Watch Operator Jobs

Watch Operator

Noblis ESI is seeking an intermediate Watch Operator to provide space operations watch standing support to mission functions in an integrated space operations center environment located in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The selected candidate will serve as a watch operator supporting 24/7 mission operations across ground segment, space segment, and network/communications integration. Working independently with broad tasking and guidance from senior watch personnel, this role will contribute to maintaining an accurate and timely Common Operating Picture to support mission decision-making and will be trained to serve as a qualified backup Mission Director in the event the Mission Director is unavailable.

Responsibilities include:

• Serve as a Watch Operator in an integrated space operations center supporting 24/7 mission operations.
• Maintain an accurate and timely Common Operating Picture to support operational decision-making across ground segment, space segment, and network/communications layers.
• Monitor and assess NRO enterprise operations including system integration, dependencies, and data flow.
• Train and qualify to serve as a backup Mission Director, developing familiarity with all NOC Mission Director responsibilities.
• Brief operations staff and senior personnel on operational status, issues, and mission impacts.
• Respond to senior leader guidance and direction in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Coordinate with mission ground stations, satellite operations, and network/communications teams to ensure integrated mission execution.
• Identify, track, and communicate operational issues, anomalies, and risks to appropriate stakeholders.
• Support the development and implementation of watch standing TTPs and standard operating procedures.
• Coordinate with intelligence, planning, and engineering teams to support integrated mission execution.
• Maintain awareness of current and emerging threats to space systems and operations.
• Support continuity of operations planning and execution.
• Document and report operational activities, issues, and resolutions in accordance with established procedures.
• Support senior watch operators in the execution of complex operational activities.

Required Qualifications:

• Active Top Secret/SCI with Counterintelligence (CI) Polygraph.
• US Citizenship is required.
• Bachelor's degree and 8 years of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise OR Master's degree and 7 years of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise OR 10 years of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise if no bachelor's degree is held.
• Degree within a relevant technical or operational field preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with NRO MGS/IC operations including system integration, dependencies, and data flow.
• Professional experience or education in orbital mechanics.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to the maintenance of a Common Operating Picture in support of operational decision-making.
• Ability to brief operations staff and senior personnel on operational status and mission impacts.
• Experience responding to senior leader guidance in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Willingness and ability to train and qualify as a backup Mission Director with familiarity of all NOC Mission Director responsibilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to convey complex operational information clearly.
• Ability to work independently in a 24/7 operational environment across rotating shifts, to include nights and weekends.

Desired

Qualifications:

• Experience in an NRO or IC operations center in a watch standing capacity.
• Familiarity with NRO and USSPACECOM operational processes and organizational structures.
• Experience with space situational awareness systems and tools.
• Basic to intermediate knowledge of orbital mechanics and satellite collision avoidance.
• Background in counter space operations and associated threat analysis.
• Experience with IC collection management processes and tools.
• Familiarity with space enterprise coordination.
• Experience supporting 24/7 operations centers.
• Background in ground segment, space segment, and network/communications integration.