Senior Watch Operator

Noblis•Lorton, VA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Noblis ESI is seeking a Senior Watch Operator to provide space operations watch standing support to mission functions in an integrated space operations center environment located in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The selected candidate will serve as a senior watch operator supporting 24/7 mission operations across ground segment, space segment, and network/communications integration. Drawing on deep expertise in NRO enterprise operations, orbital mechanics, and satellite operations, this role will maintain an accurate and timely Common Operating Picture to support mission decision-making and will serve as a qualified backup Mission Director in the event the Mission Director is unavailable.

Requirements

Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with Counterintelligence (CI) Polygraph.
US Citizenship is required.
Bachelor's degree and 12 years of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise OR Master's degree and 11 years of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise OR 14 years of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise if no bachelor's degree is held.
Demonstrated senior-level experience with NRO MGS/IC operations including system integration, dependencies, and data flow.
Professional experience or education in advanced orbital mechanics.
Demonstrated ability to maintain a Common Operating Picture in a timely fashion to support operational decision-making.
Demonstrated ability to brief and advise senior government officials and military leaders.
Experience discerning and responding to senior leader guidance in a fast-paced operational environment.
Ability to serve as a qualified backup Mission Director with familiarity of all NOC Mission Director responsibilities.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to convey complex operational information clearly.
Ability to work independently in a 24/7 operational environment across rotating shifts, to include nights and weekends.
Travel up to 10% within US.
Lift up to 30 lbs, walk, bend, drive.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a Mission Director or Deputy Mission Director in an NRO or IC operations center.
Familiarity with NRO and USSPACECOM operational processes and organizational structures.
Experience with space situational awareness systems and tools.
Basic to intermediate knowledge of advanced orbital mechanics and satellite collision avoidance.
Background in counterspace operations and associated threat analysis.
Experience with IC collection management processes and tools.
Familiarity with space enterprise coordination.
Experience supporting 24/7 operations centers in a leadership or senior watch standing capacity.
Background in ground segment, space segment, and network/communications integration.

Responsibilities

Serve as a Senior Watch Operator in an integrated space operations center supporting 24/7 mission operations.
Maintain an accurate and timely Common Operating Picture to support operational decision-making across ground segment, space segment, and network/communications layers.
Monitor and assess NRO enterprise operations including system integration, dependencies, and data flow.
Serve as a qualified backup Mission Director, trained and familiar with all NOC Mission Director responsibilities.
Brief senior government officials and military leaders on operational status, issues, and mission impacts.
Discern and respond to senior leader guidance and direction in a fast-paced operational environment.
Coordinate with mission ground stations, satellite operations, and network/communications teams to ensure integrated mission execution.
Identify, track, and communicate operational issues, anomalies, and risks to appropriate stakeholders.
Support the development and implementation of watch standing TTPs and standard operating procedures.
Coordinate with intelligence, planning, and engineering teams to support integrated mission execution.
Maintain awareness of current and emerging threats to space systems and operations.
Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior watch operators.
Support continuity of operations planning and execution.
Document and report operational activities, issues, and resolutions in accordance with established procedures.