CDS Operations Manager- Cross Domain Solutions (CDS)

Description

Saalex is seeking a Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) Operations Manager in China Lake, CA. Saalex Solutions, a division of 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 Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) Operations Manager 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