Air Force Space Command Jobs in 2026
If you are searching for "Air Force Space Command jobs," you should know that Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) was formally redesignated as the United States Space Force (USSF) on December 20, 2019. The Space Force is now an independent branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, separate from the Air Force, though it still falls under the Department of the Air Force for administrative purposes. All the missions, bases, and career fields that once belonged to AFSPC now operate under the Space Force.
This guide covers the full range of Space Force career opportunities in 2026, including military (Guardian) positions, civilian roles, and contractor jobs at the major installations where AFSPC once operated.
The transition from AFSPC to Space Force
Air Force Space Command was established in 1982 and was responsible for space operations, missile warning, satellite control, and launch operations for decades. In 2019, Congress authorized the creation of the United States Space Force as the sixth branch of the U.S. military. AFSPC's personnel, missions, and installations transferred to the new branch.
In 2026, the Space Force has grown to over 16,000 military members (called Guardians) and thousands of civilian employees. The branch is organized under Space Operations Command (SpOC), Space Systems Command (SSC), and Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM).
Major Space Force installations
Peterson Space Force Base — Colorado Springs, CO
Peterson SFB serves as the headquarters for U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) and is a major hub for space operations. The base hosts the Combined Force Space Component Command and the National Space Defense Center. Thousands of military and civilian positions are based here in space operations, intelligence, cybersecurity, and command support.
Schriever Space Force Base — Colorado Springs, CO
Located east of Colorado Springs, Schriever SFB is the primary ground control center for military satellite constellations including GPS, SBIRS (missile warning), and AEHF (protected communications). Engineers and operators at Schriever manage some of the most critical space assets in the national defense portfolio.
Vandenberg Space Force Base — Lompoc, CA
Vandenberg SFB is the West Coast launch hub for the Department of Defense, supporting polar orbit satellite launches and ICBM testing. SpaceX and United Launch Alliance both operate launch pads at Vandenberg. Career opportunities span launch operations, range safety, space surveillance, and engineering.
Patrick Space Force Base — Cape Canaveral, FL
Patrick SFB supports Eastern Range operations and is adjacent to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Kennedy Space Center. Military and civilian roles focus on launch range management, space surveillance, and telemetry.
Buckley Space Force Base — Aurora, CO
Buckley SFB hosts missile warning and space-based infrared surveillance missions. Intelligence and sensor operations roles are concentrated here.
| Installation | Location | Primary Missions | Key Employers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peterson SFB | Colorado Springs, CO | Space Command HQ, space operations | USSF, USSPACECOM, contractors |
| Schriever SFB | Colorado Springs, CO | Satellite control, GPS ops | USSF, Raytheon, L3Harris |
| Vandenberg SFB | Lompoc, CA | Launch operations, ICBM testing | USSF, SpaceX, ULA |
| Patrick SFB | Cape Canaveral, FL | Eastern Range, launch support | USSF, NASA, contractors |
| Buckley SFB | Aurora, CO | Missile warning, SBIRS | USSF, intelligence community |
Military career fields (Guardians)
Space Force enlisted members and officers are assigned to specific career fields. Here are the primary space-focused specialties:
Officer career fields
- Space Operations (13S): The core space career field. Officers command satellite operations, space surveillance, and orbital warfare units. Starting pay for an O-1 (second lieutenant) is approximately $44,000 plus housing allowance, rising to $80,000 to $120,000+ for field-grade officers (O-4 to O-6) with years of service.
- Developmental Engineer (62E): Officers with engineering degrees who manage space system acquisition, testing, and sustainment programs.
- Cyber Operations (17X): Officers focused on defending space networks and conducting offensive cyber operations in the space domain.
- Intelligence (14N): Officers analyzing threats to space systems, foreign space capabilities, and space domain awareness.
Enlisted career fields
- Space Systems Operations (1C6): Enlisted Guardians who operate satellite command and control systems, monitor satellite health, and execute orbital maneuvers.
- Cyber Systems Operations (3D0): Enlisted specialists maintaining the networks and systems that support space operations.
- Intelligence (1N): Enlisted intelligence analysts supporting space domain awareness missions.
