Watch Operations (WO) Manager

ResponsibilitiesWatch Operations (WO) Manager – National Defense Space Warfighting ProgramPeraton 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.Responsibilities:Lead and maintain crew certification standards and system readiness for the 24/7 WO crew positionOversee reporting on operational capabilities, system degradation, latencies, and statuses that may impact mission successDirect the development of TTPs and COAs; drive continuous improvement of checklist entry criteria and thresholdsLead system integration efforts for the latest I&W software tools and capabilitiesManage the creation of reports and analytical products; brief senior leadership daily and ad hoc on ongoing space events of interestProvide leadership and oversight for real-world and exercise space event planning and executionMaintain and promote awareness of current high-interest terrestrial and space-based activity affecting the space domainEnsure crew readiness for contingency tasks; serve as Mission Director (MD) when requiredIdentify system and intelligence gaps and assumptions that may pose risk to mission success; lead efforts to report, manage, and mitigate those risksWork full-time on-site at a government facility in Springfield, VAThis position is contingent upon award of contractQualificationsRequired Qualifications:A minimum of 10 years applicable experience is requiredDemonstrated leadership experience managing or mentoring teams in an operational environmentActive TS/SCI with adjudicated CI PolyPreferred Qualifications:5+ years of prior space operations experience as an orbital analyst, flight safety analyst, BSA, WO, or satellite mission planner at a ground station3+ years assigned to IC organizationsStrong understanding of orbital mechanics and mission status monitoring applicationsExperience with STK (Systems Tool Kit) or relevant space I&W system toolsIn-depth knowledge of foreign and domestic space and ground threat capabilitiesProven ability to present mission-critical information to large groups and collaborate effectively with senior military and civilian leadershipWorklocation: Fort BelvoirPeraton OverviewPeraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world’s leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can’t be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we’re keeping people around the world safe and secure.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.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Job SummaryRequisition ID: 2026-167448Position Category: Aviation SystemsClearance: Top Secret/SCI w/Poly