1

Spacecraft Operations Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

Engineer VII

Acton, MA · On-site

$128K - $229K/yr

Whether a specific satellite for a specific mission or a constellation of interconnected spacecraft ... GA-EMS offers modular and scalable satellite platforms backed with a history of operational flight ...

... spacecraft vacuum chambers. Position Summary Busek is seeking a skilled Facility Electrical Technician to support the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of our manufacturing and ...

Test Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$130K - $195K/yr

Position Summary: We're seeking a Test Engineer to support critical testing activities on spacecraft hardware. Duties will include test development, oversight, design, planning and operation. This ...

Showing results 21-40

Spacecraft Operations Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$39.1K

$92.4K

$146.7K

How much do spacecraft operations engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacecraft operations engineer in Boston, MA is $92,370.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $102,100.00 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 Boston, MA?

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

What job categories do people searching Spacecraft Operations Engineer jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Spacecraft Operations Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:

Infographic showing various Spacecraft Operations Engineer job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,370 per year, or $44.4 per hour.

$128K - $229K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


General Atomics rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Job Summary
General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.
Whether a specific satellite for a specific mission or a constellation of interconnected spacecraft, the GA-EMS Space Systems team is re-defining how customers can access the possibilities of space. GA-EMS offers modular and scalable satellite platforms backed with a history of operational flight experience to support defense, civil, commercial, and academic mission requirements.
We currently have an exciting opportunity in our Systems Engineering group for a Project Engineer to lead engineering and development of cutting-edge GA-EMS products and technologies. This position directly supports EMS business units in the development of innovative new designs in resolving advanced technical engineering problems. This position reports to the Senior Manager of Project Engineering and leads engineering project teams of up to approximately fifty engineers.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Responsible for designing the engineering development effort and leading the execution and implementation of the engineering process in concert with the Chief Engineer and Project Manager.
  • Accountable for aggregate technical team, engineering plan and execution, and performance to plan.
  • Ensures that program technical resource needs are defined and met by working with the functional organizations to identify and secure appropriate staffing.
  • Manages resource needs and leads engineering activities for a cross-functional engineering team.
  • Executes program plans to conform to cost, schedule, production, and performance commitments.
  • Supports technical leadership on product design, development, and improvement projects in concert with Program Management.
  • Represents the project team's efforts to the engineering functional organization and Project Manager.
  • Provides regular updates to the Program Management Office and senior leadership.
  • Represents the engineering functional organization to Project Management.
  • Communicates with engineering professionals, solution users, and management throughout the solution development cycle, and represents the company as a prime technical contact on contracts and/or projects.
  • Presents engineering work products in periodic and milestone reviews to senior staff and customers.
  • Organizes all engineering work to support the project Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and budget per the Project Management Plan (PMP):
    • Assist in the management and execution of the IMS
    • Lead development of engineering inputs to program IMS
    • Provide day-to-day prioritization of tasks in accordance with schedule
    • Work with PM/scheduler to update engineering manpower estimation
    • Accountable for engineering tasks, budget, schedule, and performance
    • Tracking and reporting of engineering progress
  • Coordinate and drive engineering tasks and actions to closure in a timely fashion
  • Responsible for the execution and implementation of engineering processes: design, development, integration, test and performance verification.
  • Manage the planning, execution, and tracking/reporting of all technical aspects of the engineering development for company systems.
  • Evaluates the integration of the engineering solution within the overall engineering environment; ensures that appropriate documentation, testing, maintenance, and engineering updates are completed in accordance with Systems Engineering best practices.
  • Leads the engineering product development process through major program milestone reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, etc), in addition to helping establish the overall review plan.
  • Formulates plans, typically long-term, for solution(s) development, documentation, and deployment, as well as meeting various compliance, reporting, and safety standards.
  • Supports development of interface control documents, software requirement specifications, performance specifications, presentations and review test plans/procedures.
  • Supports the development and execution of test plans and guides the integration, verification, validation, and documentation of requirements through the system development cycle.
  • Keeps comprehensive notes/records, provides formal documentation following established processes and makes technical presentations, as required.
  • Leads support for proposals/white papers and interfaces with customers
  • Works with functional engineering leads to develop Basis of Estimates for engineering support to projects.
  • Performs other duties as required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; fifteen or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, thirteen or more years of experience with a masters degree, or ten or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • An Engineering degree is preferred, though a Science degree may be accepted with appropriate experience.
  • Demonstrates broad technical expertise and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones, with significant experience in project leadership.
  • Requires strong skills in management, project management, leadership, communication, systems engineering, and engineering technical disciplines.
  • Expertise or significant experience in at least one engineering technical discipline or domain is required. Examples: power electronics, vehicles drive train, energy storage, optical or high power laser systems, mechanisms and structures, etc.
  • Detailed knowledge and understanding of systems engineering processes, flow down of system requirements, system architecture and the interaction of system and subsystem requirements.
  • Detailed knowledge and understanding of system verification and validation to ensure the final products conform to the stated requirements.
  • Experience with contractual documents -- understand and apply statement of work requirements, familiarize stakeholders with contract and organization requirements.
  • Detailed working knowledge of PLM/Windchill is desired.
  • Knowledge/experience with Requirements Management Systems, support requirements, lifecycle planning and integration for DOD systems is desired.
  • Strong computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project) are required. Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required, enabling an effective interface with customers and other departments and/or professionals; capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact, as well as providing leadership and guidance to less experienced professionals.
  • Multi-tasking team player with a hands-on approach; customer-focused, formulates plans based on the development of innovative new designs in resolving advanced technical engineering problems.
  • Demonstrated ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads of technical team to meet established deadlines or milestones.
  • Broad, multi-disciplinary technical expertise and a history of applying of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice.
  • Previous DOD experience highly desirable.
  • Have a desire to work in a fast-paced testing environment.
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required.

What General Atomics employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


General Atomics logo

About General Atomics

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955