Saalex is seeking a in Operations Manager-Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) in China Lake, CA. Saalex Corp., is an Engineering and Information Technology Services company with a focus on Test Range Operations and Management, Engineering and Logistics Services, Data Analytics and Business Intelligence Services and Information Technology Services.
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary: $90k-$105k annually (depending on experience)
Work Location: Onsite. China Lake, CA.
Position Overview:
Saalex Solutions is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Operations Manager-Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) with expertise in technical project management, systems-oriented planning, and process development to support Navy training ranges. This position is ideal for a journeyman-to-mid level professional eager to grow into a subject matter expert in cybersecurity workflows, CMMI-aligned processes, and integrated master scheduling. We value individuals who are quick learners, deep researchers, and thrive in complex technical environments while embracing challenges.
Essential Functions:
As the CDS Operations Manager, you will:
Lead Operational Workflows: Manage day-to-day operations, ensuring resources, personnel, and processes align with performance targets and service-level expectations.
Resolve Challenges: Address operational variances, emergent risks, and workflow bottlenecks by coordinating corrective actions across technical, administrative, and vendor interfaces.
Drive Improvements: Forecast workload demands, identify operational risks, and implement process enhancements to sustain throughput and continuity.
Act as a Leader: Serve as the primary interface with government program authorities, overseeing contract execution, resource management, and CDS acquisition/employment.
Organizational Function: Enforce and implement the operations management plan, translating strategic intent into structured workflows for engineers, ISSOs, and field teams, while integrating inter-organizational cycles into continuous processes.
This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on mission-critical systems while advancing your career in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
Responsibilities
Operational Oversight:
Manage and oversee day-to-day CDS operations, ensuring resources, personnel, and processes are optimized to meet defined performance targets and service-level expectations.
Act as the primary point of contact for government program authorities, providing updates and resolving operational CDS issues.
Project Management:
Lead and support CDS-related IT and cybersecurity projects across technical teams, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with project goals.
Build and maintain Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) from Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), including the development of complex workflows.
Process Development:
Work within and contribute to the development of CMMI-aligned processes and Integrated Management Plans (IMPs) to enhance operational efficiency.
Implement structured workflows and processes to bring clarity and organization to undefined technical operations.
Problem Solving and Analysis:
Conduct research-driven analysis to address unclear documentation or requirements, providing evidence-based recommendations for operational improvements.
Identify and resolve operational variances, emergent risks, and workflow bottlenecks by coordinating corrective actions across technical, administrative, and vendor teams.
Collaboration and Coordination:
Coordinate with Field Engineers, System Security Engineers, NCTE personnel, cybersecurity teams, and ISSOs to ensure smooth integration and execution of CDS operations.
Foster interorganizational communication to align efforts and maintain continuity across teams.
Documentation and Deliverables:
Support the creation and maintenance of planning artifacts, project documentation, system diagrams, risk tracking, and PM deliverables.
Ensure all operational documentation is accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with project requirements.
Requirements
Required:
Strong organizational, communication, and technical problem-solving abilities.
Experience coordinating interorganizational communications across technical, administrative, and vendor teams.
Ability to research unfamiliar technical topics and propose evidence-based recommendations.
Exposure to Cross Domain Solutions (CDS), cybersecurity architecture, NIST standards, Risk Management Framework (RMF), or secure data flow concepts.
Minimum of 3-10 years of experience in IT project management, preferably in DoD, cybersecurity, systems engineering, or technical project management roles.
Familiarity with firewall configurations, COMSEC equipment, or inline encryption processes and procedures.
Proven ability to develop granular Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and translate them into detailed Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) using project management tools like MS Project
Journeyman-level professionals perform all functional duties independently and are expected to grow into senior roles.
Desired:
Lean Six Sigma Yellow/Green Belt
PMP, CAPM, Agile/Scrum certifications
Experience with cybersecurity teams, ISSOs, or systems engineers
Familiarity with CMMI, quality frameworks, or structured lifecycle processes.
Education:
Bachelor's degree OR formal training in Project Management/Operations Management (e.g., PMI, DAU, Agile, Lean Six Sigma) or equivalent experience. Minimum of 3-10 years of experience with applicable certifications or 3-5 years with a BA/BS degree. Alternatively, a MA/MS degree with less than 3 years of experience. Journeyman-level professionals perform all functional duties independently and are expected to grow into senior roles.
Security Clearance:
Active Secret clearance required. TS/SCI preferred. Requirements to obtain a clearance include US Citizenship, security investigation, etc.
Growth Opportunities:
Senior Level: Over 5-7 years of experience with a MA/MS degree or 7-10 years of experience with a BA/BS degree. Senior-level professionals work on high-visibility or mission-critical aspects of programs, perform duties independently, and may oversee junior staff.
Subject Matter Expert (SME): Exceptional qualifications and expertise with a minimum of 20 years of experience in a specific area of expertise. SMEs demonstrate advanced knowledge and meet the education/certification requirements for senior-level roles.
Compensation:
Pay is reflective of experience and career level as defined above, with opportunities for growth and advancement based on performance and expertise.
Key Traits We Value
Curiosity and willingness to learn advanced technical concepts
Ability to build structures where it doesn't exist
Comfortable researching, analyzing, and proposing solutions
Strong communicators across engineering, cyber, and government audiences
Able to grow into a CDS/administration and operations expert over time
Benefits
Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
Short Term & Long Term Disability
Training & Development
Wellness Resources
Stock Option Benefit
