Senior Operations Manager

Akima; Merritt Island (FL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Akima Facilities Operations (AFO) seeks a Senior Operations Manager to oversee critical mission support for the SIMO contract at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, leading engineers and technicians to ensure on-schedule, compliant operational support for the Artemis program's EGS activities.

Ideal candidate has a strong engineering background with extensive infrastructure experience, demonstrated leadership, and a focus on safety, productivity, and mission readiness in a complex environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field; equivalent experience accepted with 4 years of relevant experience.
• 15+ years in large infrastructure and technically complex environments, with flight operations experience in assembly, integration, and testing.
• 6+ years in a lead or supervisory role; additional leadership experience beyond minimum requirements.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary interface with the EGS Operations team and Launch Director.
• Act as the main liaison with NASA’s Kennedy Integration, Operations, and Support Center (KIOSC) and supporting SIMO elements.
• Ensure NASA and SIMO system engineering expertise is available to support EGS operations.
• Verify LCAT compliance.
• Manage day-to-day operations of a contract segment and assist in program management responsibilities.
• Formulate and enforce work standards, manage daily operations, policies, and resources; oversee personnel productivity, performance, and safety.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Project Management

Risk & Compliance

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering or related field

Job description

The Exploration Ground Systems Senior Operations Manager will oversee critical mission support aspects of the Spaceport Infrastructure, Maintenance, and Operations (SIMO) Contract at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, and will serve as the focal point for contract performance in support of Artemis Program elements executed by KSC’s Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) Program. The Senior Operations Manager will ensure SIMO support to EGS operational activities is effective, efficient, and on schedule. This role involves planning, organizing, directing, and controlling operations to meet contract requirements and ensure mission success. The ideal candidate will have a strong engineering or technical background combined with managerial expertise to lead engineers and technicians in delivering innovative, effective, responsive, and compliant operational support to the EGS Program.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary interface with the EGS Operations team, including the Senior Vehicle Operations Manager and Launch Director.
• Act as the main liaison with NASA’s Kennedy Integration, Operations, and Support Center (KIOSC) personnel and supporting SIMO elements to ensure SIMO EGS requirements are effectively and efficiently prioritized and executed.
• Ensure NASA and SIMO system engineering expertise is available to support EGS operations.
• Verify LCAT compliance.
• Manage the day-to-day operation of a segment of the organization or contract's functional area and may assist in program management responsibilities.
• Duties include formulating and enforcing work standards, managing daily operations, establishing policies and work rules, monitoring activities, and planning the use of materials and resources.
• Responsible for personnel productivity, performance, and safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Equivalent experience can substitute for the degree: a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience.
• 15+ years in large infrastructure and technically complex environments, with flight operations experience in assembly, integration, and testing.
• 6+ years of relevant experience in a lead or supervisor role. Note: This is in addition to the minimum experience requirement.

Desired Qualification

• Additional certifications such as PMP, Certified Facility Manager from IFMA, or IC S
• NASA program knowledge is a plus.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making.
• Exceptional Project and Program Management Skills.
• Proficient in Risk and Compliance Management.
• Leadership and Team Development.
• Strong Customer-Focused Communication.
• Exceptional communications skills.

This position is contingent upon contract award and funding. Applicants selected may be offered the position but cannot begin work until funding has been confirmed.

Job ID

2026-25809

Work Type

On-Site

Company Description

Akima Facilities Operations (AFO), an Akima company, is not just another federal facilities contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.

At AFO, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.

For our shareholders, AFO provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.

For our government customers, AFO sustains mission readiness and ensures quality of life by maintaining high value assets and operations at peak performance and successfully manages these operations through accurately forecasting, managing, and aggressively controlling costs.

As an AFO employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.

Job ID:25809-en-us