24/7 Space Operations Watch Operator | Backup Mission Director

Noblis, Inc.; Lorton (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

Noblis ESI is seeking an intermediate Watch Operator to provide 24/7 watch standing support in an integrated space operations center located at Fort Belvoir, VA. You will maintain a Common Operating Picture and coordinate across ground, space, and network teams to ensure mission success.

The role includes potential qualification as a backup Mission Director, with training to handle senior staff briefings and rapid decision-making in a dynamic, high-pressure environment.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with Counterintelligence (CI) Polygraph.
• US Citizenship is required.
• Bachelor's degree with 8 years of relevant experience, or Master's with 7 years, or 10 years of relevant experience if no bachelor's.
• 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.
• Ability to brief operations staff and senior personnel on status and mission impacts.
• Willingness to train and qualify as backup Mission Director with familiarity of all NOC Mission Director responsibilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a 24/7 environment across rotating shifts.
• Travel up to 10% within US.
• Lift up to 30 lbs, walk, bend, drive.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Monitor and assess NRO enterprise operations including system integration, dependencies, and data flow.
• Train and qualify to serve as a backup Mission Director.
• Brief operations staff and senior personnel on operational status, issues, and mission impacts.
• Respond to senior leader guidance in a fast-paced environment.
• Coordinate with mission ground stations, satellite operations, and network teams for integrated execution.
• Identify, track, and communicate operational issues, anomalies, and risks.
• Support development of watch standing TTPs and SOPs.
• Coordinate with intelligence, planning, and engineering.
• Maintain awareness of threats to space systems and operations.
• Support continuity of operations planning and execution.
• Document and report operational activities and resolutions.
• Support senior operators in complex activities.

Skills

Clearance TS/SCI with CI poly

US Citizenship

Bachelor's degree + 8 years

Master's degree + 7 years

10 years experience w/o degree

Orbital mechanics

NRO MGS/IC operations

Backup Mission Director training

Strong communication

Night/weekend shifts

10% travel

Lift 30 lbs

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical or operational field

Master's degree in a relevant field

Job description

Noblis ESI is seeking an intermediate Watch Operator to provide 24/7 watch standing support in an integrated space operations center located at Fort Belvoir, VA. You will maintain a Common Operating Picture and coordinate across ground, space, and network teams to ensure mission success.

The role includes potential qualification as a backup Mission Director, with training to handle senior staff briefings and rapid decision-making in a dynamic, high-pressure environment.