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Spacecraft Operations Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

MX1

Senior Engineer, Spacecraft Subsystems, Payload

Mclean, VA · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

Senior Engineer, Spacecraft Subsystems, Payload The job responsibilities outlined in this document ... In addition to supporting spacecraft operations, you will maintain earth station testing equipment ...

SAIC

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

The Spacecraft Systems Engineer will support a program office for a Major System Acquisition who ... operations transition plans for constellation of multiple satellites. • Provides support to ...

SAIC

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The Spacecraft Systems Engineer will support a program office for a Major System Acquisition who ... Provide operations planning and execution support. Develop and coordinate operations transition ...

SAIC

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The Spacecraft Systems Engineer will support a program office for a Major System Acquisition who ... operations transition plans for constellation of multiple satellites. • Provides support to ...

Umbra

Mission Operations Vehicle Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$80K - $108K/yr

Support other teams in spacecraft modeling, simulation, mission design, and systems engineering ... Support off-hour operations (weekends and/or nights) independently, while maintaining strong ...

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Spacecraft Operations Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$35.7K

$84.3K

$133.8K

How much do spacecraft operations engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacecraft operations engineer in Virginia is $84,299.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,900.00 and $93,200.00 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

Spacecraft Operations Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spacecraft Operations Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,299 per year, or $40.5 per hour.

Spacecraft Systems Engineer / Mission Analyst

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Stellar Solutions, Inc.
See more jobs at Stellar Solutions, Inc.external

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Overview

Stellar Solutions, a nationally recognized “Great Place to Work”, has exciting opportunities providing Engineering solutions for innovative new-entrant space companies, as well as established space systems manufacturers, commercial space system operators and service providers, and other industry stakeholders including investors.

At Stellar Solutions, we offer talented, energetic, andimmediately productive resources to satisfy our customers’ critical needs in systems engineering and integration, mission operations, program management and strategic planning. We area leading service and expertise provider for high-tech commercial ventures, spanning communications, earth observation and remote sensing systems and data products, to the infrastructures that support earth orbiting and beyond earth orbit businesses.

Stellar Solutions is seeking a Spacecraft Systems Engineer / Mission Analyst to support the design of multiple commercial space systems, including LEO constellations and novel space debris removal systems.

Role/Responsibilities/Qualifications

In this role, you will:

  • Review, assess, and contribute to spacecraft delta-V analyses, including orbit raising using low-thrust electric propulsion, orbital transfers, station-keeping, and end-of-mission disposal
  • Support modeling and mission planning for rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking with orbital targets
  • Review customer-generated mission analysis products and provide independent technical assessment, recommendations, and troubleshooting
  • Perform or augment mission analysis activities as needed to support program schedules and technical objectives
  • Provide spacecraft systems engineering expertise throughout spacecraft development, integration, and test
  • Apply subsystem and spacecraft-level operations expertise to evaluate spacecraft design and mission performance
  • Provide technical oversight and support coordination with spacecraft bus and payload integration partners
  • Model LEO constellations in support of ground coverage and contact analyses using STK or similar tools
  • Support technical trades, design reviews, troubleshooting, and resolution of spacecraft development, integration and test issues
  • Serve as a trusted technical advisor to the customer, identifying technical risks and helping guide engineering decisions throughout mission development and execution

Requirements:

  • BS in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
  • 5+ years of relevant experience in spacecraft systems engineering, mission analysis, GNC, spacecraft operations, or a related field
  • Experience performing or evaluating spacecraft mission and orbital analysis, including orbital maneuvers, transfers, station-keeping, or trajectory analysis
  • Working knowledge of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) principles and spacecraft dynamics
  • Experience supporting spacecraft development, integration, test, and/or on-orbit operations
  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex technical analyses, identify risks and issues, and provide sound engineering recommendations
  • Ability to work effectively with customers, spacecraft developers, and other technical stakeholders to resolve engineering issues and support technical decision-making
  • Experience with mission analysis and engineering tools such as MATLAB, Python, Excel, STK/Astrogator, GMAT, ODTK, or similar tools
  • Clearance: Secret with eligibility for TS
  • Travel: max 20% of time

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience with rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), docking, or relative motion analysis
  • Experience with low-thrust electric propulsion mission analysis and orbit raising
  • Experience providing technical oversight of spacecraft bus development, payload integration, or spacecraft suppliers
  • Experience in the analysis of LEO constellations and contact management
  • Clearance: active TS/SCI preferred

Location: VA or remote

In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for a comprehensive total rewards package that includes an annual performance bonus, an employer-funded Profit-Sharing Plan (PSP) contribution based on base compensation, and comprehensive employer-paid medical benefits, PTO pay-out options, along with additional company-sponsored benefits. All of these benefits represent an additional 30-40% to your base compensation for a total compensation package.

Deliverable(s)

Help shape and execute first-of-their-kind commercial space missions, including spacecraft designed to rendezvous with and remove orbital debris from LEO. Apply mission analysis and spacecraft systems expertise from early design through integration, test, and operations while serving as a trusted technical advisor on complex mission and engineering decisions.

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