Launch Flight Operations Specialist

Launch Flight Operations Specialist

LOCATION: Cape Canaveral, FL

JOB STATUS: Full-time

CLEARANCE: TS/SCI

CERTIFICATION: N/A

TRAVEL: As Needed

Astrion is seeking an experienced Launch Flight Operations Specialist (LFOS) – Level III to provide senior-level mission integration, day-of-launch planning, rehearsal, and execution support for National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and other Office of Space Launch (OSL) sponsored missions. This role is responsible for the coordination, integration, and execution of NOPS operations and Day-of-Launch (DoL) mission requirements, supporting cradle-to-grave launch activities. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in space launch systems, launch operations, and mission control networks, with the ability to brief and advise senior Government leadership. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Level III (G3) qualification with all LFOS Level II requirements met

• Proven experience supporting Day-of-Launch planning, rehearsals, and execution for space launch missions

• Strong working knowledge of space launch systems, processes, and operations

• Experience coordinating with Space Vehicle (SV) programs, Launch Vehicle (LV) contractors, launch bases, and Range organizations

• Demonstrated ability to integrate mission requirements into government and/or commercial launch infrastructure

• Experience preparing and supporting readiness reviews, mission rehearsals, and anomaly resolution

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including briefing senior Government leadership

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Substantive experience providing risk assessments and risk-management recommendations to program and mission managers

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Government agencies and mission partners

• Expert-level knowledge of Day-of-Launch planning and execution, including LV–SV interfaces

• Experience supporting launch operations at NOPS, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCAFS), and/or Vandenberg Space Force Base (VAFB)

• Ability to mentor and provide guidance to Level II LFOS personnel

• Experience developing and delivering briefings, presentations, and written products for large or senior-level audiences

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide day-of-launch planning, rehearsal, and execution support for assigned NRO and OSL-sponsored missions

• Serve as the focal point for coordination, integration, and execution of NOPS and Day-of-Launch mission requirements

• Coordinate closely with SV programs, LV service contractors, launch bases, Range organizations, and associated mission partners

• Support mission integration planning, technical reviews, and readiness review preparation

• Coordinate technical procedures, support anomaly resolution, and integrate mission requirements into Government and commercial launch infrastructure

• Provide mission and Day-of-Launch support, including Lessons Learned adjudication

• Develop, update, and standardize Day-of-Launch (DoL) processes, procedures, and products used by OSL launch personnel

• Coordinate with Eastern and Western Range, LV contractors, and SMC program offices on updates to the DoL Concept of Operations (ConOps)

• Ensure DoL ConOps changes are incorporated into Mission Manager launch preparations and exercised during rehearsals

• Provide Mission Control Operations planning, integration, and operational support for NRO launch and rehearsal operations

• Support configuration and verification of mission control networks at NOPS, CCAFS, and VAFB, including secure and non-secure voice, data, video, timing, and network circuits

• Support training simulations, network simulations, integrated crew exercises, mission dress rehearsals, troubleshooting, processing, and launch operations