Aerospace Spacecraft Operations Controller - LCRD

Metis, Inc.; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Metis Technology Solutions seeks a skilled Aerospace Spacecraft Operations Controller to join the LCRD aerospace team. You will execute real-time payload commands, monitor telemetry, and manage ground control systems at LMOC in Las Cruces, NM. The role requires a TS/SCI clearance, U.S.

citizenship, and willingness to work rotating shifts. Responsibilities include mission planning, anomaly handling, documentation, and ensuring safety of an orbital asset throughout its lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace or related field with 2 years satellite ops experience, or equivalent military ops.
• In lieu of formal education, 4 years of additional related experience is allowable.
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility and U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Perform real-time satellite payload operations as a console operator during all mission phases.
• Monitor telemetry, configure ground equipment, and manage LMOC ground control systems.
• Support mission planning, preparation, execution, and evaluation of on-orbit operations.
• Develop and maintain mission documentation, SOPs, and test plans.
• Coordinate anomaly response plans and recovery actions during critical events.
• Provide 24/7 mission support with rotating shifts, nights, holidays, and weekends.

Skills

Problem-solving

Team player

Verbal & written comms

Education

Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field

4 years of additional related experience (in lieu of formal ed)

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Aerospace Spacecraft Operations Controller - LCRD

Full Time Professional White Sands, NM, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1585

POSITION SUMMARY

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.

MAJOR JOB ACTIVITIES

• 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• 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.

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.

Technical Skills

• 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 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.