Civilian career opportunities
The Space Force employs thousands of federal civilians in engineering, scientific, administrative, and technical roles. These positions follow the GS pay scale with locality adjustments for the installation's location.
Common civilian positions
| Position | GS Grade Range | Salary Range (with locality) | Primary Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineer | GS-11 to GS-15 | $85,000 – $175,000 | All major bases |
| Electronics Engineer | GS-11 to GS-14 | $82,000 – $155,000 | Schriever, Vandenberg |
| Computer Scientist | GS-12 to GS-15 | $95,000 – $175,000 | Peterson, Schriever |
| Intelligence Analyst | GS-9 to GS-14 | $68,000 – $155,000 | Buckley, Peterson |
| Program Manager | GS-13 to GS-15 | $110,000 – $180,000 | Los Angeles SFB (SSC) |
| IT Specialist (Cyber) | GS-11 to GS-14 | $82,000 – $155,000 | All major bases |
All civilian positions are posted on USAJobs.gov. Search for the keyword "Space Force" or filter by the Department of the Air Force and look for USSF-designated positions.
Contractor and industry jobs
Defense contractors provide the majority of technical support at Space Force installations. Major employers include:
- Raytheon / RTX: Satellite ground systems, missile warning sensors, and space situational awareness. See RTX careers.
- L3Harris Technologies: Space-based sensors, communication satellites, and electronic warfare.
- Northrop Grumman: Launch vehicles (Pegasus), satellite systems, and the Ground-based Strategic Deterrent (Sentinel) program.
- SAIC: Technical services and systems engineering support across multiple Space Force programs.
- Leidos: Intelligence and cybersecurity support, particularly at Buckley and Peterson.
Contractor salaries for engineers at Space Force installations typically range from $85,000 to $170,000 depending on clearance level, specialization, and experience. TS/SCI clearance holders command premiums of $10,000 to $25,000 over non-cleared equivalents.
How to apply for Space Force positions
Military (enlistment or commissioning)
- Contact a Space Force recruiter through the Air Force recruiting website
- Complete the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) for enlisted or have a qualifying degree for officer commissioning
- ROTC and the Air Force Academy are primary commissioning sources for Space Force officers
- Direct commission opportunities exist for experienced professionals in cyber, engineering, and intelligence
Federal civilian
- Create a USAJobs.gov profile with a detailed federal resume
- Search for positions using keywords "Space Force," "USSF," or specific base names
- Apply through the USAJobs portal, following all application instructions exactly
- Federal hiring can take 3 to 6 months from application to start date
Contractor
- Apply directly through contractor career portals (Raytheon, L3Harris, Northrop Grumman, etc.)
- Obtain or maintain a security clearance, as nearly all positions require at minimum a Secret clearance
- Search our space industry job board for current openings at Space Force-supporting companies
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Air Force Space Command still exist?
No. Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) was redesignated as the United States Space Force (USSF) on December 20, 2019. All AFSPC missions, personnel, and installations transferred to the Space Force. Job searches should use "Space Force" or "USSF" rather than "AFSPC."
What is the salary range for Space Force jobs in 2026?
Military pay ranges from approximately $44,000 for a new second lieutenant (O-1) to over $200,000 for senior officers (O-7+), plus housing allowances and other benefits. Federal civilian salaries range from $68,000 to $180,000+ on the GS scale. Contractor salaries for engineers range from $85,000 to $170,000.
Do I need a STEM degree for Space Force jobs?
For military space operations officer positions, a bachelor's degree is required, with STEM degrees preferred. Enlisted positions require a high school diploma and qualifying ASVAB scores. Civilian engineering positions require relevant engineering degrees. Some cyber and intelligence positions accept related non-STEM degrees.
Where are most Space Force jobs located?
Colorado Springs is the largest concentration of Space Force positions, with both Peterson and Schriever SFBs located there. Vandenberg SFB (California), Patrick SFB (Florida), and the Los Angeles area (Space Systems Command) are also major employment centers. Browse space jobs in Colorado for current openings.
Can civilians work at Space Force bases?
Yes. Thousands of federal civilian employees and defense contractor personnel work at Space Force installations. Civilian positions are posted on USAJobs.gov, and contractor positions are posted on individual company career sites. A security clearance is required for most positions.
