Mission Operations Lead

Aeon • Austin, TX

6d • Onsite

About The Position

At Aeon, we design, build, and test modular weapon systems for ground and air platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and small team that allows us to iterate, build and test quickly. If you are looking to solve hard technical problems with a team of passionate engineers in a hands-on, fast-paced environment, Aeon is the place for you. We are seeking a Mission Operations Lead to oversee the planning, execution, and success of all testing and demonstration activities for the Zeus missile system. Reporting directly to the Executive Vice President, this highly visible role serves as the bridge between engineering, operations, and customer engagement, ensuring every test event is executed safely, efficiently, and with mission-critical objectives in mind. This person will own the end-to-end lifecycle of flight tests, ground tests, and government and customer demonstrations, from range coordination and CONOPS development through field execution and post-test analysis. This individual will lead cross-functional teams, and ensure each event generates the data, insights, and customer confidence required to advance Aeon's technology and business objectives. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments and is energized by the opportunity to help bring next-generation defense capabilities from development into operational reality. This is a full-time, in-person role located in Austin, TX with plans to move to Cedar Park, TX early 2027. This position requires frequent travel to test ranges.

Requirements

• U.S. citizen, able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical field, or equivalent military or industry experience
• 7+ years in flight test, field test, or mission operations for missiles, rockets, UAS, or other aerospace/defense systems
• Has led live-fire or flight test events as Test Director, Test Conductor, or equivalent.
• Has worked directly with DoD or commercial test ranges, including writing CONOPS, test plans, and range support requests.
• Working knowledge of range safety processes, hazard analysis, and handling of energetics
• Strong organizer who can run a schedule across engineering, operations, and external stakeholders
• Clear, calm communicator under pressure, in briefings and on the radio net
• Must be capable of safely lifting and moving equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and working in proximity to heavy machinery, test equipment, and energetics in accordance with established safety protocols.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Successful completion of a background investigation and pre-employment drug screening is required.
• This position involves access to export-controlled information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants must qualify as U.S. Persons as defined by 22 CFR §120.62.

Nice To Haves

• Experience at ranges such as White Sands, Yuma, China Lake, Point Mugu, Eglin, Dugway, or Wallops.
• Military background in test, weapons, or operations roles.
• Experience supporting customer demonstrations or government evaluations (e.g., OT&E, prototype demos, OTA programs).
• Familiarity with telemetry, tracking radars, flight termination systems, and instrumentation.
• Experience with hazmat shipping (DOT/IATA) and explosives licensing or storage.
• Startup or fast-paced program experience, building processes from scratch.
• Range safety officer background.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end planning and coordination of flight tests, ground tests, and government and customer demonstrations for the Zeus missile system.
• Identify, evaluate, and secure government and commercial test ranges that align with mission objectives, safety requirements, timelines, and budget constraints.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans, CONOPS, mission schedules, range support requests, and all required airspace, maritime, and regulatory coordination necessary to successfully execute test events and demonstrations.
• Serve as Test Director during test events, leading mission briefings, countdown operations, go/no-go decisions, and contingency actions.
• Lead cross-functional field teams consisting of engineers, technicians, range personnel, subcontractors, and external partners.
• Develop and maintain test procedures, operational checklists, communications plans, and execution timelines to ensure safe, consistent, and repeatable test operations.
• Lead mission readiness activities, including conducting Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs) and Flight Readiness Reviews (FRRs) at least one week prior to launch, validating all technical, operational, safety, personnel, and logistical requirements necessary for successful mission execution.
• Maintain operational readiness of all mission support assets, including the Aeon test vehicle, field equipment, ground support equipment (GSE), launch equipment, and future mobile test trailer capabilities.
• Manage mission equipment inventories, maintenance, calibration programs, field kits, and deployment packages, ensuring all testing assets, tools, spares, consumables, and support equipment are accountable, mission-ready, and available for every operation.
• Partner with internal and external safety organizations to conduct hazard analyses, establish safety footprints, and ensure compliance with range safety requirements.
• Ensure the safe handling, transportation, storage, and accountability of energetics, hazardous materials, and mission-critical hardware.
• Enforce ITAR, security, and export compliance requirements across personnel, hardware, test sites, and data-handling activities.
• Lead anomaly investigations, mishap reviews, and corrective action efforts to continuously improve operational performance and safety.
• Plan and coordinate the transportation and deployment of flight hardware, launch equipment, ground support equipment, and mission assets.
• Manage field operations logistics, including travel, lodging, site access, badging, equipment shipment, and on-site support requirements.
• Track and manage test campaign budgets, including range costs, travel expenses, logistics support, and operational equipment expenditure.
• Coordinate telemetry, tracking, instrumentation, video capture, and mission data collection activities, ensuring all test data is accurately captured, secured, organized, and delivered to Engineering for analysis.
• Lead post-test debriefs and publish operational summaries, quick-look reports, lessons learned, and recommendations for future missions.
• Partner with Business Development and Engineering to plan and execute government and customer demonstrations, establishing demonstration objectives, validating system readiness, and showcasing mission capabilities that support strategic growth objectives.
• Coordinate government and customer observer participation, site visits, briefings, and on-site hosting activities.
• Build and continuously improve Aeon's Mission Operations framework, including standard CONOPS templates, operational playbooks, mission checklists, range engagement processes, and deployment procedures.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with test ranges, government stakeholders, and mission partners to accelerate future test planning and execution.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop future Mission Operations personnel as Aeon expands its operational capabilities.

Benefits

• Fully Company-Sponsored Health Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage at no cost to you, including coverage for eligible dependents, plus HSA and FSA options.
• Team Events & Company Celebrations: Connect with colleagues through team-building activities, employee events, and celebrations.
• Complimentary Daily Lunches: Enjoy company provided lunches served onsite each workday.
• Snacks & Beverages: Enjoy complementary snacks, drinks, and refreshments available throughout the workday.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior