Mission Operations Manager

The Operations Manager serves as a critical member of the leadership team, providing strategic direction, operational excellence, and mission-focused oversight for the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Communications Services program under AEGIS. This role is responsible for integrating all operational and engineering functions to ensure reliable, secure, and high-performing communications services that directly support NASA's launch operations, mission success, and the broader spaceflight community.

The successful candidate will lead a diverse technical workforce, drive continuous improvement initiatives, oversee service delivery performance, and foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and customer satisfaction. This position requires a leader who can effectively balance strategic planning with hands-on operational execution in a dynamic, high-visibility environment.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline and 10 years of relevant experience.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered, including:
  • Master's degree with 8 years of experience.
  • Ph.D. with 5 years of experience.
  • 14 years of directly related experience in lieu of a degree.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing complex technical operations and multidisciplinary teams.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with customers, senior leadership, and personnel at all organizational levels.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with a proven ability to foster collaboration across departments and stakeholder groups.
• Proven ability to organize, lead, motivate, and develop large teams in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Excellent time management, prioritization, and organizational skills.
• Ability to operate effectively under pressure, make sound decisions, and resolve complex operational challenges.
• Self-starter with a strong sense of urgency, accountability, and commitment to mission success.
• Demonstrated project and program management experience, including planning, execution, risk management, and resource coordination.
• Flexibility to support operational demands and critical mission activities as required.
• Commitment to exceeding customer expectations and achieving contract performance objectives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience supporting Kennedy Space Center communications and operational systems.
• Direct experience with KSC Voice Systems, including:
  • PAWS (Paging and Area Warning System)
  • Emergency Communications LAWI System
  • OIS-M and OIS-Q2
  • Direct and Trunked Radio Systems
  • Voice Recording Systems
• Direct experience with KSC Video Systems, including:
  • Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD) video systems
  • Infrared (IR) systems, including MOODY software
  • IP-based camera systems
  • Telemetric camera control systems
• Experience supporting KSC imagery and tracking systems, including:
  • KTM Optical Trackers
  • 16mm and 35mm Photosonic camera systems
  • High-Speed Digital Cameras
  • POCS II Control Systems
• Experience overseeing KSC telecommunications infrastructure, including copper and fiber optic networks, with responsibilities spanning:
  • Requirements development and engineering design reviews
  • Cost estimating and budget forecasting
  • Installation oversight and schedule management
  • Project execution and closeout activities
• Experience leading operational readiness reviews, incident management activities, and service restoration efforts.
• Proven ability to conduct Post-Incident Reviews (PIRs) and Root Cause Analyses (RCAs), identify systemic improvements, and implement corrective actions across operational environments.
• Experience incorporating lessons learned into operational processes and communicating key findings and recommendations to customers, leadership, and technical teams.
• Familiarity with NASA mission operations, launch support environments, and government-contractor partnerships.

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The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.