Senior Space Mission Planner & Operations Specialist

Cayuse Holdings

Socorro (NM)

On-site

USD 150,000 - 190,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Wellness Program

Flexible Spending Accounts

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

Basic Life and AD&D Insurance

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Cayuse Holdings seeks a highly qualified Mission Planner Operations SME to develop and execute mission plans for optical surveillance operations, translating HQ tasking into actionable actions while supporting crew success.

The role emphasizes coordination across sensor operations, system administration, and on-site teams, with a focus on mission readiness, safety, and regulatory compliance. Strong background in space operations is essential.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Operations Research, or related field; equivalent military or space operations experience may be considered.
Minimum 5 years of experience in space operations, mission planning, space domain awareness (SSA/SDA), orbital analysis, sensor operations, or related areas.
Ability to perform operational reporting and support crew coordination.
Hands-on familiarity with relevant systems, tools, and processes used in space domain awareness and operations.
Top Secret/ SCI Clearance is required.
Must be able to pass a background check. May require additional background checks as required by projects and/or clients at any time during employment.

Responsibilities

Convert higher-headquarters directives and site-specific tasking into executable mission plans, including coordinating SOI (Space Object Identification), maneuvers, launches, cislunar missions, and special tasking requirements.
Monitor mission priorities, system constraints, weather conditions, sensor status, and competing task requirements; propose effective solutions for recovery or re-prioritization actions to optimize mission performance.
Maintain accurate and comprehensive mission logs, reports, planning products, and operational coordination documentation to ensure procedural and regulatory compliance.
Collaborate closely with operating crews, Line Tacticians, maintenance personnel, and system administrators to ensure seamless mission execution and address any operational concerns or mission adjustments.
Provide direct support to the onsite operating crew without engaging in planned bargaining-unit Sensor Operator duties. Proactively ensure smooth mission execution through support and communication with relevant stakeholders.
Serve as a dedicated non-CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) Mission Planner capable of cross-training for coverage but not performing routine Sensor Operator or crew-lead responsibilities.
Other duties as assigned.