Mission Planner Operations SME

Cayuse Holdings•San Antonio, TX

1d•$90,000 - $115,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Mission Planner Operations SME will development and execute the mission plans, ensuring effective optical surveillance operations to meet strategic and operational objectives. The Mission Planner will play an integral part in translating higher-headquarters tasking into actionable operations while supporting crew and mission success. This position aligns with Cayuse’s core values of Innovation, Excellence, Collaboration, Adaptability, and Integrity by fostering technical solutions that meet customer needs, promoting teamwork, and prioritizing quality in deliverables.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Operations Research, or a related field. Equivalent military or space operations experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
A minimum of 5 years of experience in space operations, mission planning, space situational awareness (SSA)/space domain awareness (SDA), orbital analysis, sensor operations, or a related area such as command-and-control operations.
Ability to perform operational reporting and effectively support crew coordination.
Hands-on expertise or familiarity with relevant systems, tools, and processes used in space domain awareness and operations.
Top Secret/ SCI Clearance is required.
A valid passport is required, along with completed overseas medical and dental clearance.
Must be able to pass a background check. May require additional background checks as required by projects and/or clients at any time during employment.
Exceptional written and verbal communication.
Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with high-level attention to detail.
Proven ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast past environment with changing priorities; adaptable to change and a quick learner.
Must be self-motivated and able to work well independently as well as on a multi-functional team.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately
Proficient in MS Office, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Demonstrated proficiency in mission planning, task prioritization, optical sensor concepts, orbital/space operations, and decision-making under time pressure.

Nice To Haves

Site Mission Planner or applicable sensor qualification, which must be obtained post-hire.
Previous formal training or experience in orbital analysis, space domain awareness, or space operations principles.
Adeptness in working within a mission-critical, fast-paced operational environment and balancing multiple mission priorities in real-time.

Responsibilities

Convert higher-headquarters directives and site-specific tasking into executable mission plans, including coordinating SOI (Space Object Identification), maneuvers, launches, cislunar missions, and special tasking requirements.
Monitor mission priorities, system constraints, weather conditions, sensor status, and competing task requirements; propose effective solutions for recovery or re-prioritization actions to optimize mission performance.
Maintain accurate and comprehensive mission logs, reports, planning products, and operational coordination documentation to ensure procedural and regulatory compliance.
Collaborate closely with operating crews, Line Tacticians, maintenance personnel, and system administrators to ensure seamless mission execution and address any operational concerns or mission adjustments.
Provide direct support to the onsite operating crew without engaging in planned bargaining-unit Sensor Operator duties. Proactively ensure smooth mission execution through support and communication with relevant stakeholders.
Serve as a dedicated non-CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) Mission Planner capable of cross-training for coverage but not performing routine Sensor Operator or crew-lead responsibilities.
Other duties as assigned.