Senior Watch Operator

Noblis, Inc.; Lorton (VA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 189,000; Full time

Job summary

Noblis ESI is seeking a Senior Watch Operator to provide 24/7 space operations watch standing support in a Fort Belvoir, VA environment. You will maintain the Common Operating Picture, brief senior officials, and coordinate with ground, space, and network teams to ensure integrated mission execution.

The role requires active TS/SCI clearance with CI poly, US citizenship, and advanced knowledge of orbital mechanics and NRO operations. Travel up to 10% and lifting up to 30 lbs are anticipated.

Qualifications

• Requires active TS/SCI with CI polygraph and US citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree with 12 years of relevant experience or Master's with 11 years, or 14 years with no degree.
• Experience with NRO MGS/IC operations and orbital mechanics preferred.
• Ability to maintain a Common Operating Picture for operational decision-making.
• Ability to brief senior officials and supervise in a 24/7 ops environment.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% and lift up to 30 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Provide 24/7 space operations watch standing support in an integrated space operations center.
• Maintain and update the Common Operating Picture for mission decision-making.
• Monitor NRO enterprise operations, data flow, and system integration.
• Serve as backup Mission Director as needed.
• Brief senior government officials and military leaders on status and issues.
• Coordinate with ground stations, satellite ops, and comms teams.

Skills

Clearance: TS/SCI with CI Poly

US Citizenship

24/7 watch operations

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in technical field

Master's degree in technical field

Equivalent 14 years of relevant experience

Tools

NRO MGS/IC operations

Orbital mechanics tooling

Job description

Responsibilities

Noblis ESI is seeking a Senior Watch Operator to provide space operations watch standing support to mission functions in an integrated space operations center environment located in Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

The selected candidate will serve as a senior watch operator supporting 24/7 mission operations across ground segment, space segment, and network/communications integration. Drawing on deep expertise in NRO enterprise operations, orbital mechanics, and satellite operations, this role will maintain an accurate and timely Common Operating Picture to support mission decision-making and will serve as a qualified backup Mission Director in the event the Mission Director is unavailable.

Responsibilities Include:

• Serve as a Senior Watch Operator in an integrated space operations center supporting 24/7 mission operations.
• Maintain an accurate and timely Common Operating Picture to support operational decision-making across ground segment, space segment, and network/communications layers.
• Monitor and assess NRO enterprise operations including system integration, dependencies, and data flow.
• Serve as a qualified backup Mission Director, trained and familiar with all NOC Mission Director responsibilities.
• Brief senior government officials and military leaders on operational status, issues, and mission impacts.
• Discern and respond to senior leader guidance and direction in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Coordinate with mission ground stations, satellite operations, and network/communications teams to ensure integrated mission execution.
• Identify, track, and communicate operational issues, anomalies, and risks to appropriate stakeholders.
• Support the development and implementation of watch standing TTPs and standard operating procedures.
• Coordinate with intelligence, planning, and engineering teams to support integrated mission execution.
• Maintain awareness of current and emerging threats to space systems and operations.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior watch operators.
• Support continuity of operations planning and execution.
• Document and report operational activities, issues, and resolutions in accordance with established procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with Counterintelligence (CI) Polygraph.
• US Citizenship is required.
• Bachelor's degree and 12 years of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise OR Master's degree and 11 years of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise OR 14 years of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise if no bachelor's degree is held.
• Degree within a relevant technical or operational field preferred.
• Demonstrated senior-level experience with NRO MGS/IC operations including system integration, dependencies, and data flow.
• Professional experience or education in advanced orbital mechanics.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a Common Operating Picture in a timely fashion to support operational decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to brief and advise senior government officials and military leaders.
• Experience discerning and responding to senior leader guidance in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Ability to serve as a qualified backup Mission Director with familiarity of all NOC Mission Director responsibilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to convey complex operational information clearly.
• Ability to work independently in a 24/7 operational environment across rotating shifts, to include nights and weekends.
• Travel up to 10% within US.
• Lift up to 30 lbs, walk, bend, drive.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience as a Mission Director or Deputy Mission Director in an NRO or IC operations center.
• Familiarity with NRO and USSPACECOM operational processes and organizational structures.
• Experience with space situational awareness systems and tools.
• Basic to intermediate knowledge of advanced orbital mechanics and satellite collision avoidance.
• Background in counterspace operations and associated threat analysis.
• Experience with IC collection management processes and tools.
• Familiarity with space enterprise coordination.
• Experience supporting 24/7 operations centers in a leadership or senior watch standing capacity.
• Background in ground segment, space segment, and network/communications integration.

Overview

Noblis and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Noblis ESI and Noblis MSD, take on some of the nation's toughest challenges, delivering advanced solutions to our customers' most critical missions. We bring together leading scientific, engineering, and management expertise in a culture grounded in objectivity and collaboration, ensuring our work creates lasting impact across federal missions.

We work with a broad range of government agencies in the defense, intelligence, and federal civilian sectors. Learn more and find opportunities at careers.noblis.org

Why Work at Noblis

At Noblis, we share a passion for excellence and innovation, and we create an environment where people can do meaningful work while maintaining the balance that keeps them energized and fulfilled. We seek out individuals with a natural curiosity and desire to collaborate and learn. We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we consistently seek exceptionally skilled, mission-driven professionals who care deeply about doing work that enriches lives and makes our nation safer.

Noblis has earned numerous workplace awards for our culture, our commitment to employee well-being, and our dedication to meaningful, impactful work. We also maintain a drug-free workplace.

Remote/hybrid status is subject to change based on Noblis and/or government requirements.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, pregnancy/childbirth and related medical conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us.

EEO is the Law | E-Verify | Right to Work

Total Rewards

At Noblis we recognize and reward your contributions, provide you with growth opportunities, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Benefits page on our Careers site.

Compensation at Noblis is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the combination of education, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, internal and external equity, location, clearance level, as well as contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The projected compensation range for this position is based on full time status. For part time or on-call staff, compensation is proportionately adjusted based on hours worked. While monetary compensation is important, it's just one component of Noblis' total compensation package.

Posted Salary Range

USD $120,700.00 - USD $188,725.00 /Yr.