Space Object Imagery Analyst & Collection Operator

Space Object Imagery Analyst & Collection Operator

K ’s National Security Solutions team delivers engineering and advanced technology solutions to intelligence and national security communities. This role has a profound impact on protecting the country’s critical interests.

• Innovative Projects: K  works at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
• Collaborative Environment: A dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
• Impactful Work:
  Your contributions shape the future of space defense and keep the nation secure.

K  supports the US Space Force/Air Force Research Laboratory’s ASTRO contract to provide mission equipment operations, maintenance, and upgrades to the USSF’s Air Force Maui Optical Site (AMOS). The AMOS site monitors man‑made objects in space and develops next‑generation capabilities to support national security.

The Space Object Imagery Analyst & Collection Operator executes the full Tasking, Collection, Processing, and Dissemination (TCPD) workflow for Space Domain Awareness (SDA). The role integrates ground‑based telescope operations, high‑fidelity resolved imaging analysis, data processing, and customer‑focused reporting to deliver high‑quality assessments of satellites, spacecraft, and orbital activity.

• High‑quality NEI imagery delivered consistently to customers.
• Accurate and defensible SNIIRS and Analyst Ratings based on observable features.
• Reliable tasking execution with precise collection coding and metadata accuracy.
• Clear, actionable reporting that enhances customer space situational awareness.
• Strong teamwork, judgment, and commitment to mission excellence.

• Collection Planning & Execution
  • Execute tasking to schedule and manage satellite collection opportunities and site availability.
  • Apply pass geometry, illumination conditions, elevation constraints, and sensor configuration requirements for optimal NEI quality.
  • Monitor tracking performance, focus stability, and correct configuration during active collections.
  • Apply proper Collection Codes to document schedule decisions, attempt status, acquisition results, and publishing outcomes.
• Data Processing & Image Development
  • Process NEI data through data processing software and pipelines.
  • Conduct image development adjustments (iterations, contrast, denoising, MFBD parameters) to achieve maximum interpretability and accuracy.
  • Select the best frame and prepare data products for publication per SOPs, quality guidelines, and customer requirements.
  • Train and mentor personnel in processing and collections.
• Imagery Interpretation & Object Characterization
  • Identify, classify, and analyze satellites, spacecraft, and debris using resolved NEI imagery.
  • Apply SNIIRS interpretability scales to evaluate object details and detect anomalies.
  • Compare against known configurations and mission context for unusual activity.
• Quality Assurance & Reporting
  • Evaluate collection performance using Analyst Pass Ratings and SNIIRS.
  • Document operational issues (tracking instability, focus drift, seeing conditions, hardware/software anomalies) in real time.
  • Prepare concise technical reports, imagery annotations, and data summaries for customers.
• Customer Engagement & Workflow Improvement
  • Work directly with government customers to understand mission needs and adjust strategies.
  • Review customer feedback to improve data quality and workflow efficiency.
  • Collaborate with operators, analysts, engineers, and leadership to refine SOPs and align with mission objectives.

• Security:
  Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Education/
  
  Experience:
  
  High school diploma with 2+ years in intelligence domains (GEOINT, MASINT, SIGINT, or OSINT) and remote sensing highly recommended.
• Space Domain Expertise:
  Foundational understanding of satellite subsystems and structures; keen interest in space landscape.
• Analytical Rigor:
  Strong critical thinking; comfortable experimenting with new methodologies.
• Communication:
  Exceptional written and verbal skills; produce…