Space Operations-ATC Operational SME

About the role

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. 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. Project related travel as required.

Responsibilities

• 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

• U.S. citizenship.
• 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