Satellite Operations Controller

Auria Space; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Flex time

Floating holidays

401(k) match

Tuition & certifications support

Health insurance

Job summary

Auria Space seeks a Satellite Operations Controller to support the US Space Force's SSC POPS-1 program. This on-site role is based at the RSC, Kirtland AFB, NM (Albuquerque), with no remote work option.

You will perform ground and spacecraft operations analysis, mission planning, orbit analysis, and real-time troubleshooting, while supporting 24x7 operations and developing standard operating procedures. Senior roles require TS clearance eligibility.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree required for junior; 5+ years with BA/BS or 7+ years with AS.
• Experience with space systems and space operations.
• Ability to work rotating shifts including holidays and weekends.
• DoD Top Secret (TS) clearance with SCI eligibility required.

Responsibilities

• Analyze ground and spacecraft operational systems.
• Support meetings, exercises, and rehearsals.
• Perform mission planning, orbit analysis, and contact coordination.
• Provide 24x7x365 operational support.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures.
• Support shift and crew management and data management tasks.

Skills

Space systems experience

Security clearance TS/SCI eligibility

Education

BA/BS degree

Associates degree

Job description

Auria is seeking a Satellite Operations Controller to support the US Space Force (USSF) Space and Space Systems Command (SSC) Prototype Operations 1 (POPS-1) program. Satellite Operations personnel perform a variety of increasingly complex operational tasks as they progress in experience and level, supporting assigned on-orbit experimentation, demonstration, and prototype spacecraft and payloads. Personnel performing in this category will have in-depth knowledge of operational systems and be capable of using their skills to make substantive recommendations to improve operational procedures and mission readiness. This position supports the Innovation and Prototyping Directorate of Space Systems Command, and is located at the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation Support Complex (RSC), Kirtland AFB, NM (Albuquerque). This is an operational on-site position, and remote work is not available.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO DO:

• Perform a variety of activities associated with the analysis of both ground operational systems and spacecraft operational systems
• Participates on assigned projects and missions in addition to supporting user and customer interface meetings, exercises, and rehearsals
• Performs long-term trending of vehicle telemetry and notification to the government of trends that indicate potential vehicle problems
• Performs mission and pre-pass planning, scheduling, orbit analysis and orbit product generation functions as well as the required coordination to achieve contact success
• Performs real-time evaluation, trend analysis, and troubleshooting of spacecraft, payload, and ground systems status in accordance with established mission requirements
• Issues commands, directives, and other instructions to fixed, deployable, and mobile tracking stations within specific timelines
• Conduct post-pass critiques with tracking stations and other real-time support work centers and participate in technical meetings
• Provides 24x7x365 operational support
• Develops, implements, and maintains standardized operating procedures
• Performs tasks in accordance with standardized operating procedures
• Supports management and performance of required shift and crew functions
• Supports the following during normal daily activities: Test and Evaluation, Crew Force Management, Satellite Telemetry Analysis, Physical Security, Spacecraft Operations, Console Operations, Mission Planning, Technical Data Management

WHAT THE TEAM REQUIRES:

• Junior - Up to three years experience; and/or a BA/BS degree.
• Senior - BA/BS degree and 5+ years of experience, or Associates degree and 7+ years of experience.
• Experience with space systems and space operations or other highly technical system or command and control operations
• Must be able to work various rotating shifts including holidays and weekends
• Must have DoD Top Secret (TS) clearance with SCI eligibility

PAY TRANSPARENCY:

The salary offered will be based on the selected candidate's qualifications - skills, education & experience - and the position level. $50,000-$60,000 if Junior; $70,000-90,000 if Senior

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Sep 1, 2026

THE AURIA TEAM:

Auria is a provider of solutions and software in support of complex Space, National Security, and Cyber missions of federal, international, and commercial customers. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO our success is built on the excellence of diverse teams advancing innovative systems and operational software to strengthen our customers' missions. With a distinguished track record and a spirit of relentless pursuit, and R&D, we set the pace for progress and execute every mission with the utmost precision.

Why You'll Love Working at Auria

We believe our team does their best work when they are well-supported, financially secure, and have the freedom to balance life outside of the office.

Time for What Matters

• Generous & Growing PTO: Start with a substantial paid time off package that increases every year you're with us.
• True Flexibility: Contract permitting, use Flex Time to work in a way that fits your life, not just your 8-to-5.
• 11 Paid Days Off: Enjoy 6 fixed company holidays plus 5 Floating Holidays to use whenever you choose.

Invested in Your Future

• 401(k) Match-Yours to Keep Instantly: We match up to 4% of your contributions. Both your contributions and the company match are yours from day one with no vesting wait-period.
• Industry-Leading Education Support: Level up with up to $12,000 annually for tuition and certifications. We don't just hire talent; we grow it.

Health & Peace of Mind

• Premium Healthcare, Lower Costs: High-quality medical plans paired with a Company-Sponsored HSA to help you save for the future.
• Fully Covered Life Insurance: Breathe easy with life insurance up to $50K provided at zero cost to you.
• Holistic Support: Access our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, financial coaching, and more.

...and that's just the beginning!

Auria is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action-Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.