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Aeon Industries is seeking a Mission Operations Lead to oversee the planning, execution, and success of all testing and demonstration activities for the Zeus missile system. Reporting directly to the Executive Vice President, this role serves as the bridge between engineering, operations, and customer engagement, ensuring every test event is executed safely, efficiently, and with mission-critical objectives in mind.
You will own the end-to-end lifecycle of flight tests, ground tests, and government and customer demonstrations, from range coordination and CONOPS development through field execution and post-test analysis. Key responsibilities include:
**Test Planning & Mission Preparation:** Lead end-to-end planning and coordination of flight tests, ground tests, and demonstrations for the Zeus missile system. Identify, evaluate, and secure government and commercial test ranges aligned with mission objectives, safety requirements, timelines, and budget constraints. Develop comprehensive test plans, CONOPS, mission schedules, range support requests, and all required airspace, maritime, and regulatory coordination.
**Field Operations & Test Execution:** Serve as Test Director during test events, leading mission briefings, countdown operations, go/no-go decisions, and contingency actions. Lead cross-functional field teams consisting of engineers, technicians, range personnel, subcontractors, and external partners. Develop and maintain test procedures, operational checklists, communications plans, and execution timelines. Lead mission readiness activities, including Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs) and Flight Readiness Reviews (FRRs) at least one week prior to launch.
**Operational Readiness & Equipment Management:** Maintain operational readiness of all mission support assets, including test vehicles, field equipment, ground support equipment (GSE), and launch equipment. Manage mission equipment inventories, maintenance, calibration programs, field kits, and deployment packages.
**Safety, Security & Compliance:** Partner with internal and external safety organizations to conduct hazard analyses and ensure compliance with range safety requirements. Ensure safe handling, transportation, storage, and accountability of energetics and hazardous materials. Enforce ITAR, security, and export compliance requirements. Lead anomaly investigations and mishap reviews.
**Logistics & Resource Management:** Plan and coordinate transportation and deployment of flight hardware, launch equipment, and mission assets. Manage field operations logistics including travel, lodging, site access, and equipment shipment. Track and manage test campaign budgets.
**Data Collection & Post-Test Analysis:** Coordinate telemetry, tracking, instrumentation, and mission data collection. Lead post-test debriefs and publish operational summaries, quick-look reports, and lessons learned.
**Government & Customer Demonstrations:** Partner with Business Development and Engineering to plan and execute demonstrations. Coordinate government and customer observer participation, site visits, and briefings.
**Process Development & Team Leadership:** Build and improve Aeon's Mission Operations framework, including CONOPS templates, operational playbooks, and deployment procedures. Develop relationships with test ranges and government stakeholders. Recruit, train, mentor, and develop future Mission Operations personnel.
This is a full-time, in-person role located in Austin, TX with plans to move to Cedar Park, TX early 2027. The position requires frequent travel to test ranges (20-50%), regular field work in outdoor environments, and work schedules that may include early mornings, extended hours, and multi-day test events. You must be capable of safely lifting and moving equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and working in proximity to heavy machinery and energetics.
**Requirements:**
- U.S. citizen, able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or related technical field, or equivalent military or industry experience
- 7+ years in flight test, field test, or mission operations for missiles, rockets, UAS, or other aerospace/defense systems
- Has led live-fire or flight test events as Test Director, Test Conductor, or equivalent
- Has worked directly with DoD or commercial test ranges, including writing CONOPS, test plans, and range support requests
- Working knowledge of range safety processes, hazard analysis, and handling of energetics
- Strong organizational skills to run schedules across engineering, operations, and external stakeholders
- Clear, calm communicator under pressure, in briefings and on the radio net
- Valid driver's license required
- Successful completion of background investigation and pre-employment drug screening required
- Must qualify as U.S. Person as defined by 22 CFR 120.62 due to ITAR access
**Preferred Qualifications:**
- Experience at ranges such as White Sands, Yuma, China Lake, Point Mugu, Eglin, Dugway, or Wallops
- Military background in test, weapons, or operations roles
- Experience supporting customer demonstrations or government evaluations (OT&E, prototype demos, OTA programs)
- Familiarity with telemetry, tracking radars, flight termination systems, and instrumentation
- Experience with hazmat shipping (DOT/IATA) and explosives licensing or storage
- Startup or fast-paced program experience building processes from scratch
- Range safety officer background
