DTE Operations Manager / Space Communications Program

Peraton is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead Direct to Earth (DTE) operations at Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) under the Space Exploration Network Service and Evolution (SENSE) contract. This role requires a strong understanding of NASA mission needs, operational excellence, and leadership in a dynamic environment. The selected candidate will ensure technical, cost, and schedule compliance while driving continuous improvement and maintaining high standards of safety and performance.  The DTE operates several large parabolic dish antennas to support Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit, and highly elliptical ordering spacecraft to download telemetry and other science data. 

 

This position will be responsible for the following:

• Manage and direct all aspects of DTE operations, including NASA-owned and commercial elements, ensuring compliance with contractual metrics.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, including technical and administrative activities, and resolve operational issues promptly. This includes the Global Monitoring and Control Center (GMaCC).
• Collaborate with DTE engineering teams to address ground station system requirements and operational needs.
• Provide technical expertise and practical engineering judgment to support mission-critical operations.
• Act as the primary point of contact for NASA and other stakeholders regarding operational performance and issue resolution.
• Lead review sessions with customers to assess operational status and performance metrics.
• Establish milestones and manage adherence to master plans and schedules in alignment with task order scope and deliverables.
• Ensure compliance with NASA safety standards, regulatory requirements, and cybersecurity protocols.
• Support proposal development, including subcontractor statements of work and specifications.
• Perform monthly financial forecasts, variance analyses, and cost control measures.
• Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Develop and monitor KPIs to ensure operational efficiency and reliability.
• Lead and mentor DTE operations staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.
• Oversee training programs to maintain workforce proficiency and readiness.
• Direct troubleshooting and recovery efforts during operational anomalies.
• Maintain accurate operational logs and compliance documentation for audits and reviews.
• Lead DTE coordination and support for Human Spaceflight activities.

Required Qualifications:

• Education/Experience: degree in engineering, science, or related technical field and relevant experience as follows: 5 years of technical management experience with BS/BA; 7 years' experience with AA/AS degree; in lieu of degree, 8+ years of directly related experience is allowable.
• Experience with 24x7 operations and Collective Bargaining Agreement environments.
• Knowledge of NASA DTE operations, satellite ground station systems, mission management, and system integration.
• Ability to perform financial planning and cost analysis.
• This position requires a “Public Trust” background check with the ability to obtain a Secret Security clearance, which requires a US citizen.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years of NASA industry experience.
• Strong management, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proven business development acumen and success in proposal efforts.

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world’s leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can’t be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we’re keeping people around the world safe and secure.

$80,000 - $128,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.