Director, Space Operations

YOUR MISSION

Space is no longer a sanctuary it's a contested domain where adversaries are rapidly advancing their capabilities. As Director of Space Operations, you will stand at the frontline of space security, leading the team that operates True Anomaly's constellation and executes some of the most technically challenging missions ever attempted on-orbit. You'll command an elite cadre of space operations engineers and analysts who don't just monitor satellites, they hunt threats, execute precision rendezvous operations, and deliver actionable intelligence that protects critical space assets. This isn't traditional satellite operations. This is the future of space warfare, and you'll be writing the playbook while executing high-stakes missions that directly impact national security. If you've ever wanted to lead operations that matter, where every decision counts and the mission is real, this is it. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Mission Operations Leadership 

• Lead and grow the Space Operations team, including space operations engineers and analysts 
• Own mission execution across all phases: LEOP, commissioning, on-orbit operations, contingency operations, and end-of-life 
• Act as the senior operational decision authority during mission execution, anomalies, and time-critical events 
• Establish and enforce operational standards, procedures, and discipline consistent with flight safety and mission assurance best practices 
• Develop and implement operational concepts, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for spacecraft operations and RPO missions 

Technical & Strategic Oversight 

• Define and execute the long-term space operations strategy aligned with company growth, constellation scale, and mission complexity 
• Develop scalable CONOPS, operations architectures, staffing models, and automation strategies to support expanding mission portfolios 
• Oversee orbit determination, maneuver planning, conjunction assessment, and spacecraft performance monitoring 
• Guide the development of automation tools, mission planning software, and analytical capabilities to enhance operational efficiency 
• Provide subject matter expertise to ground system development, flight software design, and GNC/autonomy architecture decisions 
• Lead post-mission analysis and continuous improvement initiatives to evolve operational processes and capabilities 

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Partner with engineering, product, and software development teams to translate operational needs into technical requirements 
• Collaborate with business development and program management to shape customer missions and operational service offerings 
• Support developmental and operational test planning, user acceptance testing, and requirements definition for mission operations software 
• Interface with government customers, partners, and stakeholders on operational concepts and mission execution 

Organizational Development 

• Build and mentor a diverse, high-performing operations team capable of executing missions in high-pressure environments 
• Establish training programs, operational procedures, flight rules, and certification standards for operations personnel 
• Foster a culture of operational excellence, innovation, and continuous learning 
• Develop career pathways and technical growth opportunities for operations team members 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Space Studies, or related technical field 
• 10+ years of experience in spacecraft operations, with at least 5 years in leadership roles 
• Proven track record leading multi-satellite operations, rendezvous and proximity operations, or space situational awareness missions 
• Deep understanding of astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, space control operations, and spacecraft subsystems 
• Experience managing real-time mission operations in high-stakes, time-critical environments 
• Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and develop technical teams 
• Strong strategic thinking with ability to balance operational demands, technical innovation, and team development 
• Excellent communication skills with ability to brief senior leadership, customers, and cross-functional teams 
• Active TS/SCI clearance or ability to obtain and maintain 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Space Studies, Operations Research, or related field 
• Background in military space operations, particularly Space Force or Air Force space operations squadrons 
• Experience with on-orbit servicing, space domain awareness, or defensive space operations 
• Track record developing operational concepts and TTPs for emerging space mission areas 
• Familiarity with agile software development, DevOps practices, and modern mission operations architectures 
• Experience with DoD test and evaluation processes 
• Understanding of ITAR/export control compliance in operational environments 

COMPENSATION

• Base Salary: $195,000-$240,000 
• Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave 

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work Location—this role will be fully onsite in our Colorado Springs office.
• Work environment—the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
• Physical demands—the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsite