Laser Communications Relay Demonstration Operator

Craig-Technologies; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Craig Technologies is seeking a highly skilled Aerospace Spacecraft Operations Controller to join our Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) team at White Sands, NM. You will execute real-time spacecraft payload commands, monitor telemetry, and manage ground control systems to ensure the health and safety of an orbital asset.

This role requires strict adherence to procedures, strong problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to support rotating shifts including nights and holidays,

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility and US citizenship.
• Bachelor or Associate degree in engineering or related field with 2 years of satellite ops experience.
• Willingness to work rotating 24/7 shifts on site at White Sands Complex in Las Cruces, NM.

Responsibilities

• Real-time satellite payload command execution and ground equipment control.
• Monitor telemetry, perform data trending, and issue anomaly resolutions.
• Develop and maintain mission procedures, SOPs, and test plans.
• Resolve conflicts and support 24/7 mission operations with rotating shifts.
• Ensure safety and health of spacecraft throughout lifecycle.

Skills

Top Secret clearance

US Citizenship

Education

Bachelor or Associate degree in Electrical, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Job description

Title: Laser Communications Relay Demonstration Operator

Location: White Sands, NM

Clearance: Top Secret

Summary: Craig Technologies 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 be responsible for executing real-time spacecraft payload commands, monitoring

telemetry, managing ground control systems, and ensuring 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 the 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.

This position is responsible for:

• Real-Time Operations: Function as a console operator performing real-time satellite payload contacts. Configure, test, and control command and control ground equipment during pre-pass, pass, and post-pass periods. execution, and evaluation spanning satellite payload on-orbit operations, and end‑of‑life (EOL) retirement and disposal.
• Data & Mission Analysis: Perform task scheduling, data trending, performance analysis, real-time operations tracking, and LCRD payload anomaly resolution.
• Documentation & Procedures: Assist in the development, review, and maintenance of mission‑specific documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), onconsole handbooks, support plans, Operations Directives (OD), and test plans.
• Conflict Resolution: Conduct real-time conflict resolutions to optimize the acquisition, tracking, commanding, control, and telemetry data acquisition for multiple operational customers.
• Anomaly Response: Implement anomaly response plans during critical events. Participate actively in tiger‑team discussions, propose and evaluate recovery actions, implement approved technical solutions, and generate comprehensive anomaly reports.
• Systems Evaluation: Conduct continuous, real-time evaluation of spacecraft, payload, and ground systems status to ensure full compliance with established mission and safety requirements.
• Schedule & Shift Structure: This position requires occasional 24/7 mission support and will require the ability to work various rotating shifts, including nights, holidays, and

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Security Clearance: Must possess an active Top Secret (TS) security clearance with the ability to obtain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) eligibility. o Must be a US Citizen and show proof of citizenship. o Must be able to maintain ability to access government worksite.
• Education & Operational Experience: Bachelor or Associate degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or other related fields and 2 years of direct experience in satellite operations capacity 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.
• Schedule and Shift Structure: This position requires occasional 24/7 mission support. You must be able to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays and mandatory overtime, on a rotational basis as a part of normal shift scheduling. This is not a remote position and the candidate is required to be physically located at the White Sands Complex in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
• Technical Execution: Proven problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to strictly follow technical procedures, operational checklists, and emergency contingency plans.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to operate as an effective, dependable, and cohesive team member in high‑stakes environments.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical data and status updates under time‑sensitive constraints.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Advanced Experience: 5+ years of dedicated experience with space/satellite operations and/or complex military operations is highly desired.
• Education: A Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical discipline is preferred.
• Systems Familiarity: Prior experience operating satellite ground systems, telemetry architectures, or satellite tracking networks is an asset.

***All candidates selected will be subject to a security background investigation/Drug Screening and must meet all eligibility requirements. ***

Craig Technologies is an EEO Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other non-job-related protected status. All candidates selected will be subject to a security background investigation and must meet all eligibility requirements for access to classified information.