Aerospace Spacecraft Operations Controller - LCRD

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Full Time Professional White Sands, NM, US

2 days ago Requisition

Metis Technology Solutions 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 execute real-time spacecraft payload commands, monitor telemetry, manage ground control systems, and ensure 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 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 the White Sands Complex (WSC) in Las Cruces, NM.

• Perform real-time satellite payload operations as a console operator, including configuring, testing, and controlling ground equipment during all mission phases.
• Support overall system readiness, mission planning, preparation, execution, and evaluation for satellite payload on-orbit operations, including end-of-life retirement and disposal.
• Conduct task scheduling, data trending, performance analysis, real-time operations tracking, and resolve LCRD payload anomalies.
• Assist in developing, reviewing, and maintaining mission-specific documentation, including SOPs, handbooks, support plans, Operations Directives, and test plans.
• Optimize acquisition, tracking, commanding, and telemetry for multiple operational customers; resolve real-time conflicts.
• Implement anomaly response plans during critical events, participate in tiger-team discussions, propose and evaluate recovery actions, and generate comprehensive anomaly reports.
• Continuously evaluate spacecraft, payload, and ground systems status to ensure compliance with mission and safety requirements.
• Provide occasional 24/7 mission support, including rotating shifts, nights, holidays, and weekends.

• Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field, and 2 years of direct satellite operations experience, 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.

• 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.

• Proven problem-solving skills with strict adherence to 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, with the ability to clearly articulate technical data and status updates under time-sensitive constraints.
• Must be physically located at the White Sands Complex in Las Cruces, New Mexico. This is not a remote position.

• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• 5+ years of dedicated experience with space/satellite operations and/or complex military operations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical discipline.
• Prior experience operating satellite ground systems, telemetry architectures, or satellite tracking networks.