Watch Operations (WO) Manager

Watch Operations (WO) Manager Job Locations US-VA-Fort Belvoir Requisition ID: 2026-167448 Position Category: Aviation Systems Clearance: Top Secret/SCI w/Poly Responsibilities Peraton is seeking an experienced Watch Operations Manager to lead mission protection efforts in support of a national defense space warfighting program. In this role, you will oversee the monitoring of ground and space-based asset operational statuses, direct threat warning activities against critical enterprise systems, and ensure 24/7 Mission Protection continuity. As a senior leader in the Watch Operations function, you will guide crew certification and readiness standards, drive the development of Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), lead Course of Action (COA) planning, and champion the integration of emerging Indications and Warnings (I&W) tools and capabilities. You will maintain situational awareness of high-interest threat activity and provide leadership-level oversight across analysis, planning, training, and exercise functions. Mission Protection responsibilities include directing the monitoring of partner asset statuses and I&W systems to identify, report, and mitigate current threats to mission and future vulnerabilities posed by adversary capabilities. A critical component of this role is the ability to interpret, document, and communicate enterprise-wide system deficiencies and latencies to decision-makers at all levels, while serving as Mission Director (MD) when required. Lead and maintain crew certification standards and system readiness for the 24/7 WO crew position Oversee reporting on operational capabilities, system degradation, latencies, and statuses that may impact mission success Direct the development of TTPs and COAs; drive continuous improvement of checklist entry criteria and thresholds Lead system integration efforts for the latest I&W software tools and capabilities Manage the creation of reports and analytical products; brief senior leadership daily and ad hoc on ongoing space events of interest Provide leadership and oversight for real‑world and exercise space event planning and execution Maintain and promote awareness of current high-interest terrestrial and space-based activity affecting the space domain Ensure crew readiness for contingency tasks; serve as Mission Director (MD) when required Identify system and intelligence gaps and assumptions that may pose risk to mission success; lead efforts to report, manage, and mitigate those risks Work full‑time on‑site at a government facility in Springfield, VA This position is contingent upon award of contract. Qualifications Required Qualifications A minimum of 10 years applicable experience is required Demonstrated leadership experience managing or mentoring teams in an operational environment Active TS/SCI with adjudicated CI Poly Preferred Qualifications 5+ years of prior space operations experience as an orbital analyst, flight safety analyst, BSA, WO, or satellite mission planner at a ground station 3+ years assigned to IC organizations Strong understanding of orbital mechanics and mission status monitoring applications Experience with STK (Systems Tool Kit) or relevant space I&W system tools In‑depth knowledge of foreign and domestic space and ground threat capabilities Proven ability to present mission‑critical information to large groups and collaborate effectively with senior military and civilian leadership Target Salary Range $112,000 - $179,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. EEO EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr