Senior Director, LEO Satellite Operations

Main Responsibilities

Lead the development of the Operations Concept for the Lightspeed Constellation Satellite Operations.

Lead the team refining the system requirements for all elements of the Lightspeed SOC including real-time command and telemetry processing, flight dynamics system, space situational awareness, data storage and analytics, ground encryption, constellation management and operations automation.

Oversee the selection of suppliers including evaluation of make-buy solutions as appropriate to meet the overall SOC system requirements, budget and schedule.

Engage in close collaboration with the Lightspeed satellite manufacturer to ensure that satellite operations deliverables are provided as required to support the SOC system development and provide guidance for the development of satellite operations procedures.

Oversee the development and validation of the SOC systems, processes and procedures.

Define the Satellite Operations organization structure, staffing and training plans to ensure that appropriate resources are in place to support the system development and operations working in close collaboration with other departments as needed to secure required support and resources.

Define and manage the SOC detailed development and deployment schedule to identify critical paths, schedule risks and mitigation strategies.

Coordinate with the Program Management Office and other program stakeholders to ensure the SOC interfaces with other segments (Network Operations, Landing Station Network) and deployment plan is aligned with the overall program requirements.

Develop mission operations procedures and processes for LEOP, Orbit Raising and In-Orbit validation and conduct appropriate training and rehearsals.

Develop and implement robust automation of operational processes to minimize operations team size and ensure highly reliable operations of the satellites in the constellation.

Education & Experience Required

Bachelors degree in Engineering, Science or Mathematics

More that 20 years of leadership experience in spacecraft operations systems development and on orbit operations with specific experience in LEO constellation satellite operations

10+ years of experience managing a team of direct reports

Expertise in LEO satellite constellation operations development and deployment

Expertise in satellite control systems, flight dynamics systems and managing space situational awareness

Strong leadership, team building, staff development and mentoring skills

Strong technical, presentation, interpersonal, written and communication skills

Decision Making and Supervision

Evaluate solutions and select solution

Perform technical and programmatic assessments and provide risk assessments, recommendations and advice to the senior management team

Assess operational plans, anomaly responses and direct critical responses as required

Oversee satellite operations team including managers and their reports

Build and mentor a new team