Space Operations Subject Matter Expert (SME)

The role

The Space Operations Subject Matter Expert will provide firsthand operational knowledge to engineering and product teams. This person will engage with Space Force operators to translate operational requirements into software and technology capabilities.

What you will do

• Serve as a space operations SME for engineering and product teams
• Engage with Space Force operators and mission stakeholders
• Translate operational requirements into software and technology capabilities
• Support development and integration of solutions for SDA, ISR, and other space mission areas
• Provide operational insight during product design, development, demonstrations, and exercises
• Build and maintain relationships across Space Force mission organizations and operational units
• Ensure products align with real-world mission needs and operational priorities

Required qualifications

• Prior military experience as a space operator
• Strong understanding of military space operations, operational planning, and mission execution
• Experience working within space operations squadrons, mission crews, or operational command organizations
• Ability to communicate effectively with military operators and technical engineering teams
• Strong understanding of the operational challenges associated with modern space missions
• Must currently reside in Colorado Springs, CO, or be willing to relocate
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance
• Active Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearance

Nice to have

• Operational experience supporting Mission Delta 2, Mission Delta 7, or other U.S. Space Force Mission Deltas
• Hands-on experience with operational applications, tools, and systems used by Space Force operators
• Experience with space battle management, space command and control (C2), space surveillance, or space domain awareness
• Familiarity with Space Force operational systems, data sources, and mission workflows
• Experience participating in operational exercises, mission planning, or capability development
• Existing relationships within the Colorado Springs Space Force operational community

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary
• Fully covered healthcare, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) and company match
• Take as you need PTO
• 11 paid holidays
• Education & training benefits
• Generous Referral Bonuses

Before you apply

• All programs require U.S. citizenship
• All work must be conducted within the continental U.S.

About the company

Raft is a non-traditional defense tech company dedicated to empowering U.S. military and government agencies with AI/ML and data solutions. The company focuses on autonomous data fusion, Agentic AI, and Distributed Data Systems.