Space Programs

Peraton•Las Cruces, NM

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Peraton is seeking a highly skilled and disciplined Aerospace Spacecraft Operations Controller to join its 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 requires strong problem-solving skills, strict adherence to procedural checklists, and the flexibility to support continuous operations through rotating shifts. The position supports system readiness, mission planning, preparation, execution, and evaluation for satellite payload on-orbit operations, as well as end-of-life retirement and disposal. Controllers perform task scheduling, data trending, performance analysis, real-time operations tracking, payload anomaly resolution, and real-time conflict resolution for multiple operational customers. They also contribute to mission documentation and procedures, implement approved anomaly recovery actions, and continuously evaluate spacecraft, payload, and ground-system status against mission and safety requirements. Occasional 24/7 mission support is required. The employee must be able to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and mandatory overtime on a rotational basis as part of normal shift scheduling. The target salary range is $80,000–$128,000. Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

Requirements

Must possess an active Top Secret security clearance and be able to obtain Sensitive Compartmented Information eligibility.
Must be a U.S. citizen and provide proof of citizenship.
Must be able to maintain access to a government worksite.
A degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or another technical discipline, with one of the following experience combinations: BS/BA and 5 years of experience; AS/AA and 6 years of experience; or, in lieu of a degree, high school education and 9 years of additional related experience.
Experience in satellite operations or equivalent military operations experience in command and control, intelligence, or operations management.
Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and mandatory overtime on a rotational basis; occasional 24/7 mission support is required.
Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to strictly follow technical procedures, operational checklists, and emergency contingency plans.
Ability to operate as an effective, dependable, and cohesive team member in high-stakes environments.
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 with 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 payload 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 in developing, reviewing, and maintaining mission-specific documentation, including standard operating procedures, on-console handbooks, support plans, Operations Directives, and test plans.
Conduct real-time conflict resolution to optimize acquisition, tracking, commanding, control, and telemetry data acquisition for multiple operational customers.
Implement anomaly response plans during critical events; 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 to ensure compliance with mission and safety requirements.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Health savings account
Short- and long-term disability
Employee assistance program (EAP)
Parental leave
401(k)
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation
Company-paid holidays
Potential eligibility for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus