Launch Flight Operations Specialist

VTG is looking for a Launch Flight Operations Specialist in Los Angeles CA.

In general, the Launch Flight Operations Specialist provides day-of-launch planning, rehearsal and execution of launch and initialization activities for assigned missions. Missions assigned could be either NRO or other OSL sponsored programs. LFOS is accountable for the overall coordination, integration and execution of NOPS and day-of-launch mission requirements. Requires close coordination with the SV Program, LV service contractor, launch base, Range, and other associated contractors and organizations. Duties include project and mission requirements, technical reviews, mission integration planning coordination/support, Range coordination, readiness review preparation, technical procedure coordination, anomaly resolution, integration of mission requirements into government or commercial infrastructure, mission/DOL support and Lessons Learned adjudication. LFOS is responsible for developing, updating, and standardizing Day-of-Launch (DoL) processes, procedures, and products used by OSL launch personnel. LFOS coordinates with Eastern and Western Range, launch vehicle contractor, and SMC program office personnel on the implementation of changes to the DoL Concept of Operations (ConOps), and ensures DoL ConOps changes are reflected in OSL Mission Manager launch day preparations and exercised in rehearsals. Mission Control Operations tasks support includes planning, integration, and operational support to the Government team for NRO day-of-launch and rehearsal operations to establish the configuration of a mission control network for support of OSL operations at NOPS, CCAFS and VAFB. These operations include but are not limited to processing and support facility verification, training simulation, network simulation, integrated crew exercises, mission dress rehearsals, troubleshooting, processing and launch operations. The mission control network consists of the communications links (secure and non-secure voice, data, video, timing, and fax circuits) within the respective range (Eastern Range and/or Western Range) and between NOPS/AFSCN and inter-range facilities.

LFOS tasks include:
* Provide technical, programmatic, planning and execution support to coordinate with NRO programs for the planning, preparation, and execution of readiness exercises for initialization and early orbit activities
* Assist in the development of the launch support concept by mission to deliver the launch constraint criteria by mission to develop rehearsal scenarios and scripts
* Assist in new user operations integration into the operational baseline by addressing launch and on-orbit operations requirements
* Provide independent assessment of OSL readiness to support launch
* Provide on-console technical support
* Prepare and track action items and lessons learned following each readiness event and launch
* Maintain insight into definition, development, tracking and reporting results of operational support metrics
* Assess operational impacts of AFSCN/range upgrades and operational modifications
* Provide independent insight and feedback to management on the state of operations
* Provide DoL Integration Support to the Mission Director
* Maintain the Baseline OSL Day-of-Launch Plan, incorporating changes and best practices of each launch campaign to support OSL Mission Manager launch day preparations
* Assist OSL Mission Managers in the planning and implementation of the Day-of-Launch Working Groups (DoLWG)
* Develop Integrated Mission Script for OSL Mission Director team, complete with job aides to improve situational awareness at key countdown milestones
* Manage DoL Launch Display Mission Issues Status List (MISL) to ensure accurate and timely display of mission issues and status
* Coordinate and ensure accurate integration of mission control operations documentation and test/launch operations with supporting agencies, to include the Ground Operations Working Group (GOWG), the Day-of-Launch Working Group (DoLWG), the Integrated Communications Baseline Meeting (ICBM)
* Develop and maintain Integrated Mission Scripts (IMS) for payload operations to supplement the applicable Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) or other LV mission documentation
* Document the baseline configuration of the mission control network, and coordinate and document changes for the mission control network operational configuration
* Coordinate and schedule required range support for mission support operations
* Provide on-console network validation and network operations support to the Government team before and/or during the mission event at the OSL facilities that support the launch
* Support each OSL launch campaign, throughout the entire launch process, by ensuring the availability of necessary Mission IT infrastructure and services as driven by satellite program and OSL requirements, including NOPS launch requirements

Position requires a current and active TS/SCI with Poly; Years experience can be subsituted as follows:

The Level-I LFOS position is an entry-level professional who possesses working knowledge of space launch systems and processes. Level I LFOS will develop briefings for a variety of audiences and must be able to convey information in a clear and articulate manner. Level I LFOS will be required to execute launch support activities. Level-I LFOS contractors shall possess all General Level II (G2) qualifications.

The Level II LFOS position is a mid-level professional who possesses proven working knowledge of space launch systems and processes. Level II LFOSs will develop briefings and assessment to a variety of audiences and must be able to convey information in a clear and articulate manner to Government leadership. Level II LFOSs will be required to plan and execute launch operations activities, as well as cradle-to-grave launch support activities. Level II LFOS contractors shall possess at least the General Level II (G2) plus the following additional qualifications:

• Extensive knowledge of NRO/OSL launch policy and procedures

• Thorough understanding of NRO Satellite Vehicle launch interface requirements, Day-of-Launch/mission rehearsal requirements, and ascent operations

• Ability to perform thorough analysis and quick issue resolution simultaneously

The Level III LFOS position is a senior-level operations professional who possesses proven working knowledge of space launch systems and processes. Level III LFOSs will develop briefings and assessment to a variety of audiences and must be able to convey information in a clear and articulate manner to all levels of Government leadership. Level III LFOSs will be required to support mission integration and Day-of-Launch planning, as well as cradle-to-grave launch support activities. Level-III LFOS contractors shall possess all LFOS-II qualifications and at least the General Level III (G3) plus the following additional qualifications:

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

• Delivers effective briefings/presentations/papers on complex topics for audiences that may be large and/or include high-level decision makers

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

• Expert knowledge of Day-of-Launch planning and execution, to include experience working launch vehicle to space vehicle interfaces, including mechanical, electrical, mission analysis, launch and SV environments, ascent operations, mission rehearsals, launch readiness, and mission interface verification between the LV and SV

• Ability to effectively provide guidance to Level-II LFOSs

Pay Range: VTG's estimated starting pay range is $150,000 - 210,000 annually, which is a general guideline for the geographic location. When extending an offer, VTG also considers work experience, education, skill level, market considerations and may possibly include contractual requirements which may cause an offer to fall outside of this range