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 technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems. 

STARS, the Spacelift Telemetry Acquisition and Reporting System, is a networked, distributed processing system used to acquire, process, analyze, display, and archive launch vehicle telemetry and other data for vehicle checkout and launch activities. We are seeking a Program Lab Operations Manager to serve as the operational backbone of the STARS Mission Operations Center. 

Reporting directly to the STARS Systems Director, you will be responsible for the 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, proactively identify gaps, 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 will be required to work full-time, on-site at our Aerospace Technical Campus in El Segundo, CA.