Program Lab Operations Manager

The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technicalexpertiseto the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition,launchand operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

STARS, theSpaceliftTelemetry Acquisition and Reporting System, is a networked, distributed processing system used toacquire, process, analyze, display, and archive launch vehicle telemetry and other data for vehicle checkout and launch activities.We are seeking aProgramLabOperations Managerto serve as the operational backbone of the STARS Mission Operations Center.

Reporting directly to the STARS Systems Director, you willbe responsible forthe coordination, tracking, and visibility of all program operations across our three sites, supporting a team of 20-30 people. This role requires exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment. You will manage budget tracking, asset inventory, procurement processes, and launch schedule coordination while serving as a key communication hub between our technical team, program office, customers, and corporate stakeholders. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who can quickly learn complex systems and processes, proactivelyidentifygaps, and implement solutions that improve operational efficiency and visibility. While this role has some administrative elements, it is firmly rooted in program and project management, requiring someone who can think strategically about resource allocation, schedule impacts, and cross-functional coordination to ensure STARS is always ready to support launch operations.

The selected candidate willbe requiredto work full-time, on-site at our Aerospace Technical Campus in El Segundo,CA.

WhatYou’llBe Doing

• Manage SPPE (Special Project Plant and Equipment) requests for big-ticket items ($5K+), coordinating procurement and tracking through completion

• Maintain and update asset inventory across all three STARS sites, ensuringaccuraterecords and accountability

• Update and manage task tickets for STARS readiness reviews prior to every launch support

• Track maintenance schedules, initiate maintenance renewals, and order new maintenance as needed to ensure platform reliability

• Order parts and equipment asrequiredto support operations

• Track and update launch program calendars, including launches, integrated crew exercises, mission dress rehearsals, and review boards

• Provide budget tracking and visibility across all WBS (work order numbers), producing reports andidentifyingvariances

• Support the STARS Systems Director in tracking outstanding items and tasks, including shipment tracking, hardware disposal, and technical task schedule impacts

• Serve as the primary communication liaison between the STARS technical team and end users (program office and customers)

• Coordinate with corporate stakeholders on tours and events held at STARS facilities

• Work with the administrative team to ensure proper staffing levels for launch supports as part of readiness reviews

• Identifyopportunities to improve operational processes, visibility, and efficiency

• Maintain organized documentation and records for audits, reviews, and historical reference

What You Need to be Successful

MinimumRequirements- Project Management Lab Operations Staff III:

• 5or moreyears of professional experience in program operations, project coordination, or similar operational management roles

• Proven ability to manage multiple complex workstreams simultaneously with strong attention to detail

• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize effectively

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience coordinating across diverse stakeholder groups

• Experience with budget tracking, procurement processes, and inventory management

• Familiarity with asset management systems and automated inventory tracking tools

• Experience with Jira, Confluence, or similar project management and collaboration tools

• Knowledge of government contracting, procurement regulations, or compliance requirements

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, and solve problems proactively

• Proficiencywith Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

• Ability to quickly learn new systems, processes, and technical concepts

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across technical and non-technical teams

• This position requires the abilityto obtain andmaintaina Secret security clearance, issued by the US government. US citizenship isrequiredto obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Experience with Microsoft Power Automate or other workflow automation tools

• Background in aerospace, defense, or mission-critical operations environments

• Active Secret security clearance

• Experience supporting launch operations, mission assurance, or similar time-sensitive programs

• Experience implementing process improvements or automation that increased operational efficiency

• Experience with data visualization or dashboard creation for executive reporting

• Demonstrated ability to create andmaintainstandard operating procedures (SOPs)

• Background working in a program office or matrix organization with multiple stakeholders