About the RoleAs 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.
Salary Range (CO)
$135,000-$200,000 USD
Clearance Requirement: This position may require an active TS/SCI Clearance. Current clearance holders are strongly encouraged to apply. If you don't currently hold one, Bluestaq will sponsor eligible candidates through the clearance process based on program needs.
Relocation: Relocation assistance is available for full-time positions.
What We Offer:For full-time positions
- 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision for you and your dependents
- Up to 6% match to 401(k) contributions with additional discretionary 4% profit share on day one. Roth options available; no vesting period.
- Every role is eligible for an annual performance bonus
- $200,000 employer-paid life insurance, plus short- and long-term disability coverage
- $5,000 annual professional development budget per employee
- 20 days PTO, plus 8 paid holidays
- Pet insurance, onsite gym, and flexible schedule
Applications will be accepted for 60 days beyond the posting date, or until the position is filled, whichever comes first.
