Mission Planner Operations SME

About the Role

The Mission Planner Operations SME will develop and execute mission plans, ensuring effective optical surveillance operations to meet strategic and operational objectives. This role translates higher-headquarters tasking into actionable operations while supporting crew and mission success. The position aligns with Cayuse’s core values of Innovation, Excellence, Collaboration, Adaptability, and Integrity by fostering technical solutions, promoting teamwork, and prioritizing quality in deliverables.

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.

Requirements

The qualifications and skills listed below are intended to provide a general overview of the requirements for this position. Additional qualifications may be identified and requested upon award of the task order. Candidates should demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to adapt to evolving responsibilities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Operations Research, or a related field. Equivalent military or space operations experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in space operations, mission planning, space situational awareness (SSA)/space domain awareness (SDA), orbital analysis, sensor operations, or a related area such as command-and-control operations.
• Ability to perform operational reporting and effectively support crew coordination.
• Hands-on expertise or 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.

Skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communication.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with high-level attention to detail.
• Proven ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities; adaptable to change and a quick learner.
• Self-motivated and able to work well independently as well as on a multi-functional team.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Proficient in MS Office, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Demonstrated proficiency in mission planning, task prioritization, optical sensor concepts, orbital/space operations, and decision-making under time pressure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Site Mission Planner or applicable sensor qualification, which must be obtained post-hire.
• Previous formal training or experience in orbital analysis, space domain awareness, or space operations principles.
• Adeptness in working within a mission-critical, fast-paced operational environment and balancing multiple mission priorities in real-time.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance; Wellness Program.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter).
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability options.
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Company Provided).
• Voluntary Life and AD&D options.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with matching after one year.
• Paid Time Off.

Pay

USD $150,000.00 - USD $190,000.00 /Yr.

Working Conditions

• Remote desert and range environment with limited immediate services and facilities.
• Exposure to extreme environmental conditions, including high temperatures during the day, cold temperatures at night, wind, dust storms, and other weather-related challenges.
• Working in operational and technical spaces such as equipment rooms and maintenance areas.
• Use of stairs and ladders is often required to access certain areas of the site or equipment.
• Operating in confined spaces with strict adherence to safety protocols.
• 24/7 operational readiness, with an expectation of occasional after-hours support for incidents, exercises, deadlines, and travel obligations.
• Must safely operate in proximity to sensitive and classified optical, mechanical, and electrical systems.
• Physically and mentally capable of extended work periods, including responding to incidents, performing tests, and adhering to operational readiness requirements.
• Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed to meet the demands of this position.
• Must be able to establish a productive and professional workspace.
• May be asked to work a flexible schedule which may include holidays.
• May be asked to travel for business or professional development purposes.
• May be asked to work hours outside of normal business hours.