Aerospace Spacecraft Operations Controller

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world’s leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can’t be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we’re keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Responsibilities

Peraton is seeking a highly skilled and disciplined Aerospace Spacecraft Operations Controller to join our mission-critical Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) aerospace team. In this role, you will be responsible for executing real-time spacecraft payload commands, monitoring telemetry, managing ground control systems, and ensuring the health and safety of an orbital asset throughout its entire lifecycle.

This position demands sharp problem-solving capabilities, strict adherence to procedural checklists, and the flexibility to support continuous operations via a rotating shift schedule.

The position supports real-time operations, monitoring, and command and control of the LCRD payload from the Laser Mission Operations Center (LMOC) located at WSC.

This position is responsible for: 

• Real-Time Operations: Function as a console operator performing real-time satellite payload contacts. Configure, test, and control command and control ground equipment during pre-pass, pass, and post-pass periods.
• Lifecycle Support: Support overall system readiness, mission planning, preparation, execution, and evaluation spanning satellite payload on-orbit operations, and end-of-life (EOL) retirement and disposal.
• Data & Mission Analysis: Perform task scheduling, data trending, performance analysis, real-time operations tracking, and LCRD payload anomaly resolution.
• Documentation & Procedures: Assist in the development, review, and maintenance of mission-specific documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), on-console handbooks, support plans, Operations Directives (OD), and test plans.
• Conflict Resolution: Conduct real-time conflict resolutions to optimize the acquisition, tracking, commanding, control, and telemetry data acquisition for multiple operational customers.
• Anomaly Response: Implement anomaly response plans during critical events. Participate actively in tiger-team discussions, propose and evaluate recovery actions, implement approved technical solutions, and generate comprehensive anomaly reports.
• Systems Evaluation: Conduct continuous, real-time evaluation of spacecraft, payload, and ground systems status to ensure full compliance with established mission and safety requirements.
• Schedule & Shift Structure: This position requires occasional 24/7 mission support and will require the ability to work various rotating shifts, including nights, holidays, and weekends.

#HIRE4SENSE

Qualifications

REQUIRED:  

• Security Clearance: Must possess an active Top Secret (TS) security clearance with the ability to obtain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) eligibility.
  • Must be a US Citizen and show proof of citizenship.
  • Must be able to maintain ability to access government worksite.
• Education & Operational Experience: Bachelor or Associate degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or other related fields and 2 years of direct experience in satellite operations capacity or equivalent military operations experience in command and control, intelligence, or operations management. In lieu of formal education, 4 years of additional related experience is allowable.  
• Schedule and Shift Structure: This position requires occasional 24/7 mission support. You must be able to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays and mandatory overtime, on a rotational basis as a part of normal shift scheduling. 
• Technical Execution: Proven problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to strictly follow technical procedures, operational checklists, and emergency contingency plans.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to operate as an effective, dependable, and cohesive team member in high-stakes environments.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical data and status updates under time-sensitive constraints.

DESIRED: 

• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Advanced Experience: 5+ years of dedicated experience with space/satellite operations and/or complex military operations is highly desired.
• Education: A Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical discipline is preferred.
• Systems Familiarity: Prior experience operating satellite ground systems, telemetry architectures, or satellite tracking networks is an asset.

Target Salary Range

$51,000 - $82,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

Benefits Statement

Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off (PTO) for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at https://www.careers.peraton.com/benefits.

Application Statements

The application period for the job is estimated to be 30 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in the role and the Company. During the review of your application, you may be required to participate in an on-camera interview, as well as participate in a process to verify your identity. Use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools of any kind during Peraton interviews is strictly prohibited unless the candidate has obtained prior written authorization. All interview responses must be the candidate’s own.

EEO

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.