Spacecraft Operations Engineer

Job Overview

This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PM MDT, 13 September 2026. This position is part of the Operations Cadre team in the Integrated Experiments and Evaluation Division at the Air Force Research Lab Space Warfare Directorate(AFRL/RJE). Our division designs, builds, tests, and operates experimental satellites supporting the Air Force and Space Force. This position is an opportunity to lead operations and serve on the flight operations team for one-of-a-kind missions presenting unique challenges. Operations experience is highly desirable.

Position Duties Include, But Not Limited To

• Manages and works all aspects of satellite operations and operations readiness, from crew recruitment/training, orchestrating ops processes and schedules, writing documents and procedures, establishing flight rules, ensuring tools are in place, and conducting on-console operations as a member of an ops crew.
• Works with Program Managers, Principal Investigators, Chief Engineers, ground and planning tool developers, and other crew members by leading Ops IPTs to coordinate readiness operations and execution activities.
• Develops mission plans, training materials, final reports, status reports, readiness briefs, and other communication products; delivers/briefs leadership, crew members, stakeholders, and others.
• Captures and coordinates with external partners as needed to execute mission and science objectives.
• Leads training programs for on-console flight personnel from development through execution and crew certification.
• Conducts exercises and rehearsals prior to the launch of a space mission.
• Develops and executes evaluation criteria and training materials for satellite console positions.
• May serve as a Flight Director, holding delegated satellite control authority and responsibility for mission crews and on-orbit satellites.
• May serves as a Mission Planner, responsible for satellite payload activities and planning at both short term and long term horizons.
• May serve as a Systems SME, responsible for being technical experts in various subsystems, ensuring safe operations, and being the first to call in the event of satellite anomalies.
• May be required to be on-call and readily available in the area to respond to operational needs.
• Continuously works to gain and improve knowledge of satellite mission operations readiness and on-orbit operations through partnering with other satellite operations organizations.

Required Qualifications

• United States Citizenship.
• Must possess a professional engineering degree from an ABET accredited academic institution.
• This position is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position requiring Level II certification in Science and Technology Management (STM), Engineering, or Program Management.
• The selectee will have 24-months to meet APDP requirements or a waiver must be obtained.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong communications and negotiation skills.
• Strong leadership and problem solving skills.
• Experience in one or more areas of spacecraft or space launch operations (military or civilian), spacecraft systems engineering, or spacecraft assembly, integration and test (AI&T).
• Experience developing training materials and training personnel to a new subject matter area.
• Experience teaming with Dept. of Air Force civilian and military personnel, other DoD services, support contractors, and industry.

Telework

Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy.

Additional Information

Instructions on how to submit your resume or documents are provided in the automated email you will receive once you apply. Candidates with resumes longer than 2-pages will not be considered. Resume must explicitly describe work history and duties performed to determine position qualifications. Must use MM/DD/YYYY date format for experience entries on resume.

Requisition Number

00288

Posting End Date

09/13/2026