Operations & Maintenance Manager - Range Serv

Metis Technology Solutions, Inc.; Edwards (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Metis Technology Solutions, Inc. is seeking an experienced Operations & Maintenance Manager based in Edwards, California. This role involves leading the contractor team to ensure mission systems reach 95% uptime while complying with NASA standards.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline or extensive experience in technical operations and maintenance, with a strong focus on electronics and problem resolution.

Qualifications

• 7 years of relevant job experience or 15+ years in lieu of a degree.
• Familiarity with systems maintained at DATR or similar environments.
• Background in telemetry, radar, communications systems, or related technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead contractor team in operations and maintenance of DATR systems.
• Ensure compliance and uptime of mission systems.
• Develop and manage Systems Operation and Maintenance Plans.

Skills

Technical leadership

Problem resolution

Electronics and instrumentation knowledge

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

15+ years of experience in technical operations

Job description

Metis Technology Solutions is searching for an experienced Operations & Maintenance Manager to join our team of dedicated professionals.

Position Summary

The Operations & Maintenance Manager is responsible for leading the contractor team in the operation, maintenance, repair, and sustainment of all systems supporting the Dryden Aeronautical Test Range (DATR) located at the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC). This role ensures high operational availability (minimum 95% uptime on mission systems), compliance with NASA standards, and proactive management of technical issues, spares, and documentation. The manager will oversee the development and execution of Systems Operation and Maintenance Plans (SOMPs) and Work Instructions (WIs) while providing direct support during mission operations.

Key Responsibilities

Systems Operations & Maintenance

• Lead the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, installation, modification, diagnosis, and repair of all DATR systems, subsystems, and electronic equipment.
• Ensure all mission systems achieve and maintain a minimum of 95% uptime (excluding scheduled preventative maintenance and configuration changes).
• Perform technical analysis and evaluation of hardware, software, and procedural problems; develop and implement effective solutions while taking proactive measures to prevent future issues.
• Lead system functional checkouts following all maintenance, repairs, or modifications.
• Ensure detailed documentation of all system changes, including wire lists, schematics, block diagrams, and other technical records are completed.

Management & Procedures

• Upon contract transition, receive and utilize existing NASA SOMPs and WIs to establish, maintain, and continuously improve a comprehensive operations and maintenance program.
• Support the Program Manager in developing, updating, and managing SOMPs and Work Instructions to ensure compliance with manufacturer specifications and NASA operating standards.
• Ensure each SOMP/WI addresses (at minimum):

• Accurate inventory tracking and equipment status
• Procurement, tracking, and stocking of spare parts, materials, and supplies
• Configuration control of all equipment
• Current system operations and maintenance logs
• File backup and archiving procedures
• Scheduling and execution of preventative maintenance (including system alignment and diagnostics)
• Identification of when OEM or external expert support is required
• Proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials

Mission Support

• In conjunction with PM, recruit and lead qualified personnel to configure, support, and operate DATR systems during mission operations.
• Ensure teams maintain mission and maintenance logs for all work performed (including preventative maintenance) in NASA’s Business Information Tracking System (BITS).
• Ensure all work on mission-critical systems undergoes independent verification and validation with electronic signatures (verifier and validator must be separate individuals).

Supply Chain & Risk Management

• Purchase and manage spare parts, maintenance supplies, tools, and equipment not provided as Government Furnished Property (GFP).
• Maintain a sufficient stock of working spares to support 95% system uptime requirements.
• Proactively identify and notify NASA in advance of any current or potential spares shortages or equipment end-of-life issues.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline (Engineering, Electronics, Computer Science, or related field) and a minimum of 7 years of relevant job experience.
• OR 15+ years of progressive experience in technical operations and maintenance in lieu of a degree.
• Demonstrated technical familiarity with the types of equipment and systems maintained at the Dryden Aeronautical Test Range (DATR) or similar test range environments.
• Strong background in electronics, instrumentation, telemetry, radar, communications systems, or related range technologies.
• Proven ability to lead troubleshooting and complex problem resolution in operational environments.

Preferred

• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory or management experience leading technical teams.
• Experience working in NASA, DoD, or other high-reliability test range or aerospace operational environments.
• Familiarity with NASA configuration management, safety protocols, and hazardous materials handling.
• Experience developing and managing formal maintenance programs, SOMPs, or similar technical procedures.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain required NASA security clearances and access approvals.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interface directly with NASA technical and program personnel.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Physical & Work Environment

• Must be able to work in a range operations environment, including occasional extended hours and shift work during mission periods.
• Ability to work outdoors and in technical facilities as required.

Must be a U.S. Citizen.

EEO/E. O. Including Vets and Disability.