DTE Operations Manager / Space Communications Program
About The Position
Peraton is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead Direct to Earth (DTE) operations at Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) under the Space Exploration Network Service and Evolution (SENSE) contract. This role requires a strong understanding of NASA mission needs, operational excellence, and leadership in a dynamic environment. The selected candidate will ensure technical, cost, and schedule compliance while driving continuous improvement and maintaining high standards of safety and performance. The DTE operates several large parabolic dish antennas to support Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit, and highly elliptical ordering spacecraft to download telemetry and other science data. This position will be responsible for the following:
Requirements
- degree in engineering, science, or related technical field and relevant experience as follows: 5 years of technical management experience with BS/BA; 7 years' experience with AA/AS degree; in lieu of degree, 8+ years of directly related experience is allowable.
- Experience with 24x7 operations and Collective Bargaining Agreement environments.
- Knowledge of NASA DTE operations, satellite ground station systems, mission management, and system integration.
- Ability to perform financial planning and cost analysis.
- This position requires a “Public Trust” background check with the ability to obtain a Secret Security clearance, which requires a US citizen.
Nice To Haves
- 10+ years of NASA industry experience.
- Strong management, communication, and organizational skills.
- Proven business development acumen and success in proposal efforts.
Responsibilities
- Manage and direct all aspects of DTE operations, including NASA-owned and commercial elements, ensuring compliance with contractual metrics.
- Oversee day-to-day operations, including technical and administrative activities, and resolve operational issues promptly. This includes the Global Monitoring and Control Center (GMaCC).
- Collaborate with DTE engineering teams to address ground station system requirements and operational needs.
- Provide technical expertise and practical engineering judgment to support mission-critical operations.
- Act as the primary point of contact for NASA and other stakeholders regarding operational performance and issue resolution.
- Lead review sessions with customers to assess operational status and performance metrics.
- Establish milestones and manage adherence to master plans and schedules in alignment with task order scope and deliverables.
- Ensure compliance with NASA safety standards, regulatory requirements, and cybersecurity protocols.
- Support proposal development, including subcontractor statements of work and specifications.
- Perform monthly financial forecasts, variance analyses, and cost control measures.
- Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies.
- Develop and monitor KPIs to ensure operational efficiency and reliability.
- Lead and mentor DTE operations staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.
- Oversee training programs to maintain workforce proficiency and readiness.
- Direct troubleshooting and recovery efforts during operational anomalies.
- Maintain accurate operational logs and compliance documentation for audits and reviews.
- Lead DTE coordination and support for Human Spaceflight activities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
