Manager, Ground Operations

Pace Industries, LLC; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 151,141 - 207,841; Full time

Job summary

Pace Industries, LLC is seeking an experienced Senior Manager of Ground Operations in Louisville, Kentucky. The ideal candidate will lead spacecraft processing activities and drive operational excellence through effective leadership and strategic alignment with mission objectives.

Responsibilities include overseeing spacecraft integration with launch vehicles, managing ground operations teams, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. The position requires strong leadership skills and the ability to work under pressure in time-critical situations.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant experience in spacecraft operations or launch integration.
• 5+ years in a managerial role overseeing technical teams.
• Experience with spacecraft transportation logistics and handling of flight hardware.
• Knowledge of clean room protocols and hazardous operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team responsible for spacecraft ground operations.
• Direct spacecraft processing from receipt through launch.
• Oversee integration of spacecraft with launch vehicles.
• Implement hazardous operations procedures for propellant loading.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager of Ground Operations to lead spacecraft processing activities related to transportation, handling, prelaunch operations, and launch vehicle integration. The ideal candidate will drive operational excellence through effective leadership of ground operations teams, implementation of process improvements, and strategic alignment with mission objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and develop a team of direct and matrixed engineers, technicians, and specialists responsible for all aspects of spacecraft ground operations
• Define and implement strategic direction for ground operations, including planning, investment, operations, compliance, and asset management
• Develop and implement command media policies, processes, and lifecycle concepts of operations
• Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement

Pre‑Launch Processing

• Direct all aspects of spacecraft processing from receipt through launch, including initial inspections and functional testing of spacecraft systems, integration of payloads and scientific instruments, propellant loading and pressurization operations, final electrical and mechanical checkouts, and spacecraft configuration management for launch
• Ensure Flight Support Equipment (FSE) readiness for campaign operations
• Ensure proper handling, transportation, and logistics of high‑value flight hardware

Launch Vehicle Integration

• Oversee the integration of spacecraft with launch vehicles, including mating to adapters, encapsulation within payload fairings, and interface verification
• Ensure proper validation of Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and compliance with launch provider requirements
• Lead resolution of technical interface issues between spacecraft and launch vehicles
• Coordinate with launch vehicle teams and range operations for successful integration

Safety & Quality Assurance

• Implement and enforce hazardous operations procedures for propellant loading and other critical activities
• Maintain clean room protocols to prevent contamination
• Ensure compliance with range safety requirements and quality standards
• Conduct risk assessments for non‑standard operations
• Document all processing activities and anomalies
• Implement lessons learned into procedures and processes

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Interface with launch vehicle teams, range operations, and mission/flight operations
• Coordinate with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and other stakeholders
• Represent ground operations to external stakeholders including program customers and launch providers
• Facilitate communication between all stakeholders during launch campaigns

Operational Excellence

• Develop and optimize processing flows for efficiency, quality, and cost‑effectiveness
• Manage schedules and resources for processing activities
• Track and report on key performance metrics to executive leadership
• Lead change management initiatives related to technology implementation and process improvements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field
• Typically 8+ years of relevant experience in spacecraft operations, launch integration, or related aerospace field
• 5+ years in a managerial or leadership role overseeing technical teams
• Demonstrated knowledge of spacecraft systems, launch vehicle interfaces, and ground support equipment
• Experience with spacecraft transportation logistics and handling of flight hardware
• Knowledge of clean room protocols and contamination control
• Experience with hazardous operations including propellant loading and pressurization and critical lifts
• Experience with launch site operations at major ranges (Cape Canaveral, Vandenberg, etc.)
• Familiarity with range safety requirements and launch site operations
• Strong leadership, collaboration and team development skills
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in time‑critical situations

Working Conditions

• Will require travel to launch sites and test facilities (up to 25%)
• May require extended hours during critical mission phases and launch campaigns
• Work in controlled environments including clean rooms and hazardous processing facilities
• Occasional exposure to outdoor elements at launch

Compensation

Pay Range: $151,141.00 - $207,841.00

Important Notice

To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.