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Spacecraft Operations Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Peraton

Spacecraft Aerospace Engineer

Las Cruces, NM · On-site

$51K - $82K/yr

Lead spacecraft operations activities as a Test Conductor, providing engineering guidance to the Satellite Controllers as well as second-person verification for all commands transmitted to the ...

Peraton

Spacecraft Aerospace Engineer

Las Cruces, NM · On-site

$51K - $82K/yr

Lead spacecraft operations activities as a Test Conductor, providing engineering guidance to the Satellite Controllers as well as second-person verification for all commands transmitted to the ...

Peraton

Spacecraft Aerospace Engineer

Las Cruces, NM · On-site

$51K - $82K/yr

Lead spacecraft operations activities as a Test Conductor, providing engineering guidance to the Satellite Controllers as well as second-person verification for all commands transmitted to the ...

Reliant Space

Mission Operations Engineer

Reston, VA · Remote

$71K - $96K/yr

Reliant Space is seeking an Mission Operations Engineer to support real-time on-orbit operations ... Experience in spacecraft on-orbit operations * Experience in spacecraft mission planning for ground ...

Turion Space

Senior Mission Operations Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

The Senior Mission Operations Engineer will be responsible for leading the development, integration, and execution of mission operations across the spacecraft lifecycle. This role serves as a primary ...

Turion Space

Senior Mission Operations Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

The Senior Mission Operations Engineer will be responsible for leading the development, integration, and execution of mission operations across the spacecraft lifecycle. This role serves as a primary ...

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Spacecraft Operations Engineer information

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$36K

$85K

$135K

How much do spacecraft operations engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 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 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.

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Spacecraft Operations Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spacecraft Operations Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,029 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Space Mission Operations Engineer II

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Varda Space Industries
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Varda Space Industriesexternal

$119K - $152K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

About This Role

The Mission Operations Engineer II is an experienced spacecraft operator. They are exceptional communicators, adept leaders, and a jack-of-all trades capable of applying cross-discipline engineering to bespoke solutions. An ideal candidate is someone passionate to work in a startup environment where you will have the opportunity to fully own on-orbit operations for our Winnie Spaceship and mold a unique new mission framework for operations in space.

Responsibilities
  • Develop, coordinate, execute, and lead Varda's on-orbit missions.
  • Own the full ops development cycle for mission-unique payloads, from the creation of mission profiles through execution.
  • Work with teams across the company to continuously improve upon mission operations and ensure mission success.
  • Automate and eliminate operational burden by building webtools.
  • Scale up Varda's operational capabilities to support a growing flight cadence.
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, preferably Aerospace, Electrical, or Computer Science.
  • 2+ years of experience in a real time operations role on a complex and high consequence operation.
  • 1+ years of experience developing software tools in Python, JavaScript, and/or HTML.
  • Familiarity with Avionics, GNC, Software, and Thermal design practices for spacecraft.
Preferred Skills and Experience
  • 3+ years of experience with spacecraft systems.
  • Previous operator experience in a leadership role.
  • Previous in-orbit spacecraft operations experience.
  • Previous experience with Git and Atlassian products.
  • Familiarity with ground stations networks.
Pay Range
  • Salary range: Engineer II: $119,543 - $152,749/ per year.
  • This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA.
  • Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance.
  • You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards.

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