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Spacecraft Operations Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Cryptographic Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$108K - $148K/yr

About the Team Mission Solutions - The Platforms Mission Solutions builds on Umbra's expertise in remote sensing and spacecraft operations to engineer platforms purpose-built for U.S. and allied ...

Senior Cryptographic Systems Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $164K/yr

About the Team Mission Solutions - The Platforms Mission Solutions builds on Umbra's expertise in remote sensing and spacecraft operations to engineer platforms purpose-built for U.S. and allied ...

Senior Cryptographic Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$108K - $148K/yr

About the Team Mission Solutions - The Platforms Mission Solutions builds on Umbra's expertise in remote sensing and spacecraft operations to engineer platforms purpose-built for U.S. and allied ...

Satellite Systems Operations Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$71K - $96K/yr

Typically 5-10 years of experience, with demonstrated ownership of spacecraft operations or system-level investigations. * Strong understanding and experience working with satellite flight software ...

Showing results 41-60

Spacecraft Operations information

What skills and qualifications are needed for spacecraft operations?

Excelling in Spacecraft Operations requires a solid background in aerospace engineering, physics, or a related field, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with spacecraft control systems, mission planning software, and telemetry monitoring tools such as SCOS-2000 or GMSEC is highly valued, and some roles may require security clearances or certifications from agencies like NASA or ESA. Attention to detail, clear communication, and teamwork are critical soft skills in this high-stakes environment. These competencies are essential to ensure mission safety, coordinate complex tasks, and respond effectively to rapidly changing scenarios during space operations.

What does a spacecraft operations specialist do?

Professionals in Spacecraft Operations are responsible for monitoring spacecraft health, analyzing telemetry data, executing mission commands, and troubleshooting anomalies in real time. Daily tasks often include coordinating with engineers, mission planners, and ground station teams to maintain smooth operations and prepare for mission events such as maneuvers or data downlinks. The role may also involve shift work, as many spacecraft require 24/7 oversight. Strong collaboration and communication are key, as team members regularly share critical updates and work together to resolve technical challenges. This dynamic environment offers the opportunity to directly support groundbreaking missions and contribute to the success of complex space operations.

What is spacecraft operations?

A Spacecraft Operations job involves monitoring, controlling, and maintaining the health and functionality of a spacecraft. Operators ensure the spacecraft follows its planned mission by sending commands, analyzing telemetry data, and troubleshooting issues that arise. These professionals work closely with engineers and mission planners to ensure smooth operations, whether for satellites, probes, or crewed spacecraft. The role often requires shift work, as space missions operate 24/7. Strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and knowledge of mission-specific software and systems are essential.

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

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

Infographic showing various Spacecraft Operations job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution.

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

Boeing

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 612 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 540 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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