Satellite Ground Systems Network Operator

SSC Space; Spring House (PA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Disability and life insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Pet insurance

Job summary

SSC Space is seeking a Satellite Ground Systems Network Operator to monitor its global ground stations and support mission-critical satellite operations in a 24/7 environment. The role focuses on TT&C, data recovery, and coordinating with engineering and customer teams.

You will work in a shift-based schedule, ensuring service reliability, incident response, and accurate documentation while upholding SSC’s core values of collaboration and customer focus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or technical cert preferred.
• 2+ years in technical operations or similar environment.
• Willingness to learn satellite operations and monitoring tools.
• Able to follow procedures in a mission-critical setting.
• Basic networking understanding and Windows familiarity.
• Strong communication in English and good problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide 24/7 monitoring and control of SSC Connect ground stations.
• Execute TT&C and payload data recovery operations.
• Support LEOP activities and data delivery to customers.
• Monitor network and ground station services and respond to alarms.
• Coordinate incident resolution with engineering and operations teams.
• Document incidents and maintain logs and procedures.

Skills

Technical aptitude

Attention to detail

English communication

Problem solving

Teamwork

Shift work

Windows OS

Monitoring tools

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or technical certification

Tools

Monitoring tools

Job description

Description

Welcome to SSC Space, the perfect workplace for those passionate about technology in general and space in particular. With space organizations, research institutes, institutional and commercial actors as customers, we offer specialist expertise in satellite communications, spacecraft operations, engineering services, rocket and balloon systems, and much more.

SSC Space also operates one of the world's largest global networks of ground stations for satellite communications, supporting customers and missions around the world.

Are you interested in satellite operations, communications technology, and working in a mission‑critical 24/7 environment? Do you enjoy solving technical problems, monitoring complex systems, and being part of a team responsible for keeping services running around the clock?

If you answer yes to these questions, we invite you to seize the opportunity to join SSC Space as a Satellite Ground Systems Network Operator within our Customer Operations organization in the Connect division.

We are looking for a dependable and technically inclined individual who shares our core values of Customer Passion, Care, Collaboration, Curiosity, and Courage.

As a Satellite Ground Systems Network Operator, you will be part of the team responsible for the real‑time monitoring and operation of SSC's global ground station network. You will support satellite missions, monitor ground station and network services, respond to operational alarms and incidents, coordinate customer support activities, and help ensure the reliable delivery of mission data and satellite communication services.

This role provides an excellent opportunity to develop hands‑on experience in satellite operations, ground systems, network operations, and mission‑critical infrastructure while working alongside experienced professionals in the commercial space industry.

Requirements

Who You Are We are looking for someone with strong technical aptitude, attention to detail, and an interest in developing a career in satellite and network operations. You are comfortable working in a structured, mission‑critical environment where reliability, communication, and following established procedures are essential. You can remain focused during operational incidents, communicate clearly with colleagues and customers, and work effectively both independently and as part of a shift team.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Approximately two (2) years of experience in technical operations, network operations, telecommunications, customer support, IT support, military communications, or a similar technical environment.
• Strong technical aptitude and willingness to learn satellite operations, communications systems, and network monitoring tools.
• Ability to follow technical procedures, operational instructions, and documented processes.
• Basic understanding of computer networks, data communications, or telecommunications systems.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Windows operating systems and standard business applications.
• Intermediate computer skills and the ability to learn new software, systems, and monitoring platforms.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot operational issues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a fast‑paced operational environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a shift team.
• Strong attention to detail, reliability, and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and respond effectively to changing operational requirements.
• Customer‑focused mindset with a commitment to service excellence.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must successfully pass a comprehensive security background investigation.
• Must be willing and able to complete SSC's internal operator training, qualification, and certification requirements after hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical certification, military communications training, trade school education, or equivalent hands‑on experience.
• Experience working in a Network Operations Center (NOC), help desk, telecommunications environment, satellite operations center, IT operations center, or other 24/7 operational environment.
• Familiarity with networking concepts such as TCP/IP, LAN/WAN communications, and network monitoring tools.
• Experience working with documented procedures, ticketing systems, or incident management processes.
• Knowledge of satellite communications, radio frequency (RF) systems, telemetry systems, or spacecraft operations.
• Experience supporting mission‑critical or customer‑facing technical services.
• Previous experience working rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, or holidays.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong technical aptitude and curiosity.
• Sound judgment and decision‑making ability.
• Self‑motivation and initiative.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to remain calm and effective during operational incidents.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to following procedures.
• Reliability and accountability in a 24/7 operational environment.
• A collaborative attitude and the ability to work effectively within a shift team.

