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Spacecraft Operations Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Senior DevOps Engineer I

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$134K - $172K/yr

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services and spacecraft design. As a Senior DevOps Engineer I, you will automate CI/CD pipelines and deploy applications for ...

Senior DevOps Engineer I

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$134K - $172K/yr

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services and spacecraft design. The Senior DevOps Engineer I will support the U.S. Space Development Agency's Proliferated ...

Senior DevOps Engineer I

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$134K - $172K/yr

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services and advanced spacecraft design. The Senior DevOps Engineer I will support the Optical Systems division by automating CI ...

Satellite Operations Engineer

Dulles, VA · On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

You will also support broader TrustPoint engineering needs including flight software development ... spacecraft systems. * Hands-on experience with GNSS, GPS, or PNT constellation operations or ...

The Spacecraft Engineer will work daily on-site with the Government to provide advice and guidance ... Experience with space systems, including development of concept of operations, mission threads, and ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 8, 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 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?

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.

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:
Infographic showing various Spacecraft Operations Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,299 per year, or $40.5 per hour.

Spacecraft Systems Engineer (mid-career) - Millennium Space Systems

Boeing

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 612 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 537 rated manufacturers


Job description

Spacecraft Systems Engineer (mid-career) - Millennium Space Systems

Company:

Millennium Space Systems

Millennium Space Systems, a part of Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS), is a fast, agile small satellite company focused on national security space. Our missions have direct impact to global security, like missile warning and Earth observation.

Our team is curious, bold and innovative. We take risks, innovate and explore new techniques and technologies. We influence change because we challenge the status quo. And when we watch our satellites launch, we know each one of us made it happen.

As an Experienced Spacecraft Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for supporting the technical execution for programs and leading teams developing spacecraft systems serving a range of missions and customers. This includes creating, monitoring, and guiding requirements definition, spacecraft design, procurement and fabrication, integration and test, and verification and validation of the overall space vehicle system. You will interact with subsystem and unit engineers, manufacturing and test personnel, and program management. You will manage the technical elements of the space vehicle system. Our spacecraft systems engineers create spacecraft -- not just paperwork!

Position Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for all aspects of spacecraft systems engineering including performing preliminary concept development, trade studies, CONOPS definition, requirements decomposition and allocation, interface requirements definition, requirements verification and validation, support to integration and test operations, anomaly resolution, risk management, and schedule execution

  • Collaborates with program and financial leadership to ensure successful programmatic execution

  • Applies an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to plan, design, develop and verify a lifecycle balanced solution for space systems

  • Understands spacecraft subsystems functions and interfaces. Develop integrated spacecraft system designs and solutions

  • Coordinates and communicates with subsystem engineering teams to ensure system execution

  • Applies model-based systems engineering techniques for the definition of the spacecraft system

  • Participate in software integration and test activities to ensure mission functionality prior to deployment into operations

  • Performs tasks to analyze technical data, verify and sustain specific systems configurations in accordance with defined constraints and operational requirements

  • Performs various analyses to optimize the spacecraft system and/or system architecture

  • Resolves cross-functional technical issues

  • Develops and improve systems engineering processes

  • Provides mentorship to junior systems engineering and subsystem staff

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills / Experience):

  • This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance. for which the US Government requires U.S. Citizenship. A final U.S. Top Secret security clearance is required post start.

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or science discipline and 5 or more years of directly relevant industry experience with spacecraft systems; Master's degree and 3+ years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience; Level 4: Bachelor's degree in engineering or science discipline and 9 or more years of directly relevant industry experience with spacecraft systems; Master's degree and 7+ years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience.

  • 1+ years of experience in some or all of the following: Space systems engineering principles and techniques; Power, mass, and other system budgets; Requirements analysis and flow-down; Design verification and validation processes; Configuration management; Satellite level integration and test processes

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Master's degree in aerospaceor other relevant engineeringor science discipline

  • 9+ years' professional experience in space systems engineering

  • Direct experience with one or more rapid spacecraft development programs and missions. Experience with a full life cycle from concept to in-orbit operations

  • Demonstrated familiarity with program management principles and tools

  • An Active TS/SCI U.S. Security Clearance.

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process

Drug Free Workplace:

Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, is a Drug Free Workplace (DFW) where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Total Rewards:

At Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

Millennium Space Systems also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay Range:

  • Level 3: $99,000 - $177,000

  • Level 4: $121,000 - $215,000

Millennium is DDTC-registered, ITAR-compliant Company. This position is located at a facility that requires special access. Applicants MUST be U.S. citizens and eligible for a security clearance. Additionally, applicants must be willing to apply for and maintain a security clearance. We encourage all interested candidates to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified.

Category = Engineering

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Top Secret/SCI Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

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