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Spacecraft Operations Engineer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Quantum Space

Software Systems Engineer III

Rockville, MD · On-site

$176K - $209K/yr

Support mission planning, concept of operations (ConOps) development, spacecraft operational ... Mentor engineers while promoting systems engineering best practices, software quality, and ...

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Spacecraft Operations Engineer information

See Maryland salary details

$34.9K

$82.5K

$131K

How much do spacecraft operations engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacecraft operations engineer in Maryland is $82,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $91,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a spacecraft operations engineer?

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 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Spacecraft Operations Engineer jobs in Maryland?

For Spacecraft Operations Engineer jobs in Maryland, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Spacecraft Operations Engineer jobs in Maryland look for?

The top searched job categories for Spacecraft Operations Engineer jobs in Maryland are:

Spacecraft Operations Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spacecraft Operations Engineer job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,524 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

Aerospace Engineer

INFINITY SYSTEMS ENGINEERING LLC

Welcome, MD • On-site

$80K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Infinity’s niche in the aerospace and defense industry is specialized solutions that help bridge the gap between space and ground. This is no small task, and we owe our success to our team who help us fulfill our mission; to match people with their legacies for betterment of the world. There is always a place at Infinity for a motivated, capable individual seeking a career to better the world. We prioritize supporting our team through exceptional benefits, work-life balance, and structured career development. At Infinity, WE ARE MORE – now, come be more with us!
*Please note, this position is Contingent upon award. Position is slated to begin March-June 2027.*

Position Overview

Infinity is excited about the opportunity to support the Mission System Research and Development Support contract at the Blossom Point Satellite Command and Tracking Facility (BPTF) in Welcome, Maryland.


As we prepare for this opportunity, we're looking to connect with members of the incumbent workforce who are interested in joining our team. If you are currently supporting the BPTF mission, we encourage you to submit your resume and explore the opportunity to continue this important mission with us.


We also welcome interest from experienced professionals who are not currently assigned to BPTF but have the skills and passion to contribute to this mission. We'd be glad to hear from you and discuss potential opportunities.


Join us as we continue to make meaningful and positive impacts to critical national security and space operations programs!


The spacecraft engineer will monitor health status and provide support for spacecraft in operation, including recovery and spacecraft anomalies. Support spacecraft operations and configuration changes. Develop mission plans, check the logs for day and overnight activity, compiles system and network statistics, writes or modifies perform files, and evaluate and trend spacecraft performance. Work with the spacecraft factories, RF and digital technicians, network engineers, software teams, and others during existing or new spacecraft into the ground command and control architectures, includes spacecraft designs reviews, integration, ground and on-orbit tests.



Position Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science discipline or related field.

Clearance Requirement: Active TS/SCI

Minimum Qualifications

  • Experience supporting spacecraft operations, mission planning, or satellite/space systems analysis in a government or defense environment
  • Familiarity with spacecraft health monitoring, anomaly resolution, and operational command and control systems
  • Ability to analyze telemetry data, system logs, and performance trends to assess spacecraft status and operational readiness
  • Experience working in cross-functional technical teams supporting spacecraft operations, integration, and test activities

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with on-orbit spacecraft operations, including recovery operations and anomaly resolution
  • Familiarity with ground command and control architectures and spacecraft networking systems
  • Experience supporting spacecraft integration, RF/digital systems, and ground/space interface testing
  • Knowledge of spacecraft design reviews, systems engineering processes, and mission lifecycle development


Work Environment/Physical Requirements

  • Professional, fast-paced, and team-oriented environment
  • Requires adherence to security protocols and DoD regulations


Infinity Benefits

 

  • Great Company Culture. Infinity firmly believes that our success is due to the happiness and personal satisfaction of our employees. 

  • Health Benefits. 100% Company Paid Medical and Dental for you AND your family. 

  • Work that Stays at Work. Genuine work/life balance and flexibility. We know our employees have lives outside of work and we support you in living them! 

  • Rest and Relaxation.  Three weeks' Vacation – Front Loaded on the day you start, and we pay for you to go on our company reward trip (ask us about this!)

  • Health and Wellness. We offer 48 hours of sick leave, in addition to your Vacation, as well as Flex-Spending options (Medical and Dependent Care) 

  • Prepare for the Future. 401(k) company contribution, with free professional financial planning advisors 

  • Education and Professional Training Reimbursement.  We support our employees career aspirations and growth! 

  • Profit Sharing Plan.  Infinity’s success is due to our employees. Eligible employees are able to participate in our Profit-Sharing Plan. 

  • And more! 

 

U.S. Citizenship is required.

EOE including disability/vet

To learn more about our company and benefits, please visit: Infinity Careers

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 30 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.