Chief Operations Engineer

MANTECH seeks a mission-driven Chief Operations Engineer to support the United States Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) Launch Systems Enterprise Directorates National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program located in Lompoc, CA.

In this role, you will contribute to the successful execution of national security space missions by ensuring technical excellence and seamless coordination throughout launch operations. Your work will directly support our nations critical space launch capabilities.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• As the Chief Operations Engineer, you will help manage complex mission integration efforts, ensuring alignment across technical, operational, and scheduling aspects of launch campaigns.
• Provide technical assessments for campaign planning, readiness reviews, technical forums, and mission working groups; identify and resolve risks/issues and submit written findings to the Launch Mission Manager (LMM) when needed
• Monitor and report on LSP processing activities, schedules, and anomalies; deliver weekly status updates and ensure end-to-end mission readiness
• Evaluate payload integration requirements, range capabilities, and mission timelines; maintain calendars, remote support statuses, checklist databases, and lessons-learned documentation
• Support launch rehearsals, console operations, and East Coast shadow ops; develop and maintain console tools such as voice matrices, reference scripts, timelines, and technical documents
• Lead Rehearsal Anomaly Team (RAT) efforts by designing scenarios, coordinating logistics, delivering briefings, assigning consoles, and documenting outcomes
• Review and update 30 OG operating instructions, CONOPS, assurance products, and checklists to align with approved changes and ensure consistency with 45 OG processes
• Maintain a comprehensive archive of integration products and deliver technical training to government personnel on mission management tools, procedures, communications, and job aids

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a relevant STEM discipline
• 8+ years of experience in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering fields
• Experience supporting Air Force or Space Force launch systems with launch vehicle processing, payload integration, and range operations
• Prior experience with mission rehearsals, console operations, or anomaly resolution teams

Clearance Requirements:

• An active Top Secret / SCI clearance is required for this role

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time
• Needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access files, machinery, or attend meetings
• Frequently communicates with team members and customers; must be able to exchange accurate information in these settings