spacecraft in complex and high-stakes environments.

What does a Spacecraft Operations Engineer do?

A Spacecraft Operations Engineer is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and managing spacecraft during its mission life. They work in mission control centers to ensure the spacecraft operates safely and efficiently, troubleshooting issues and executing commands as required. Their duties often include planning mission activities, analyzing telemetry data, and coordinating with other engineering teams to resolve technical problems. This role is critical for ensuring the success of satellite, probe, or crewed missions, both during routine operations and in emergency situations.

What is the difference between Spacecraft Operations Engineer vs Satellite Operations Engineer?

AspectSpacecraft Operations EngineerSatellite Operations Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in aerospace, electrical, or systems engineering; certifications like PMP or satellite-specific trainingBachelor's in engineering or related field; satellite operation certifications
Work EnvironmentMission control centers, spacecraft ground stations, aerospace companiesSatellite control centers, telecom companies, aerospace firms
Industry UsageSpace agencies, commercial spaceflight, satellite launch providersTelecommunications, broadcasting, satellite service providers
Job FocusManaging spacecraft health, mission operations, troubleshootingMonitoring satellite performance, orbit adjustments, data collection

Both roles involve spacecraft or satellite management, requiring similar technical skills and certifications. The main difference lies in the scope: Spacecraft Operations Engineers focus on space missions and spacecraft health in orbit, while Satellite Operations Engineers primarily manage satellite functions in telecommunications or broadcasting industries.

More about Spacecraft Operations Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Spacecraft Operations Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Spacecraft Operations Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Spacecraft Operations Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Spacecraft Operations Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Spacecraft Operations Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Spacecraft Operations Engineer jobs are:
Spacecraft Operations Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spacecraft Operations Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,029 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Spacecraft Operations Engineer

Waypoint Sierra Consultants

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$165K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.

Job description

The Spacecraft Operations Engineer at Waypoint S plays a critical role in managing daily operations and supporting long-term missions within a large cross-functional team. Based on-site at the control center in El Segundo, California, the engineer utilizes proprietary and standard aerospace software alongside custom scripting tools to ensure effective mission planning, telemetry monitoring, and anomaly resolution. This position requires an active TS/SCI clearance or eligibility for reissuance and a deep expertise developed through over 10 years of relevant spacecraft operations experience.

Responsibilities

  • Plan and coordinate spacecraft missions and operations
  • Monitor telemetry data to assess spacecraft health and status
  • Identify and resolve anomalies during mission execution
  • Conduct flight dynamics analysis to support mission objectives
  • Perform system testing and validation of spacecraft functions
  • Analyze operational data to improve mission performance
  • Collaborate across teams to ensure mission success
  • Generate detailed reports on mission status and outcomes

Required Qualifications

  • 10+ years of spacecraft operations experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field
  • Proficient in satellite systems and telemetry analysis
  • Expertise in mission planning and flight dynamics
  • Experience with software tools for spacecraft operations, including proprietary mission software
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Effective communication and team collaboration abilities
  • U.S. citizenship and active TS/SCI clearance or TS/SCI held within the last six months with eligibility for reissuance

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working in a SCIF environment
  • Familiarity with custom scripting and aerospace software tools
  • Ability to work full-time on-site in El Segundo, California

Company Description

Waypoint Sierra Consultants provides professional aerospace services for the most demanding missions, supporting the acquisition, integration, and operation of the world’s most advanced space systems for defense and intelligence applications. We provide system engineering and integration support to numerous USSF space missions. Our team assists in all mission phases, from pre-acquisition through launch-site integration and on-orbit operations.