Operations Integration Lead

About the Role
As the Operations Integration Lead, you guide the NATO Space Centre through the development of NATO-specific CONOPS, TTPs, and SOPs for the ADOPT solution, leveraging JCO operational experience to bridge U.S.-to-NATO integration. The role’s near-term focus is establishing NATO’s own operational procedures for ADOPT, spanning ADOPT, UDL, and GDM integration, and maturing them into an enduring organic capability, with continuing integration work as NATO’s commercial space enterprise grows. 

Why This Role Matters
The Operations Integration Lead determines whether ADOPT arrives at NATO as an operationalized capability or merely as delivered software. By translating proven JCO operating concepts into NATO-specific procedures suited to the NATO Space Operations Centre, this position ensures NATO operators can employ commercial SDA capabilities within their own command relationships, battle rhythm, and doctrine from day one. 

This role offers an opportunity to define how NATO conducts commercial SDA operations, directly shaping the CONOPS, tactical procedures, and U.S.–NATO operational relationships that will outlast the transition period itself. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead development of NATO-specific CONOPS for employment of the ADOPT solution at the NATO Space Centre, adapting JCO operating concepts to NATO command structures, processes, and mission requirements. 
• Lead development and validation of NATO TTPs and SOPs covering ADOPT tools, data, and analytics, including integration with the UDL and GDM. 
• Serve as the operational bridge between U.S./JCO and NATO structures, translating JCO operational experience, procedures, and lessons learned into the NATO context. 
• Establish and maintain the maintenance process for NATO tactical procedures, ensuring CONOPS, TTPs, and SOPs remain current as ADOPT capabilities evolve. 
• Provide functional direction to the Operations Specialist, serving as the senior point of accountability for the operations integration team. 
• Coordinate with NATO Space Centre leadership and operators to validate procedures against real operational workflows, exercises, and live operations. 
• Coordinate with ADOPT engineering, training (WP 1.8.3), and GDM teams to ensure procedures, courseware, and system capabilities remain aligned. 
• Plan and execute the transition of procedure ownership to NATO, defining the glide path from contractor-led development to organic NATO maintenance. 
• Support NATO exercises, demonstrations, and operational events requiring ADOPT procedural expertise. 
• Report integration progress, risks, and transition readiness to program leadership and NATO stakeholders. 

Required Qualifications 

• JCO 200 level certified (or ability to obtain certification upon assignment). 
• Experience developing CONOPS, TTPs, or SOPs for the NSpOC or comparable space operations centers. 
• Operational background in ADOPT, UDL, and GDM integration. 
• Demonstrated U.S.–NATO operations bridge experience, including work across U.S. and NATO command structures. 
• Superior written and oral communication skills, including the ability to produce operational documentation and briefings for senior military audiences. 
• Availability for TDY to Europe approximately one trip per month (5 days per trip) from September 2026 – February 2027, with an option to transition to European basing thereafter. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Already based in Europe preferred; location near the NATO Space Operations Centre (Ramstein, Germany) a plus. 
• Familiarity with NATO Space Centre operations, battle rhythm, and command relationships. 
• Experience leading operational transition or capability fielding efforts in joint or coalition environments. 
• Experience with NATO doctrine development processes and documentation standards. 
• Prior experience in multinational operations centers. 
• Current NATO SECRET clearance preferred. 

Experience and Education 

Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years of experience in space operations, operational integration, or joint/coalition operations preferred. Must be eligible for a NATO SECRET security clearance. This position is open to citizens of any NATO Member Nation.