Flight Director

Job Summary

The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) is seeking a skilled and motivated Flight Director I to provide leadership in mission operations and ground system development for NASA and commercial spacecraft. This senior level position plays a key role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and successful execution of mission activities across LASP's diverse science portfolio, including astrophysics, planetary science, solar physics, Earth atmosphere, and climate missions.

As a Flight Director I, you will lead the architecture, design, and implementation of complex operational systems and processes. You will own large subsystems or cross organizational projects, collaborate with mission leadership and stakeholders, and make critical decisions that directly impact mission success. This is a leadership path distinct from the Flight Controller IV technical specialist track, focusing instead on mission execution, coordination, planning, and operational governance.

You will represent LASP at major project reviews, guide mission-level planning and staffing, support anomaly recovery, develop operational strategies, and help shape the direction of future mission operations capabilities. This role requires a proactive, thoughtful leader who excels in autonomy, systems-level thinking, communication, and cross-functional coordination.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Mission Leadership & Systems Architecture

• Lead the architecture, design, and implementation of complex ground system components supporting pre-launch and post-launch operations.
• Develop mission operations concepts, processes, procedures, and operational strategies.
• Drive cross-organizational initiatives that influence mission performance, capability development, and team efficiency.

Operations Execution & Analysis

• Lead detailed subsystem performance analysis and develop high-impact recommendations.
• Direct troubleshooting and recovery activities during mission anomalies.
• Contribute highly innovative solutions to complex technical problems.
• Ensure mission safety and ground system performance across mission phases.

Program Management & Coordination

• Understand mission needs across space and ground segments and how operations contributes to mission success.
• Generate and present materials for project-level reviews and customer interactions.
• Organize and lead mission coordination meetings.
• Manage mission schedules, staffing plans, workflow distribution, and progress reporting.
• Interface with project management on schedule, cost, and technical decisions related to operations systems.

Standards, Training & Documentation

• Create and maintain mission-level documentation.
• Develop, enforce, and improve training programs, certification processes, and standard operating procedures.
• Lead testbed activities, commissioning planning, and verification of mission requirements.
• Support proposal development and design of end-to-end mission solutions.

Team Building & Organizational Impact

• Establish and maintain strong internal and external working relationships.
• Train and certify Flight Controllers and student operators.
• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding.
• Support strategic initiatives that enhance organizational capability, culture, and operational excellence.
• Other duties as assigned.