Deputy Operations Manager - Journeyman

Saalex Corporation is seeking a Deputy Operations Manager - Journeyman in Ridgecrest, CA. Saalex 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

Salary: $90k -$105k annually (depending on experience)

Work Location: Fully onsite.

Position Summary:

The Deputy Operations Manager supports the Operations Manager in the daily leadership, coordination, and administration of Tactical Air Range Integration Facility (TARIF) activities supporting Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) training capabilities.

This journeyman-level position independently performs assigned duties within established priorities and delegated authority. The Deputy coordinates personnel and resources, tracks execution, resolves routine issues, and keeps the Operations Manager informed of progress, risks, and decisions requiring leadership involvement.

This position requires a hands-on leader who is comfortable leading people, facilitating meetings, communicating with government customers, and working alongside the team. Strong note-taking, direct communication, initiative, and a mission- and people-first mentality are essential.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Support the Operations Manager in daily planning, workload coordination, contract execution, and operational follow-through.

• Independently manage assigned activities, coordinate task-level priorities, and complete work with limited supervision.

• Coordinate approved tasking through established team leads and supervisory channels, ensuring clear ownership, deadlines, and expectations.

• Monitor schedules, deliverables, dependencies, and resource availability; identify obstacles and coordinate practical solutions.

• Resolve routine issues within delegated authority and elevate matters affecting safety, security, personnel, contract scope, cost, or schedule.

• Work effectively across project management, contracts, cybersecurity, cybersecurity engineering, systems engineering, systems administration, logistics, and technical support.

• Communicate effectively with end users, technical specialists, government customers, vendors, and leadership throughout the product lifecycle-from requirements and development through integration, fielding, operations, sustainment, and retirement.

• Translate technical and operational discussions into clear information, documented decisions, and actionable next steps.

• Lead meetings, brief operational status, and represent the Operations Manager on designated technical and program/project matters.

• Take thorough, accurate notes; document decisions, action owners, and deadlines; and follow actions through closure.

• Develop, document, implement, and improve processes, procedures, checklists, and training materials with responsible personnel.

• Use approved artificial intelligence tools to support documentation, analysis, process improvement, and administrative efficiency while protecting government and company information.

• Support equipment refreshes, installations, fielding, inventories, repair coordination, configuration management, and shipment preparation.

• Perform hands-on work as needed, including moving equipment, organizing products and material, and supporting receiving and shipping activities.

• Operate forklifts and other material-handling equipment after completing required training and authorization.

• Identify maintenance, training, documentation, resource, and obsolescence concerns affecting long-term product sustainment.

• Support onboarding, cross-training, staffing coverage, operational reporting, and continuity documentation.

• Perform designated Operations Manager duties during absences or as assigned.

• Other duties as assigned.

Leadership Expectations

• Lead by example and balance mission execution with employee safety and well-being.

• Build trust, strengthen teamwork, mentor personnel, and address conflict directly and professionally.

• Communicate clear expectations and hold yourself and others accountable with consistency and respect.

• Protect the team by identifying unsafe conditions, unclear direction, resource shortfalls, and unrealistic commitments.

• Exercise initiative, make sound decisions within assigned authority, and recognize when leadership involvement is needed.

• Remain approachable, receptive to feedback, and willing to step in wherever the team needs support.

Measures of Success:

Assigned activities move forward with clear priorities, accurate status, and timely completion. Risks are identified early, issues are resolved at the appropriate level, and users and leadership receive clear communication. The Deputy provides dependable daily support to the Operations Manager while building a capable, accountable, and supported team.

Requirements

Required:

• Demonstrated ability to independently perform assigned functional duties and support daily operations without continuous direction.

• Experience leading personnel or coordinating team activities with clear expectations and dependable follow-through.

• Ability to communicate across project management, contracts, cybersecurity, engineering, systems administration, and logistics functions.

• Working understanding of how these functions affect product delivery, operational readiness, and lifecycle sustainment.

• Confidence leading meetings and communicating with government representatives and personnel at all organizational levels.

• Strong note-taking, organizational, writing, and problem-solving skills.

• Experience developing or improving processes and procedures.

• Familiarity with AI tools and their responsible application to workplace activities.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience with action trackers, ticketing systems, or similar workflow tools.

• Willingness and ability to perform essential physical duties, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Willingness to obtain and maintain required forklift and material-handling qualifications.

• Ability to meet applicable contract security clearance, training, and installation access requirements.

Desired:

• Military veteran background with extensive experience building, leading, and developing teams.

• Experience supporting LVC training capabilities, Navy range operations, or comparable defense programs.

• Experience coordinating activities across the product lifecycle, including fielding, operations, maintenance, and sustainment.

• Familiarity with Navy ERP, JDRS, Jira, government property accountability, and equipment shipping requirements.

• Experience supporting procurement coordination, depot repairs, and configuration management.

Education/Years of Experience:

• 5-10 years of relevant experience with an applicable basic certification; 3-5 years of relevant experience with a BA/BS degree; or a MA/MS degree with less than 3 years of relevant experience.

Security Clearance:

• Active Secret or Interim Secret clearance required. Requirements to obtain a clearance include US Citizenship, security investigation, etc.

Benefits

• Employer Paid Health Care Plans for Employees & Family

• 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