Senior Satellite Operations Subject Matter Expert

Stellar Solutions•Chantilly, VA

10h•Hybrid

About The Position

Stellar Solutions is searching for a Senior Satellite Operations Subject Matter Expert to serve as the customer's directly responsible individual (DRI) for the oversight and build-out of satellite flight operations systems supporting a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) communications constellation. This role provides senior advisory leadership across all phases of the operations lifecycle — from system build-up through Launch and Early Orbit (LEOP), commissioning, and steady-state on-orbit operations — and serves as a trusted technical authority to customer program and executive leadership during a period of significant organizational transition.

Requirements

Minimum 15+ years of experience in satellite operations, with demonstrated depth in both system build-up (operations engineering, SOCC stand-up, procedure development, operational readiness) and on-orbit operations (LEOP, commissioning, routine ops, anomaly resolution)
Demonstrated experience serving as a senior technical authority or DRI for the build-out of a flight operations capability, including SOCC architecture, tooling selection, and integration with adjacent ground and payload systems
Hands-on experience with command and control, telemetry processing, mission planning and scheduling, flight dynamics interfaces, and anomaly management in operational environments
Experience defining and driving flight operations performance management programs, including KPI definition, measurement, reporting, and continuous improvement
Experience conducting operational risk and readiness assessments and presenting findings to executive program leadership
Strong understanding of ground segment architectures and the interfaces between satellite operations, payload operations, and network/service operations functions
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical and operational issues clearly to executive, engineering, and external stakeholders
Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment and to navigate ambiguity during periods of organizational change
Must be eligible to access export-controlled information in accordance with U.S. Government regulations
Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related STEM discipline required

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with LEO communications constellations or other high-cadence, multi-satellite operational programs
Experience standing up or significantly transforming a SOCC, including integration with Payload Management Center (PMC) and Payload Control System (PCS) functions
Experience supporting LEOP and commissioning campaigns as a senior operations lead or flight director
Experience leading or supporting flight operations through major organizational transitions, including mergers, acquisitions, or transfers of operational responsibility
Experience with operations automation, autonomy, and constellation-scale operability practices
Prior leadership of flight operations organizations, including hiring, shift design, training, and certification programs
Master's degree preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as the customer's DRI for the oversight and build-out of satellite flight operations systems across all mission phases, including pre-launch readiness, LEOP, commissioning, and routine on-orbit operations for a LEO communications constellation
Drive development and stand-up of the Satellite Operations Control Center (SOCC), including operational architecture, tooling, procedures, staffing model, shift structure, and operational readiness
Lead the technical integration of the SOCC with adjacent ground and mission systems, including the Payload Management Center (PMC) and Payload Control System (PCS), ensuring coherent end-to-end command, telemetry, scheduling, and anomaly workflows across the satellite and payload domains
Develop and execute a flight operations performance management plan, defining key performance indicators, measurement methodologies, reporting cadence, and continuous improvement mechanisms to drive operational maturity over time
Conduct a structured assessment of critical aspects of flight operations to identify risks, gaps, and opportunities in advance of and through major organizational transitions, presenting findings and recommendations to executive program leadership
Provide senior advisory support on operational concept development, operations engineering, automation strategy, anomaly response posture, and constellation-scale operability considerations
Engage with internal engineering, mission assurance, ground segment, software, and program management teams, as well as external suppliers and integration partners, to align flight operations build-out with broader program objectives and schedules
Support operational readiness reviews and program gate reviews, ensuring that flight operations facilities, personnel, procedures, tooling, and interfaces are ready to proceed at each phase transition
Mentor and guide internal flight operations staff and contributing engineers, transferring institutional knowledge and helping mature the customer's organic operations capability
As workload and program priorities allow, extend scope to provide oversight and advisory support across the broader ground operations enterprise, including ground station network operations and mission support services