Chief, Mission Assurance Team

National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)•Los Angeles, CA

1d•$148,275 - $197,200•Onsite

About The Position

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is seeking a Chief of Mission Assurance Team (MAT Chair) for the Office of Space Launch (OSL) in Los Angeles, California. This role involves direct experience in space launch mission acquisition, integration, mission assurance, and operations. The position requires high-level management and oversight, with significant experience in inter-agency coordination to execute launch missions. The environment is fast-paced, adapting to rapid space launch innovations and novel technologies. The role ensures that existing and emerging launch support requirements are documented and executed to align with NRO's evolving architectures.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen
Must be 18 years of age or older
Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance
Will be subject to pre-employment and periodic drug testing
Will be subject to pre-employment and periodic polygraph examinations
Demonstrated expertise in space launch to include launch and space vehicles and processing
Excellent communication skills including the ability to write clearly and concisely, engage with personnel at all levels (both internal and external to the organization), brief management on findings and conclusions, and organize and author write reports of varying length and complexity.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, team members, and organizational officials.
Ability to plan, organize, evaluate, and conduct thorough and objective analysis of factual material and complex issues to include assessing the effectiveness, economy, and efficiency of resource utilization, management processes and procedures, and the extent to which mission objectives are being achieved.
Impeccable integrity, discretion, and ability to work with very sensitive information
Ability to travel occasionally to other sites

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated knowledge/expertise in space systems engineering
Ability to handle numerous matters simultaneously, prioritize requirements, and perform tasks within specified timelines
Extensive knowledge of DoD and Intelligence Community (IC) organizations, missions, relevant policies and processes
5-10 years’ experience with NRO missions, programs and management processes.
Sound understanding of intelligence satellite systems.
Bachelor's degree in Professional Engineering from a school of engineering where the curriculum is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
Expertise in advanced multidisciplinary engineering or related engineering/technical discipline, concepts, principles, practices, standards, methods, techniques, materials, and equipment sufficient to apply experimental theories, principles, and concepts
Understanding of mission design integration and systems certification processes
Demonstrated interpersonal, organizational, and management skills to conceptualize and effectively lead complex analytic projects with limited supervision
Ability to work collegially to find consensus solutions when views differ among agencies
Ability to effectively work independently and within a team or collaborative environment
Proven ability to coordinate with diverse government and industry partners
Demonstrated written and oral communications skills, including ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels of leadership
Ability to give effective oral presentations at levels appropriate to and tailored for different target audiences
Skill in translating complex technical concepts for diverse audiences
Proven critical thinking skills and reasoning skills as demonstrated by experience in preparing analytical assessments and other written products with emphasis on clear organization and concise, logical presentation
Ability to provide assessments or recommendations supported by data or research
Knowledge of and ability to apply analytic, diagnostic, and qualitative techniques sufficient to produce authoritative analytical products (such as test plans and final reports)
Ability to employ new methodological approaches to analyze information
Experience functioning as Project Officer and/or COTR with overall responsibility for managing cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk
Experience providing technical maturity and risk assessments, technical guidance, and leading anomaly resolution

Responsibilities

Provides expert technical and professional advice on systems engineering issues affecting launch operations and mission assurance risk reduction.
Originates new and improved strategies for engineering or architecture concepts, theories, and principles impacting the planning, completion, operations, and maintenance of major engineering or architecture projects.
Leads a 100-member team providing technical risk assessments and final "go/no-go" decisions to the Mission Director and NRO Director.
Executes a $34M oversight program, assessing mission threats during factory build, range preparation, execution, and post-flight review.
Champions hardware fixes for SSC's AATS Commander and NRO Director, and informs the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) of mission risk status, while coordinating with industry.
Serves as the primary interface with the Mission Director on all risk assessments.
Manages the MAT’s budget requirements in conjunction with the Launch Acquisition Division COTR.
Manages contractor support and sets priorities for Launch Vehicle contractor MAT activities.
Develops the MAT strategic vision and processes.
Ensures MAT resources are adequately funded.
Minimizes obstacles to completing MAT objectives.
Works closely with leadership in providing continuity of operations, assessing mission and work requirements, and developing plans, goals, and objectives.
Has direct experience in executing launch operations including rehearsals and DoL integrated launch operations.
Has direct experience with Mission Director and Deputy Mission Director duties to execute rehearsal and day-of-launch operations with multiple launch service providers.
Analyzes Independent Verification and Validation of launch mission data.
Coordinates with government and industry partners to optimize launch solutions.
Manages integration status and readiness processes.
Coordinates with launch vehicle providers.
Oversees systems engineering activities across all capability areas.
Directs requirements validation and feasibility analysis.
Coordinates coupled loads analysis and mission certification activities.