Space Operations Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Who we are:

Raft (https://TeamRaft.com) is a customer-obsessed non-traditional defense tech company dedicated to empowering U.S. military and government agencies with cutting-edge AI/ML and data solutions. We are a leader in autonomous data fusion and Agentic AI, with a purposeful focus on Distributed Data Systems, Platforms at Scale, and Complex Application Development. With headquarters in McLean, VA, our range of clients includes innovative federal and public agencies leveraging design thinking, cutting-edge tech stack, and cloud-native ecosystem. We build digital solutions that impact the lives of millions of Americans.

About the role: 

Raft is seeking a Space Operations Subject Matter Expert (SME) with firsthand experience conducting military space operations. We are looking for someone who understands the operational environment, the challenges facing Guardians, and the capabilities needed to execute space missions effectively.

This role is ideal for a former space operator who wants to continue contributing to the mission by working directly with operational units and engineering teams to develop and deliver mission-focused software capabilities.

What You'll Do

• Serve as a space operations SME, bringing firsthand operational knowledge to Raft's engineering and product teams.
• Engage directly with Space Force operators and mission stakeholders to understand operational challenges, workflows, and capability gaps.
• Translate operational requirements into actionable software and technology capabilities.
• Support the development and integration of solutions for Space Domain Awareness (SDA), Space Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (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.
• Help ensure Raft's products align with real-world mission needs and operational priorities.

Required Qualifications

• Prior military experience as a space operator, preferably within the U.S. Space Force or U.S. Air Force.
• 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 both 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.

Highly Preferred

• 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, including an understanding of their workflows, capabilities, and limitations.
• 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..

Clearance Requirements:

• Active Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearance

Salary Range: $200,000.00 - $300,000.00

Work Type:

• Onsite in Colorado Springs, CO

Why Raft

At Raft, you'll work alongside engineers and mission experts developing software capabilities for some of the Department of Defense's most important operational challenges. We value people who have operated these systems, understand their limitations, and have a clear perspective on what needs to improve. This is an opportunity to take your operational experience beyond the mission floor and directly influence the products that support the next generation of space operations

What we will offer you: 

• 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
• And More!

Our Vision Statement: 

We bridge the gap between humans and data through radical transparency and our obsession with the mission. 

Our Customer Obsession: 

We will approach every deliverable like it's a product. We will adopt a customer-obsessed mentality. As we grow, and our footprint becomes larger, teams and employees will treat each other not only as teammates but customers. We must live the customer-obsessed mindset, always. This will help us scale and it will translate to the interactions that our Rafters have with their clients and other product teams that they integrate with. Our culture will enable our success and set us apart from other companies.

How do we get there? 

Public-sector modernization is critical for us to live in a better world. We, at Raft, want to innovate and solve complex problems. And, if we are successful, our generation and the ones that follow us will live in a delightful, efficient, and accessible world where out-of-box thinking, and collaboration is a norm. 

Raft’s core philosophy is Ubuntu: I Am, Because We are. We support our “nadi” by elevating the other Rafters. We work as a hyper collaborative team where each team member brings a unique perspective, adding value that did not exist before. People make Raft special. We celebrate each other and our cognitive and cultural diversity. We are devoted to our practice of innovation and collaboration.