Program Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.
The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers' portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.
STARS, the Spacelift Telemetry Acquisition and Reporting System, is a networked, distributed processing system used to acquire, process, analyze, display, and archive launch vehicle telemetry and other data for vehicle checkout and launch activities. We are seeking a Program Lab Operations Manager to serve as the operational backbone of the STARS Mission Operations Center.
Reporting directly to the STARS Systems Director, you will be responsible for the coordination, tracking, and visibility of all program operations across our three sites, supporting a team of 20-30 people. This role requires exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment. You will manage budget tracking, asset inventory, procurement processes, and launch schedule coordination while serving as a key communication hub between our technical team, program office, customers, and corporate stakeholders. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who can quickly learn complex systems and processes, proactively identify gaps, and implement solutions that improve operational efficiency and visibility. While this role has some administrative elements, it is firmly rooted in program and project management, requiring someone who can think strategically about resource allocation, schedule impacts, and cross-functional coordination to ensure STARS is always ready to support launch operations.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our Aerospace Technical Campus in El Segundo, CA.
What You'll Be Doing

• Manage SPPE (Special Project Plant and Equipment) requests for big-ticket items ($5K+), coordinating procurement and tracking through completion

• Maintain and update asset inventory across all three STARS sites, ensuring accurate records and accountability

• Update and manage task tickets for STARS readiness reviews prior to every launch support

• Track maintenance schedules, initiate maintenance renewals, and order new maintenance as needed to ensure platform reliability

• Order parts and equipment as required to support operations

• Track and update launch program calendars, including launches, integrated crew exercises, mission dress rehearsals, and review boards

• Provide budget tracking and visibility across all WBS (work order numbers), producing reports and identifying variances

• Support the STARS Systems Director in tracking outstanding items and tasks, including shipment tracking, hardware disposal, and technical task schedule impacts

• Serve as the primary communication liaison between the STARS technical team and end users (program office and customers)

• Coordinate with corporate stakeholders on tours and events held at STARS facilities

• Work with the administrative team to ensure proper staffing levels for launch supports as part of readiness reviews

• Identify opportunities to improve operational processes, visibility, and efficiency

• Maintain organized documentation and records for audits, reviews, and historical reference

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements - Project Management Lab Operations Staff III:

• 5 or more years of professional experience in program operations, project coordination, or similar operational management roles

• Proven ability to manage multiple complex workstreams simultaneously with strong attention to detail

• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize effectively

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience coordinating across diverse stakeholder groups

• Experience with budget tracking, procurement processes, and inventory management

• Familiarity with asset management systems and automated inventory tracking tools

• Experience with Jira, Confluence, or similar project management and collaboration tools

• Knowledge of government contracting, procurement regulations, or compliance requirements

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, and solve problems proactively

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

• Ability to quickly learn new systems, processes, and technical concepts

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across technical and non-technical teams

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Experience with Microsoft Power Automate or other workflow automation tools

• Background in aerospace, defense, or mission-critical operations environments

• Active Secret security clearance

• Experience supporting launch operations, mission assurance, or similar time-sensitive programs

• Experience implementing process improvements or automation that increased operational efficiency

• Experience with data visualization or dashboard creation for executive reporting

• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs)

• Background working in a program office or matrix organization with multiple stakeholders

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Max)
$84,600.00 - $126,900.00
Pay Basis: Annual
Leadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.