Operations Chief

Peraton is seeking an Operations Chief for the Deep Space Network (DSN) program in our Monrovia, CA location in support of NASA/JPL.

The Deep Space Network is NASA's international array of giant radio antennas that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions, plus a few that orbit Earth. The DSN also provides radar and radio astronomy observations that improve our understanding of the solar system and the larger universe. The antennas of the Deep Space Network are the indispensable link to explorers venturing beyond the moon — providing the crucial connection for commanding spacecraft and receiving their never-before-seen images and scientific data, propelling our understanding of the universe, our solar system, and ultimately, our place within it.

The Operations Chief is operationally and administratively responsible to the NOCC Manager, with real-time monitor and control authority over the NOCC and real-time resource management of DSN assets — including all operational ground station antennas and related subsystems. 

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Senior DSN O&M Contract management representative outside of normal business hours.
• Act as the central point of contact for real-time coordination issues, including DSN resource scheduling conflicts, resource allocation during spacecraft emergencies or loss of real-time assets, JPL/Peraton management notifications, NOCC facility evacuations, and NOCC safety issues.
• Monitor real-time data delivery performance and data quality from DSN ground station equipment and related subsystems, resolving performance shortfalls as they arise.
• Continuously evaluate and document NOCC processes and procedures for improvement, including generating, updating, and retiring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ISO work instructions, and other NOCC documentation.
• Participate in network testing and training across the NOCC and DSN, including maintaining certification training matrices, training assigned personnel, and staying current on new equipment and processes.
• Facilitate problem isolation, troubleshooting, and resolution of voice and data flow impacts to the DSN user community, including management escalations and notifications as needed.
• Generate reports, logs, and metrics per the DSN O&M task description, including daily/weekly/monthly reports and monthly performance metrics.
• Represent the NOCC in JPL/Peraton meetings and reviews, such as Mission Readiness Reviews, Peer Reviews, Task Readiness Reviews, town halls, and mission planning meetings.
• Set performance objectives and conduct evaluations, performance improvement plans, on-the-job training, mentorship, and leadership for direct reports.
• Lead and participate in Six Sigma / Greenbelt initiatives to improve DSN processes and procedures.
• Assume the role of Link Control Operator (LCO) during real-time emergency/triage situations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the NOCC Manager.

Required Qualifications

• 2 years with BS/BA; 0 years with MS/MA; 6 years with no degree
• Must be able to obtain a trusted background check and pass a National Criminal Information Check (NCIC).
• Must be a U.S. Citizen with proof of citizenship (required to obtain the applicable security clearance/trust designation).
• Must possess and maintain a valid California REAL ID driver's license.
• Willingness and ability to work off-hours, on-call, weekend, and emergency-response shifts as required by real-time NOCC operations.

Desired Qualifications

• Prior experience with NASA/JPL, DSN, or other real-time mission operations/control center environments.
• Prior supervisory or team-lead experience, including performance management and mentorship.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 process documentation standards.
• Six Sigma / Greenbelt certification or equivalent process-improvement experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent teamwork and cross-functional collaboration skills.