Flight Operations Manager Senior

York Space Systems; Grand Forks Air Force Base (ND); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance

Company holidays, floating holidays, and sick time

Unlimited PTO

Generous 401(k) match

Job summary

York Space Systems is seeking a Flight Operations Manager (FOM) to lead on-orbit operations for multiple spacecraft missions at our Grand Forks Air Force Base facility. The FOM will manage operations, lead a team, and ensure mission success through effective oversight and training.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in mission operations and holds a Bachelor’s in Engineering. The position offers strong benefits including 100% employer-paid health insurance, unlimited PTO, and a generous 401(k) match.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience in satellite operations or mission control roles.
• Proven ability to establish, enforce, and uphold operational policies.
• Current Security Clearance – SECRET.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct leadership for a team of on-orbit operators.
• Conduct performance reviews and manage SMART goals.
• Oversee pay administration and incentive pay calculations.
• Coordinate onboarding and training for team members.
• Maintain the budget for the on-orbit operations team.
• Establish and track KPIs for the operations team.
• Develop operational readiness for the Mission Operations Center.
• Ensure compliance with security protocols.

Skills

Team leadership

Mission operations experience

Communication skills

Operational policy enforcement

Technical understanding

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, or related field

Job description

York Space Systems was founded to radically improve spacecraft affordability and reliability, transforming, and enabling next-generation space mission operations worldwide. Today, York is one of the most innovative aerospace companies, specializing in end-to-end customer solutions and the rapid production of spacecraft platforms. York's complete Space Segment Solution includes spacecraft production, payload integration, system integration & test, launch services, ground segment services, and mission operations, enabling customers to leverage York's existing technology solutions to get to orbit rapidly and responsively. We’re looking to expand our team across the board.

Job Summary

York Space Systems is seeking a Flight Operations Manager (FOM) to provide functional leadership and oversight for on-orbit operations, supporting day-to-day mission activities for multiple spacecraft missions. The FOM will be responsible for managing the 24/7 mission operations schedule, leading a team of operators, and ensuring high performance and operational readiness for all on-orbit activities, to include anomaly resolution. The FOM will also perform key managerial duties such as conducting performance reviews, facilitating regular one-on-one check-ins, and handling budgeting and compensation (including incentive pay such as shift differentials and holiday pay). The FOM will report to the Flight Operations Director.

Required

Up to 6 months of on-site training at our headquarters in Greenwood Village, CO. Once training is completed you will be required to relocate to work full-time out of our Grand Forks, ND facility.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct leadership for a team of on-orbit operators, ensuring adequate staffing and skill coverage for a rotating shift schedule (including day, swing, and night shifts)
• Conduct performance reviews, manage SMART goals, and hold regular one-on-one check-ins with team members to ensure individual growth, engagement, and alignment with operational objectives
• Oversee pay administration, including calculating and submitting incentive pay (shift differentials, holiday pay) and making salary adjustments as required
• Coordinate onboarding, training, and professional development for all team members in line with company policies and operational needs
• Maintain the budget for the on-orbit operations team
• Establish and track KPIs for the operations team, ensuring team performance aligns with organizational goals
• Develop and sustain operational readiness for the Mission Operations Center (MOC) by ensuring all on-orbit operations are fully supported and effectively managed
• Sustain, iterate, and administer operational training for operations personnel
• Establish, enforce, and maintain operations policies, ensuring compliance with internal standards
• Directly interface with internal teams, customers, and program management to maintain spacecraft health, resolve operational anomalies, and coordinate mission activities
• Review, approve, and enforce the creation and maintenance of key mission documentation such as Crew Information Files (CIFs), Configuration Change Requests (CCRs), and mission-specific procedures
• Serve as the approval authority for security items such as secure account creation, MOC access, and secure system changes, ensuring that all operations adhere to required security protocols
• Coordinate with security team and IT personnel to implement, monitor, and enforce security procedures for all on-orbit operations
• Willingness to support 24/7 operations and work shifts as needed

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead and manage a team in a fast-paced, 24/7 operational environment
• Extensive experience in on-orbit mission operations
• Familiarity with spacecraft subsystems, orbit dynamics, and mission control systems
• Ability to effectively communicate complex technical information to both internal and external stakeholders, including customers and senior leadership
• Experience with functional management, including hiring, performance reviews, mentoring, and career development
• Proven ability to establish, enforce, and uphold operational policies
• Experience managing operational readiness and ensuring all team members are trained and prepared for on-orbit operations
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, or a related field, 5+ years of relevant experience in satellite operations or mission control roles
• Current Security Clearance – SECRET

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of space weather, spacecraft automation, coding, satellite constellations, and orbital mechanics.
• Familiarity with program management concepts, including task prioritization, schedule management, and risk mitigation.
• TS/SCI Security Clearance

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (subject to spousal surcharge).
• Company holidays, floating holidays, and sick time.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Generous 401(k) match.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by clicking the Apply link at the top of the page. York Space Systems will be accepting applications on a rolling basis until the position is closed.

York Space Systems provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, military or protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Must have permanent authorization to work in the United States. This policy applies to all terms and conditions or employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. YORK SPACE SYSTEMS IS AN EEO EMPLOYER.