Satellite Operations Trainer / Operations Readiness Lead (SME)

Title:

Satellite Operations Trainer / Operations Readiness Lead (SME)

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

KBR’s National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country’s most critical role – protecting our national security.

Why Join Us?

• Innovative Projects: KBR’s work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.

• Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.

• Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Job Title: Satellite Operations Trainer / Operations Readiness Lead (SME)

Job Summary:

KBR is seeking a skilled and motivated candidate to support future satellite flight programs in operations readiness tasks for the Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Warfare Directorate (AFRL/RJ) at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM. The Satellite Operations Trainer / Operations Readiness Lead will serve as a senior operations subject matter expert embedded within the Operations Cadre, responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing end‑to‑end mission operations readiness for current and future spaceflight programs. This role provides operational leadership across the full pre‑launch lifecycle—from early ops foundations through exercises, rehearsals, and readiness reviews—and delivers hands-on training using mission planning tools, TT&C systems, and simulators. The individual will work closely with the PMO, spacecraft vendor, ground segment teams, and operations personnel to translate mission objectives into executable, trained, and certified operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Operations Readiness Leadership

• Lead and support Operations and Ground IPTs; track readiness actions to closure
• Maintain and execute integrated operations readiness schedules across pre‑launch phases
• Coordinate operational readiness inputs for MORR, FRR, ORR, and related milestones

Operational Process & Product Development

• Develop and maintain CONOPS, Mission Operations Plans, procedures, and flight rules
• Define battle rhythms, planning products, reporting processes, and crew interfaces
• Translate mission and science objectives into executable on-orbit activities and command products

Training, Certification & Simulation

• Serve as a hands-on expert in mission planning tools, TT&C systems, and simulators
• Develop and deliver classroom training, job-specific syllabi, and training materials
• Define certification criteria, MTLs, anomalies, and evaluation standards
• Support exercises, simulations, rehearsals, and recurring retraining

Test, Rehearsal & Execution Support

• Support ground testing, mission rehearsals, and dress rehearsals
• Participate in tabletop reviews, checkout planning, and readiness walkthroughs
• Obtain mission planning or systems certification as required and support crew operations

External & Cross-Organization Coordination

• Coordinate with PMO, spacecraft vendors, ground providers, and mission partners
• Support crew recruitment, manning plans, and inter-organizational agreements

Required Qualifications

• Senior-level experience supporting satellite or space mission operations
• Demonstrated leadership in operations readiness, ops development, and training
• Hands-on background with:
• Satellite command and control
• Mission planning and execution
• Ground systems and TT&C architectures
• Proven experience working in IPT-based program environments
• Strong ability to author and integrate CONOPS, procedures, training plans, and readiness documentation
• Experience supporting or leading exercises, rehearsals, readiness reviews, and live operations
• Active TS/SCI clearance (required at start)

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as:Ops Lead, Flight Director, Instructor, or Certified Operator
• Experience standing up new or first-of-kind operations
• Familiarity with large-scale mission rehearsal campaigns
• Experience bridging PMO, vendor, and ops organizations
• Previous crew certification or console operations experience

Work Environment:

• Location: On-site
• Travel Requirements: 10% minimal travel
• Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week

Other Compensation:

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short term incentives, long term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

KBR Benefits

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture.  These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company.  That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together. 

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.