Responsibilities

Satellite & Ground Station Operations

• Provide 24/7 monitoring and control of SSC Connect ground stations.
• Execute routine Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) and payload data recovery operations.
• Support non‑critical Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) activities.
• Perform data processing services and help ensure the successful delivery of customer mission data.
• Monitor spacecraft support activities and respond to system status changes.
• Follow established operational procedures to support reliable and continuous service delivery.

Network Operations

• Monitor network communications infrastructure and services.
• Monitor satellite communications (SATCOM/VSAT) services.
• Respond to system, network, ground station, and communications alarms.
• Perform initial troubleshooting of operational issues and coordinate incident resolution.
• Escalate technical and operational incidents according to established SSC procedures.
• Coordinate with engineering and other technical teams when additional troubleshooting or support is required.

Incident & Service Management

• Perform Incident and Problem Management activities in accordance with SSC processes and best practices.
• Maintain accurate operational logs, records, and documentation.
• Document incidents, actions taken, escalations, and resolutions.
• Contribute to service quality metrics, SLA reporting, and operational proficiency assessments.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to operational processes and service delivery.

Planning & Coordination

• Schedule and coordinate customer ground station access and support windows.
• Coordinate operational activities with customers and internal stakeholders as required.
• Collaborate with engineering, ground systems, software, and other operational teams.
• Support shift handovers to ensure accurate communication and continuity of operations.
• Follow established schedules, procedures, and customer‑specific operational requirements.

Benefits

Work Schedule: this position supports a continuous 24/7 operation and follows a rotating shift schedule. The regular rotation includes:

• 12‑hour shifts.
• Day and night rotations.
• Week 1: 36 hours worked over 3 days.
• Week 2: 48 hours worked over 4 days.
• Shift start times of 9:00 AM or 9:00 PM.
• Weekend and holiday coverage as part of the regular rotation.
• Overtime paid for hours worked over 40 in a workweek in accordance with applicable law and company policy.

Candidates must be willing and able to work the full rotating schedule, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.

We Offer You

• A unique opportunity to contribute directly to real‑world satellite missions and international space operations.
• Hands‑on experience with satellite communications, ground station systems, and mission‑critical network operations.
• An excellent opportunity for personal and career development within the commercial space industry.
• The opportunity to work alongside experienced engineers and operations professionals.
• An exciting, international workplace characterized by an open atmosphere and proud employees all over the world.

In addition to a meaningful and impactful role, we offer a comprehensive benefits package:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability, life insurance, and AD&D.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Accident and critical illness coverage.
• Pet insurance.
• 401(k) with company match and Roth 401(k) option.

Location

This is a permanent, full‑time, in‑person position located at SSC Space's office in Spring House Innovation Park, Spring House, Pennsylvania.

Due to the operational nature of the position and the requirement to support continuous 24/7 services, this role requires regular onsite presence according to the assigned shift schedule.

WE HELP EARTH BENEFIT FROM SPACE

SSC Space is a leading global provider of advanced space services, with more than 50 years of experience. We help space organizations, research institutes, commercial and institutional actors from all over the world gain access to and make better use of space.

With a local presence on all continents and approximately 700 committed employees, we offer specialist expertise in satellite communications and control services, spacecraft operations, rocket and balloon systems, launch services, and engineering consultancy for space missions.

SSC Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where all employees can thrive and contribute to our mission of helping Earth benefit from space.