Operations Control Center Manager, IS-0301-15

Application Deadline: 2 October 2026

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Burlington, MA

Compensation: $167,560 - $197,200 / year

Description

OPENING DATE: September 24, 2026
CLOSING DATE: October 02, 2026
SERIES/GRADE: 0301/15
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: High Energy Astrophysics Division
LOCATION: Burlington, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position requires access to export-controlled work. The candidate must be a U.S. person (citizen, permanent resident or be a national of a country eligible to be approved on an export license.)

OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTIONThe Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.

SUMMARY
This position is for the OCC Manager in the Operations Control Center (OCC) of the High Energy Astrophysics Division. The OCC Manager is responsible for training and supervising three teams within the OCC: the Ground Operations Team (GOT), the Integration Team (INT), and the Facility Support Team (FST). Collectively, these teams form the Integrated Support Team. As lead, the OCC Manager provides managerial oversight of the OCC Data System, including its software, facility infrastructure, and hardware. In addition, the OCC Manager works with the Flight Operations Team Manager and the INT Manager to track evolving requirements for the data system software and to develop and implement configuration changes. The Integrated Support Team receives all data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory Center, processes data for Flight Operations, and handles all command processing for the Chandra X-ray Observatory Center. The OCC Manager reports directly to the Flight Director.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Leads the development and maintenance of OCC hardware and software systems by managing teams of computer hardware and software specialists, providing technical direction, conducting technical reviews, and ensuring all software systems meet the needs of scientific users.
• Provides overall human resources management to the OCC team including planning and assigning work, setting priorities, conducting performance reviews, recommending awards, determining training needs, interviewing and hiring new staff, and approving leave.
• Determines the direction of applications development, interfaces FOT and SOT staff to identify user needs, develops testing schedules, and modifies software and hardware requirements to ensure system meets scientific user needs.
• Direct team leaders in developing specifications, designs, and software for scientific data analysis and systems level operations. Develops, plans, executes, and manages OCC contracts to sustain ground system hardware and software.
• Works with OCC Systems Engineering staff to develop procedures for problem reporting, change control, and regression testing. Develops processes and procedures for software and hardware integration under remote configuration management.
• Supervises OCC data system integration including installation, regression testing, and handover to the Flight Operations Team. Acts as liaison to MSFC and contractor developers and managers to coordinate software installations.
• Manages OCC non-scientific staff including overseeing hiring, facilitating training, scheduling teams, assuring mission readiness, and performing short-and long-term workforce planning in support of on-orbit operations.
• Works closely with the Flight Operations Team to respond to reconfiguration needs and provides an interface with the IST for matters relating to OCC Operations.
• Collaborates with the Network and Security Manger and System Mange to maintain full capability of the OCC Data System and train staff in all aspects of OCC Data System operation.
• Participates in ONLS, OFLS, and COTS training activities provided by MSFC and commercial software vendors.
• Participates in the development of OCC systems operating and maintenance procedures and FOT support procedures.
• Provides OCC technicians with information on OCC Data System hardware failures and contingency maintenance requirements.
• Develops performance standards and evaluates subordinate employee performance, approve leave, assigns work to OCC Console Operator staff, and develops and maintains console operator training and procedure manuals.
• Performs other duties assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Basic Requirements:
Candidates for the grade 15 must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 14 level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position such as assisting in the operations of a significant facility and operations of a secure facility, and experience with project management techniques and supervising 3 or more employees.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:

• Knowledge of management techniques, discipline, and procedure requirements sufficient to manage a group of 10-20 people.
• Knowledge of ground systems both hardware and software, used in support of spacecraft missions sufficient for decision making.
• Knowledge of software tools used in ground support systems for spacecraft mission operations.
• Skill in oral and written communication including the preparation of clear, concise reports for CXC and NASA Management.
• Basic knowledge of database software and scripting, programming in modern languages, basic knowledge of the software development life cycle including code, integration, test and changes/problems to reporting procedures

Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.

Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.

Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.

Relocation expenses are not paid.