Space Operations Manager

Socket.dev

Norfolk (VA)

On-site

USD 104,000 - 150,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking an experienced program manager to support NATO space capability projects within ACT space governance. You will work across branches to align requirements, develop artefacts, and drive milestones for space-related programmes.

The role requires NATO-related experience, multilateral collaboration, and travel for key meetings. On-site collaboration at partnered locations is expected, with a focus on delivering capability roadmaps and operational planning support.

Qualifications

Minimum 5 years in NATO capability development or defence programme management.
Minimum 3 years in NATO or national space operations.
Experience with space operations integration in NATO contexts.
Knowledge of NATO Space policy and CPP governance.
3+ years' experience with C2 systems in the last 10 years.
Experience with multinational programmes and governance bodies.
PM/PPM experience in complex environments.

Responsibilities

Support the ACT Space Branch PMT in delivering the NATO Space Capability Programme across all tranches.
Integrate space capabilities into Space operational planning and execution activities.
Coordinate requirements and feedback between STC, SHAPE, ACT, NCIA and national space bodies.
Develop programme artefacts: proposals, plans, reviews, risk registers, dashboards.
Support validation of CPP capabilities and their integration into command-and-control structures.
Assist with space capabilities synchronization and dependency management.
Contribute to governance activities and senior leader engagements.
Travel up to 30 days per year for meetings and conferences.

Skills

NATO capability development

Programme management

Defence acquisition

Space operations integration

C2 systems knowledge

Multinational governance

Risk management

Education

University degree in systems engineering, computer science, aerospace engineering

Tools

IBM Rational DOORS

Job description

Spektrum supports apex purchasers (NATO, UN, EU and National Government and Defence) and their Tier 1 supplier ecosystem with a wide range of specialist services. We provide our clients with professional services, specialised aerospace and defence sales, delivery, and operational subject matter expertise. We are looking for personnel to join our team and support key client projects.

Who we are supporting

Allied Command Transformation (ACT) is NATO’s leading agent for change: driving, facilitating, and advocating the continuous improvement of Alliance capabilities to maintain and enhance the military relevance and effectiveness of the Alliance. The main objectives of ACT are: providing appropriate support to NATO missions and operations; leading NATO military transformation; and improving relationships, interaction and practical cooperation with partners, nations and international organisations. ACT therefore leads Alliance concept development, capability development, training and lessons-learned initiatives and provides unfettered military support to policy development within NATO.

The program

Capability Development & Management Support (CDMS)

DCOS Capability Development (CAPDEV) acts as the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation's Director for guidance, direction and coordination of the activities and resources of the Capability Development Directorate.

The Requirements Division

The Requirements Division will execute all tasks and activities needed to support requirements management for NATO capabilities

The Capability Requirements (CR) Branch

The Capability Requirements (CR) Branch will develop the Capability Requirements Brief and recommended courses of action to resolve issues through the life cycle management of requirements using matrixed, cross-functional project-specific Requirements Management teams.

The Requirements Forward Branch (Mons)

The Requirements Forward Branch (Mons) is responsible for conducting requirements development and management representation and engagement-related functions in Europe.

The Capability Division

The Capability Division coordinates the development of capabilities from capability planning through acceptance and then disposal with management entities, NATO Headquarters staff and the NATO Governance Structure

The Capability Forward Branch (Mons)

The Capability Forward Branch (Mons) coordinates with ACO, NCIA, NSPA, NATO HQ, territorial Host Nations, and NATO Centres of Excellence (COEs) to support the development of capabilities.

Strategic Plans and Policy (SPP)

supports Allied Command Transformation in formalizing military advice to shape future military strategy, political guidance, and other policy documents supporting NATO’s strategic objectives.

Role ID: ACT-CDMS-26-02C-LC53

Role Duties and Responsibilities

Support the ACT Space Branch PMT in the delivery, synchronization, and implementation of the NATO Space Capability Programme (CPP) across all tranches and associated projects.
Support Space Theatre Component (STC) in integrating NATO Space capabilities into Space operational planning and execution activities.
Coordinate operational requirements and user feedback between STC, SHAPE, ACT, NCIA, NSPA, and national space organizations.
Support the development, refinement, and implementation of programme artefacts, including project proposals, implementation plans, programme reviews, risk registers, dashboards, and capability roadmaps.
Support operational validation of CPP capabilities and their integration into NATO command-and-control structures.
Support the synchronization of Operational Space Support (OSS), Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Space Domain Coordination (SDC) capabilities and associated dependencies.
Assist in the development of operational procedures, playbooks and coordination mechanisms for space-enabled operations including Space capabilities considerations.
Support training, exercises and experimentation activities involving space capabilities.
Contribute to programme governance activities, PMT meetings, Bi-SC coordination mechanisms, and senior leader engagements.
Assist with the identification and prioritization of operational capability gaps and associated requirements.
Contribute to the assessment of operational impacts and lessons learned related to the employment of space capabilities.
Support the identification, analysis and mitigation of programme risks, interdependencies, and critical paths across all space projects.
Support NATO exercises, operational experimentation, evaluations, and lessons learned activities involving Space capabilities.
Support experimentation, wargaming, operational demonstrations and exercises, including Arctic Sentry, Cosmic Sentinel, and/or related activities.
Contribute to operational acceptance activities, readiness assessments, and transition planning.
Support engagement with industry and commercial space actors in support of NATO Commercial Space Strategy implementation.
Prepare briefings, analyses, and recommendations for the STC leadership and support the PMT efforts and briefings.
Directly supports the STC and will be required to travel to meetings and conferences both within and outside NATO’s boundaries for up to 30 days per year.
Performs additional tasks as required by the COTR (in HQ SACT) in close coordination with the STC leadership related to the LABOR category.

Essential Skills and Experience

Minimum 5 years’ experience within NATO capability development, programme management, or defence acquisition.
Minimum 3 years of operational experience within NATO or national space operations.
Demonstrated experience in space operations integration within NATO or national commands.
Demonstrated knowledge of NATO Space policy, CPP governance and PMT processes.
Demonstrate a minimum of 3 years operational knowledge of C2 systems within the last 10 years either as a military officer or as a civilian.
Experience supporting multinational programmes and senior-level governance bodies.
Programme and Project Management experience in the past 10 years within a complex and dynamic programme environment.
Working knowledge of Configuration Management methods and practices.
Working knowledge of Capability Architectures.
Experience with IBM Rational DOORS or equivalent (provide certificates).

Education