CDS Operations Manager- Cross Domain Solutions (CDS)

Saalex • China Lake, CA

12d • $90,000 - $105,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Saalex is seeking a Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) Operations Manager in China Lake, CA. Saalex Solutions, a division of Saalex Corp., is an Engineering and Information Technology Services company with a focus on Test Range Operations and Management, Engineering and Logistics Services, Data Analytics and Business Intelligence Services and Information Technology Services. Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt Salary: $90k-$105k annually (depending on experience) Work Location: Onsite. China Lake, CA. Position Overview: Saalex Solutions is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) Operations Manager with expertise in technical project management, systems-oriented planning, and process development to support Navy training ranges. This position is ideal for a journeyman-to-mid level professional eager to grow into a subject matter expert in cybersecurity workflows, CMMI-aligned processes, and integrated master scheduling. We value individuals who are quick learners, deep researchers, and thrive in complex technical environments while embracing challenges. Essential Functions: As the CDS Operations Manager, you will: Lead Operational Workflows: Manage day-to-day operations, ensuring resources, personnel, and processes align with performance targets and service-level expectations. Resolve Challenges: Address operational variances, emergent risks, and workflow bottlenecks by coordinating corrective actions across technical, administrative, and vendor interfaces. Drive Improvements: Forecast workload demands, identify operational risks, and implement process enhancements to sustain throughput and continuity. Act as a Leader: Serve as the primary interface with government program authorities, overseeing contract execution, resource management, and CDS acquisition/employment. Organizational Function: Enforce and implement the operations management plan, translating strategic intent into structured workflows for engineers, ISSOs, and field teams, while integrating inter-organizational cycles into continuous processes. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on mission-critical systems while advancing your career in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Requirements

• Strong organizational, communication, and technical problem-solving abilities.
• Experience coordinating interorganizational communications across technical, administrative, and vendor teams.
• Ability to research unfamiliar technical topics and propose evidence-based recommendations.
• Exposure to Cross Domain Solutions (CDS), cybersecurity architecture, NIST standards, Risk Management Framework (RMF), or secure data flow concepts.
• Minimum of 3–10 years of experience in IT project management, preferably in DoD, cybersecurity, systems engineering, or technical project management roles.
• Familiarity with firewall configurations, COMSEC equipment, or inline encryption processes and procedures.
• Proven ability to develop granular Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and translate them into detailed Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) using project management tools like MS Project
• Active Secret clearance required. TS/SCI preferred.
• Requirements to obtain a clearance include US Citizenship, security investigation, etc.

Nice To Haves

• Lean Six Sigma Yellow/Green Belt
• PMP, CAPM, Agile/Scrum certifications
• Experience with cybersecurity teams, ISSOs, or systems engineers
• Familiarity with CMMI, quality frameworks, or structured lifecycle processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee day-to-day CDS operations, ensuring resources, personnel, and processes are optimized to meet defined performance targets and service-level expectations.
• Act as the primary point of contact for government program authorities, providing updates and resolving operational CDS issues.
• Lead and support CDS-related IT and cybersecurity projects across technical teams, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with project goals.
• Build and maintain Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) from Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) , including the development of complex workflows.
• Work within and contribute to the development of CMMI-aligned processes and Integrated Management Plans (IMPs) to enhance operational efficiency.
• Implement structured workflows and processes to bring clarity and organization to undefined technical operations.
• Conduct research-driven analysis to address unclear documentation or requirements, providing evidence-based recommendations for operational improvements.
• Identify and resolve operational variances, emergent risks, and workflow bottlenecks by coordinating corrective actions across technical, administrative, and vendor teams.
• Coordinate with Field Engineers, System Security Engineers, NCTE personnel, cybersecurity teams, and ISSOs to ensure smooth integration and execution of CDS operations.
• Foster interorganizational communication to align efforts and maintain continuity across teams.
• Support the creation and maintenance of planning artifacts, project documentation, system diagrams, risk tracking, and PM deliverables.
• Ensure all operational documentation is accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with project requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees