Space Operations-ATC Operational SME

Cavan Solutions; Warrenton (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Cavan Solutions is seeking a senior air traffic control and traffic management expert to support FAA ATO Space Operations and CARF in Warrenton, VA. The role focuses on analysis, planning, coordination, and real-time mission support for launch/reentry operations within the NAS.

Responsibilities include developing mission analyses, airspace plans, NOTAM coordination, and training materials for FAA and industry stakeholders, with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of ATC, traffic management, or related ops.
• CPC certification required.
• Experience in NAS operations and NOTAMs.
• Experience with launch/reentry operations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support launch/reentry planning and mission execution.
• Analyze NAS impacts and airspace conflicts.
• Develop mission analyses and airspace plans.
• Coordinate with FAA facilities, NASA, DoD, operators.
• Provide real-time mission support and post-event reviews.

Skills

ATC experience

Traffic management

Operational analysis

Stakeholder coordination

Risk mitigation

NOTAM coordination

Education

ATC CPC certificate

Tools

NISIS

Job description

Job Description

Provide air traffic control and traffic management subject matter expertise to FAA ATO Space Operations and the Central Altitude Reservation Function. Support safe and efficient integration of commercial, civil, and national-security launch and reentry missions into the NAS through operational analysis, planning, coordination, documentation, and real-time mission support.

Work Location

Primarily on-site at the FAA Air Traffic Control System Command Center in Warrenton, Virginia. Mission support may also require coordination with launch/range locations, service centers, FAA facilities, NASA, DoD, and commercial operators.

Responsibilities

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Support ATO Space Operations and the CARF manager with launch and reentry planning, operational analysis, and mission execution.
• Analyze proposed launch and reentry missions to identify NAS impacts, airspace conflicts, capacity constraints, and mitigation opportunities.
• Develop operational-impact analyses for Launch Hazard Areas, Debris Response Areas, and second-stage reentry hazard areas.
• Prepare mission-specific maps and graphics using NISIS or applicable FAA tools.
• Develop and maintain Airspace Management Plans, mission timelines, traffic-management briefings, severe-weather notices, and related documentation.
• Coordinate with FAA facilities, service centers, AST, NASA, DoD, launch/range operators, commercial providers, and international ANSPs.
• Verify required domestic and international NOTAM coordination and support Letters of Agreement development and annual review.
• Brief mission risks, forecast conflicts, and recommended mitigation options to FAA and external stakeholders.
• Provide real-time support for nominal, off-nominal, scrubbed, and rescheduled launch/reentry operations.
• Conduct post-event reviews and recommend updates to SOPs, Airspace Management Plans, training, and future mission procedures.
• Support integration of UAS and other new entrants when they affect Space Operations or NAS mission planning.
• Develop and deliver training and briefing packages for FAA, launch/range operators, and NAS stakeholders.
• Participate in working groups, tabletop exercises, Safety Risk Management Panels, and continuous-improvement activities.
• Maintain mission documentation, reports, presentations, and lessons learned.

Qualifications

Qualified applicants must possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible air traffic control, traffic management, military operations, airspace management, or directly related operational experience.
• Certified Professional Controller background with experience in an ARTCC, TMU, ATCSCC, service center, military operations function, or comparable high-complexity environment.
• Experience as a TMC, STMC, TMO, NTMS, NTMO, Military Operations Specialist, CARF specialist, airspace specialist, operations manager, or comparable professional.
• Demonstrated knowledge of NAS operations, special-use airspace, altitude reservations, launch/reentry operations, hazard-area protection, NOTAMs, and operational risk mitigation.
• Experience supporting commercial space, NASA, DoD, UAS, CARF, AST, launch/range operators, or international coordination is strongly preferred.
• Experience with NISIS or comparable mapping and airspace-analysis tools preferred.
• Ability to develop mission analyses, maps, Airspace Management Plans, LOAs, SOPs, briefings, and training materials.
• Strong coordination and communication skills for FAA, military, industry, and international stakeholders.
• Ability to obtain and maintain any clearance required for assigned mission support.
• Ability to support time-critical operations, changing mission schedules, occasional off-hours coverage, and travel when required.

Education

• Holds or previously held ATC Certified Professional Controller (CPC) certificate

Travel

• Project related travel as required

Cavan Solutions

Cavan Solutions is a woman-owned aviation consulting company that combines systems engineering, operational expertise, and government business acumen to realize benefits of the evolving National Airspace System (NAS).

Our principals are recognized leaders who successfully managed billion-dollar air traffic system modernization programs; participated in concept exploration, R&D, and field trials of NextGen technologies; and successfully navigated the technical, procedural, fiscal, and political complexities of deploying new systems and capabilities.

Many core NAS systems have been modernized which shifts the focus of continued evolution from development to integration. Cavan Solutions’ significant experience aligns perfectly with an integration focus. We offer support services that “connect the dots” to integrate, optimize and realize benefits for new capabilities. We are hands‑on trusted advisors to aviation stakeholders.