Space Programs

Peraton•Las Cruces, NM

12d•$80,000 - $128,000•Onsite

About The Position

Peraton is seeking an Aerospace Spacecraft Operations Controller to support the Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) aerospace team. The position supports real-time operations, monitoring, and command and control of the LCRD payload from the Laser Mission Operations Center (LMOC) at WSC. The controller executes spacecraft payload commands, monitors telemetry, manages ground control systems, and helps ensure the health and safety of the orbital asset throughout its lifecycle. The role includes mission planning and preparation, on-orbit operations, end-of-life retirement and disposal, task scheduling, data trending, performance analysis, operations tracking, and anomaly resolution. The controller also contributes to mission documentation and procedures, resolves real-time conflicts among operational customers, and responds to anomalies by evaluating and implementing approved recovery actions. The position requires occasional 24/7 mission support and rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

Possess an active Top Secret security clearance and be able to obtain Sensitive Compartmented Information eligibility.
Be a U.S. citizen and provide proof of citizenship.
Maintain the ability to access a government worksite.
Have a degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or another technical discipline, with experience as follows: BS/BA and 5 years; AS/AA and 6 years; or, in lieu of a degree, high school education and 9 years of additional related experience.
Have experience in satellite operations or equivalent military operations experience in command and control, intelligence, or operations management.
Be able to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and mandatory overtime as part of normal rotational scheduling.
Demonstrate problem-solving ability and strict adherence to technical procedures, operational checklists, and emergency contingency plans.
Be an effective, dependable, and cohesive team member in high-stakes environments.
Have excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate technical data and status updates under time-sensitive constraints.

Nice To Haves

Active TS/SCI security clearance.
10 or more years of dedicated experience in space or satellite operations and/or complex military operations.
Prior experience operating satellite ground systems, telemetry architectures, or satellite tracking networks.

Responsibilities

Perform real-time satellite payload contacts as a console operator.
Configure, test, and control command-and-control ground equipment during pre-pass, pass, and post-pass periods.
Support system readiness, mission planning, preparation, execution, and evaluation for on-orbit operations and end-of-life retirement and disposal.
Perform task scheduling, data trending, performance analysis, real-time operations tracking, and LCRD payload anomaly resolution.
Assist with developing, reviewing, and maintaining mission documentation, including standard operating procedures, on-console handbooks, support plans, Operations Directives, and test plans.
Resolve real-time conflicts to optimize acquisition, tracking, commanding, control, and telemetry data acquisition for multiple operational customers.
Implement anomaly response plans, participate in tiger-team discussions, propose and evaluate recovery actions, implement approved technical solutions, and prepare anomaly reports.
Continuously evaluate spacecraft, payload, and ground-system status for compliance with mission and safety requirements.
Provide occasional 24/7 mission support and work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and mandatory overtime on a rotational basis.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Health savings account
Short- and long-term disability
Employee assistance program
Parental leave
401(k)
Paid time off for vacation
Company-paid holidays
Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.