Mission Operations Manager

The Operations Manager serves as a critical member of the leadership team, providing strategic direction, operational excellence, and mission-focused oversight for the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Communications Services program under AEGIS. This role is responsible for integrating all operational and engineering functions to ensure reliable, secure, and high-performing communications services that directly support NASA's launch operations, mission success, and the broader spaceflight community.

The successful candidate will lead a diverse technical workforce, drive continuous improvement initiatives, oversee service delivery performance, and foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and customer satisfaction. This position requires a leader who can effectively balance strategic planning with hands-on operational execution in a dynamic, high-visibility environment.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline and 10 years of relevant experience.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered, including:
  • Master's degree with 8 years of experience.
  • Ph.D. with 5 years of experience.
  • 14 years of directly related experience in lieu of a degree.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing complex technical operations and multidisciplinary teams.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with customers, senior leadership, and personnel at all organizational levels.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with a proven ability to foster collaboration across departments and stakeholder groups.
• Proven ability to organize, lead, motivate, and develop large teams in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Excellent time management, prioritization, and organizational skills.
• Ability to operate effectively under pressure, make sound decisions, and resolve complex operational challenges.
• Self-starter with a strong sense of urgency, accountability, and commitment to mission success.
• Demonstrated project and program management experience, including planning, execution, risk management, and resource coordination.
• Flexibility to support operational demands and critical mission activities as required.
• Commitment to exceeding customer expectations and achieving contract performance objectives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience supporting Kennedy Space Center communications and operational systems.
• Direct experience with KSC Voice Systems, including:
  • PAWS (Paging and Area Warning System)
  • Emergency Communications LAWI System
  • OIS-M and OIS-Q2
  • Direct and Trunked Radio Systems
  • Voice Recording Systems
• Direct experience with KSC Video Systems, including:
  • Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD) video systems
  • Infrared (IR) systems, including MOODY software
  • IP-based camera systems
  • Telemetric camera control systems
• Experience supporting KSC imagery and tracking systems, including:
  • KTM Optical Trackers
  • 16mm and 35mm Photosonic camera systems
  • High-Speed Digital Cameras
  • POCS II Control Systems
• Experience overseeing KSC telecommunications infrastructure, including copper and fiber optic networks, with responsibilities spanning:
  • Requirements development and engineering design reviews
  • Cost estimating and budget forecasting
  • Installation oversight and schedule management
  • Project execution and closeout activities
• Experience leading operational readiness reviews, incident management activities, and service restoration efforts.
• Proven ability to conduct Post-Incident Reviews (PIRs) and Root Cause Analyses (RCAs), identify systemic improvements, and implement corrective actions across operational environments.
• Experience incorporating lessons learned into operational processes and communicating key findings and recommendations to customers, leadership, and technical teams.
• Familiarity with NASA mission operations, launch support environments, and government-contractor partnerships.

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