Technical Operations Manager Jobs in Ridgecrest, CA

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Work Location: NAWS China Lake, CA

Pay: $175,000 - $225,000 / year

Systems Application & Technologies, Inc. (SA-TECH) is a progressive and well-established Department of Defense (DoD) contractor specializing in Range operations and maintenance (O weapons testing; facilities management; aerial, ground and seaborne targets O technical, logistics and other engineering support; systems integration; electronics and communications maintenance services; and a growing cybersecurity business. We are highly focused and, among other efforts, currently operate a dozen active test and/or training ranges for the Army, Air Force and Navy. Our 36-year heritage is founded on supporting complex and diverse DoD programs and we’ve developed a standout reputation for providing the highest quality services, superior workmanship and cost-effective results while achieving complete customer satisfaction.

SA-TECH is submitting a proposal for the WSISS program to support the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) at NAWS China Lake, which is the weapons systems integration and software support activity for several aircraft Integrated Product Teams (IPTs). IPTs and Program Support Offices currently operating at the NAWCWD include the F/A-18 & EA-18G, AV-8B, T45, AH-1, F-35, and Unmanned Systems. Other aircraft may also be assigned in the future. Our mission will be to provide research, development, test, evaluation, systems integration, and programmatic support for weapons systems and associated tactical computer systems embedded within or carried on aircraft, including related systems, support equipment, and interoperability initiatives. These efforts are integral to the Navy’s ability to achieve Integrated & Interoperable (I&I) Warfighting Capabilities (platforms, sensors and weapons operating seamlessly in a Systems of Systems (SoS) environment) that produce an immediate and sustainable increase in warfighting effectiveness and battlespace dominance.

As part of our proposal, we are seeking a dual-hatted General and Operations Manager, Senior, who will also function as the Chief Engineer for the program.

Shape the future of naval aviation warfare. Lead a multi-disciplinary engineering workforce delivering next-generation weapons integration, software validation, and flight test architecture for NAWCWD China Lake. This critical role serves as both an operational contract authority and the principal systems engineering champion for advanced tactical platforms.

In this high-yield career opportunity, you'll be responsible for:

• Performing as the principal technical authority and operational co-lead for the contract.
• Serving as the principal technical interface to the Navy's internal Technical Directors and Integrated Product Team (IPT) leads.
• Governing the entire systems engineering lifecycle, including requirements derivation, system architecture validation, configuration control boards (CCBs), and hardware/software airworthiness readiness.
• Establishing contract-wide engineering methodologies, safety-of-flight processes, and cybersecurity compliance for advanced weapon systems.
• Working in tandem with the Executive Program Manager, helping translate the Navy's strategic warfare objectives into executable systems engineering workflows.
• Overseeing the technical output of lower-level engineering teams across avionics, uncrewed systems, and range instrumentation networks.
• Managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams across weapon system development, flight test integration, software verification, and possibly laboratory operations.
• Managing, guiding and directing lower-level technical/engineering managers, and providing technical support on advanced engineering issues.
• Other responsibilities, as needed.

Core Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Technical Governance & Architecture: Serve as the final technical authority for systems engineering, hardware/software development, and network architecture supporting NAWCWD platforms.
• Resource & Labor Loading: Forecast technical staffing needs, manage labor loading metrics, and align engineering expertise against complex task orders.
• Interdisciplinary Leadership: Direct cross-functional Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) spanning aerospace, electrical, cybersecurity, and data-product fields.
• Systems Verification & Validation: Oversee requirements management, configuration definition, trade studies, and the review/approval of engineering drawings, test plans, and qualification metrics.
• Client Interface: Function as the primary technical point of contact for Government program authorities, providing senior-level technical briefs, risk analyses, and status updates.
• Risk & Lifecycle Management: Drive root-cause analyses, system safety protocols, failure mode assessments (FMEA), and rapid-response correction plans for uncrewed or platform systems

Why Join the Mission at China Lake?

• Pioneering Impact: Direct influence over the tactical systems deployed by the U.S. Navy fleet worldwide.
• Long-Term Stability: Leadership role anchored within a multi-year, highly stable technical support vehicle.
• Premier Testing Environment: Work directly alongside elite military test squadrons in a world-class live-fire testing range network.

Education/Experience/Skills:

• MS/MA Degree in relevant technical field.
  • ALLOWABLE SUBSTITUTION: A BS or BA degree and an additional four (4) years of experience.
• Minimum of twenty (20) years of combined aviation and management experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of management experience providing guidance and direction to lower-level technical/engineering managers, and providing technical support on advanced engineering issues.
• Current Driver’s License required; must be able to be insured through company’s vehicle insurance policy while driving work/government/rental vehicles during working hours, and for the duration of employment.
• U.S. Citizenship required and you must be able to obtain a U.S. DoD Secret Security Clearance at a bare minimum prior to start date and maintain a Secret clearance throughout employment. An active Top Secret (TS) clearance is preferred.
• All candidates will be required to pass background screening to include SSN, Driver Record, and Criminal Background Investigation.

Supporting Our Warfighters:

As a highly regarded DoD employer, SA-TECH recognizes that our success is indicative of our team members' hard work and dedication towards a common goal… Supporting our Warfighters. Along with unparalleled stability, we have the ingredients for superior performance with a servant leadership mentality that provides an affirmation of purpose and value in a team-oriented positive work environment. As such, we provide a sense of family, competitive pay and employee benefits, along with a strong commitment to the professional development of our workforce and for providing broad career opportunities throughout the United States.

SA-TECH offers:

• Employee Recognition
• Above-Average Compensation
• Competitive Benefits
• Ongoing Training and Development
• Career Advancement Opportunities

Benefits Offered:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• EAP
• Education Assistance
• PTO and Holidays
• Vacation and Sick Leave

Other Important Information You Should Know:

• By applying to this posting, you express interest in the position and may be considered for other opportunities within the company that match your skills.
• SA-TECH offers flexible work schedules depending on the program, alongside generous PTO benefits.
• We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and evaluate all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status. We participate in the E-Verify system to verify work authorization in the U.S.
• Applicants are encouraged to apply within 5-15 days of posting for optimal consideration. We prioritize a supportive work environment, professional development, and a healthy work-life balance and our pay and benefits aim to enhance employee well-being.
• If this culture resonates with you, we invite you to apply. If you're uncertain about your fit, please explore other roles on SA-TECH Careers .