Akima

Senior Operations Manager

Akima$110K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, or equivalent experience (high school diploma with 4+ years relevant experience).
  • 15+ years in large infrastructure and complex environments, with specific flight operations experience.
  • 6+ years in a lead or supervisory role, beyond the minimum experience required.
  • Additional certifications (e.g., PMP, Certified Facility Manager from IFMA, or ICS) are preferred.
  • Familiarity with NASA programs and operations is a plus.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the primary interface with the EGS Operations team.
  • Act as the main liaison with NASA's KIOSC personnel to ensure effective execution of SIMO EGS requirements.
  • Ensure system engineering expertise supports EGS operations efficiently.
  • Verify compliance with LCAT standards.
  • Manage day-to-day operations within the contract's functional area.
  • Formulate and enforce work standards, monitoring activities and resource planning.
  • Oversee personnel productivity, performance, and safety.

Benefits

  • On-site work environment at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.
  • Opportunity to contribute to the Artemis Program.
  • Exposure to cutting-edge space technology and operations.
  • Networking with top industry professionals in aerospace.
  • Possibility for career advancement within a prestigious organization.
Full Job Description
Description

The Exploration Ground Systems Senior Operations Manager will oversee critical mission support aspects of the Spaceport Infrastructure, Maintenance, and Operations (SIMO) Contract at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, and will serve as the focal point for contract performance in support of Artemis Program elements executed by KSC’s Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) Program. The Senior Operations Manager will ensure SIMO support to EGS operational activities is effective, efficient, and on schedule. This role involves planning, organizing, directing, and controlling operations to meet contract requirements and ensure mission success. The ideal candidate will have a strong engineering or technical background combined with managerial expertise to lead engineers and technicians in delivering innovative, effective, responsive, and compliant operational support to the EGS Program.

Responsibilities
  • Serve as the primary interface with the EGS Operations team, including the Senior Vehicle Operations Manager and Launch Director.
  • Act as the main liaison with NASA’s Kennedy Integration, Operations, and Support Center (KIOSC) personnel and supporting SIMO elements to ensure SIMO EGS requirements are effectively and efficiently prioritized and executed.
  • Ensure NASA and SIMO system engineering expertise is available to support EGS operations.
  • Verify LCAT compliance.
  • Manage the day-to-day operation of a segment of the organization or contract's functional area and may assist in program management responsibilities.
  • Duties include formulating and enforcing work standards, managing daily operations, establishing policies and work rules, monitoring activities, and planning the use of materials and resources.
  • Responsible for personnel productivity, performance, and safety.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Equivalent experience can substitute for the degree: a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience.
  • 15+ years in large infrastructure and technically complex environments, with flight operations experience in assembly, integration, and testing.
  • 6+ years of relevant experience in a lead or supervisor role. Note: This is in addition to the minimum experience requirement.

Desired Qualification:

  • Additional certifications such as PMP, Certified Facility Manager from IFMA, or ICS
  • NASA program knowledge is a plus. 

Key Competencies:

  • Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making.
  • Exceptional Project and Program Management Skills.
  • Proficient in Risk and Compliance Management.
  • Leadership and Team Development.
  • Strong Customer-Focused Communication.
  • Exceptional communications skills.

This position is contingent upon contract award and funding. Applicants selected may be offered the position but cannot begin work until funding has been confirmed.

Job ID2026-25809 Work TypeOn-Site

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