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Spacecraft Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Team Leader, Spacecraft Operations, is responsible for leading a team of satellite controllers in a dynamic spacecraft operations environment during the execution of 24/7 operations. The Team ...

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The Team Leader, Spacecraft Operations, is responsible for leading a team of satellite controllers in a dynamic spacecraft operations environment during the execution of 24/7 operations. The Team ...

New

The Team Leader, Spacecraft Operations, is responsible for leading a team of satellite controllers in a dynamic spacecraft operations environment during the execution of 24/7 operations. The Team ...

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Spacecraft Operations information

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$36K

$85K

$135K

How much do spacecraft operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacecraft operations 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Spacecraft Operations position, and why are they important?

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 are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in Spacecraft Operations?

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 a Spacecraft Operations job?

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.

More about Spacecraft Operations jobs
What cities are hiring for Spacecraft Operations jobs? Cities with the most Spacecraft Operations job openings:
What states have the most Spacecraft Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Spacecraft Operations jobs include:
Infographic showing various Spacecraft Operations job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Part Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,029 per year, or $40.9 per hour.
Aerospace Engineering Manager / Spacecraft Operations / Space Co with Security Clearance

Aerospace Engineering Manager / Spacecraft Operations / Space Co with Security Clearance

Peraton

Las Cruces, NM

$80K - $128K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Peraton rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 204 rated it services


Job description

About Peraton Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees solve the most daunting challenges that our customers face. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure. About The Role Peraton has an opening for a Spacecraft ACS Team Lead at the White Sands Complex in Las Cruces, NM. The Spacecraft ACS Team Lead will join a team of engineers dedicated to ensuring the health, safety of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) fleet through evaluation and assessment of spacecraft telemetry. The Spacecraft ACS Team assists with planning and execution of spacecraft orbit management, momentum management, subsystem assessments and telemetry monitoring, and other activities required to support unmanned and human space flight mission success. Peraton is the prime contractor for NASA at the White Sands Complex (WSC) near Las Cruces, New Mexico. Operating here are two functionally identical satellite ground terminals: The White Sands Ground Terminal, and the Second TDRSS Ground Terminal. These ground terminals ensure uninterrupted communications between various ground stations, NASA's orbiting geosynchronous fleet of Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS), customer spacecraft, and the computer systems that support such spacecraft. WSC serves as an interface for distributing satellite data to control centers and scientists who then use the daily influx of data to expand our ever-growing knowledge of the Earth and the universe. This position will be responsible for the following:
* Lead a team of direct reports to complete project requirements and allocate tasking for spacecraft engineers.
* Perform daily monitoring and trending of TDRS spacecraft state-of-health data.
* Develop, maintain, and validate procedures for performing spacecraft activities, including station-keeping, momentum management, spacecraft relocations, and anomaly recovery.
* Perform spacecraft End-of-Mission planning, simulations, execution, and documentation.
* Responsible for the technical integrity of projects and operations while providing technical guidance to department staff and project levels. * Work closely with resources to create test plans and ensure that issues are properly assigned and resolved.
* Provide accurate, articulate, quick turnaround notifications and status updates for anomalies. * Analyze and identify spacecraft system anomaly root causes. Coordinate team planning and execution of recovery actions.
* Assist in developing and maintaining checklists and training material for spacecraft engineers.
* Conduct team meetings as necessary to plan for upcoming activities, discuss ongoing issues, and facilitate team cohesiveness.
Qualifications Required Experience: * Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or related field and 6+ years of relative experience.
* Prior experience working with spacecraft operations and leading projects and/or teams.
* Occasional travel to other sites may be required.
* This position requires the candidate to be able to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance and to maintain the clearance thereafter. An Interim Secret clearance is acceptable to start.
* Must be a US Citizen and show proof of citizenship.
* Must be able to maintain ability to access government worksite.Desired Experience: * Active Secret security clearance. * Previous experience associated with TDRS operations is highly desired.
* MS degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or related field.
* Proficiency with Systems Tool Kit (STK), Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW.
* Previous spacecraft operations, design, or test experience.
* Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, including ability to communicate effectively with peers and management.
* Experience with MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Details Target Salary Range: $80,000 - $128,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Benefits Statement: Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off (PTO) for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at https://www.careers.peraton.com/benefits. Application Statements: The application period for the job is estimated to be 30 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in the role and the Company. During the review of your application, you may be required to participate in an on-camera interview, as well as participate in a process to verify your identity. EEO:Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017