Mission Planner Operations SME

Overview

Employment in this role is conditional upon successful execution of the contract by the client. 

The Work 

The Mission Planner Operations, SME will provide expert-level mission planning, tasking translation, operational analysis, and crew coordination to support for our client’s optical surveillance efforts. This position ensures mission tasking is translated into executable plans, monitors real-time operations, and maintains critical coordination among stakeholders while adhering to operational constraints, priorities, and requirements. 

This position aligns with Cayuse’s core values of Innovation, Excellence, Collaboration, Adaptability, and Integrity by fostering technical solutions that meet customer needs, promoting teamwork, and prioritizing quality in deliverables.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities  

• Convert higher-headquarters directives and site tasking into executable mission plans.

• Coordinate spectrum of mission activities including Space Object Identification (SOI), maneuver, launch monitoring, cislunar operations, and specialized tasks.

• Evaluate mission priorities, constraints, local weather conditions, sensor status, and competing tasking requirements.

• Recommend recovery actions and task prioritization adjustments for optimal mission execution.

• Maintain logs, reports, planning products, and operational records in compliance with mission directives.

• Execute timely documentation of operational coordination and outcomes.

• Collaborate closely with operating crews, line tacticians, maintenance personnel, and system administrators.

• Ensure seamless cross-functional alignment without assuming planned Sensor Operator relief duties.

• Serve as the dedicated Mission Planner, ensuring uninterrupted mission planning coverage.

• Facilitate coverage during absence through a separately qualified candidate or a Government-compliant replacement process.

• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

Qualifications – Here’s What You Need 

The qualifications and skills listed below are intended to provide a general overview of the requirements for this position. However, due to the anticipated nature of the contract and the absence of a finalized task order from the client, this list should not be considered all-encompassing. Additional qualifications, certifications, skills, or experience specific to the client’s requirements may be identified and requested upon award of the task order. Candidates should demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to adapt to evolving responsibilities as outlined by the client.  

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, astronomy, physics, mathematics, engineering, operations research, or a related field preferred; equivalent military/space-operations experience may substitute for formal education requirements.

• Site-specific mission-planner and applicable sensor qualification to be obtained post-hire.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in space operations, mission planning, Space Domain Awareness (SDA), orbital analysis, sensor operations, or comparable command-and-control operations.

• Demonstrated expertise in:

  • Mission planning and task prioritization.

  • Concepts related to optical sensors, orbital/space operations, and decision-making in time-sensitive environments.

  • Operational reporting and collaborative crew coordination. 

• Top Secret/ SCI Clearance is required.

• Must be able to pass a background check. May require additional background checks as required by projects and/or clients at any time during employment. 

Minimum Skills: 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication.

• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with high-level attention to detail.  

• Proven ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast past environment with changing priorities; adaptable to change and a quick learner.  

• Must be self-motivated and able to work well independently as well as on a multi-functional team.  

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately  

• Proficient in MS Office, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.

• Strong leadership and operations management skills with the ability to ensure workforce integration and alignment with mission objectives.

• Effective communicator and problem-solver under challenging conditions, including emergencies.

• Broad knowledge of technical systems, including optical, electrical, mechanical, and classified systems. 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Orbital analysis or space operations training. 

Our Commitment to you / overview of benefits  

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance; Wellness Program

• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter)

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability options

• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Company Provided)

• Voluntary Life and AD&D options

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with matching after one year

• Paid Time Off 

Reports to: Program Manager  

Working Conditions  

• Role requires interfacing with a remote, high-elevation site located on Mount Haleakala:

• Variable weather conditions, including wind, cold, stairs, ladders, and access to equipment rooms.

• Limited access to immediate local services.

• Will require availability during night shifts, weekends, holidays, emergency situations, or mission-driven events.

• Must work safely around sensitive optical, electrical, mechanical, and classified systems.

• 24/7 operational readiness, with an expectation of occasional after-hours support for incidents, exercises, deadlines, and travel obligations.

• Must safely operate in proximity to sensitive and classified optical, mechanical, and electrical systems.

• Must be physically and mentally able to perform duties extended periods of time.

• Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed to meet the demands of this position.  

• Must be able to establish a productive and professional workspace.

• May be asked to work a flexible schedule which may include holidays.

• May be asked to travel for business or professional development purposes.

• May be asked to work hours outside of normal business hours. 

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Cayuse is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, skills, and abilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in accordance with any applicable federal, state, or local law. 

Pay Range