Space Systems Capability Analyst

Proximity, an SPA Australia Company; Canberra; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Health and Wellbeing support

Professional development

Career progression pathways

Community involvement

Job summary

SPA Australia, Canberra, is seeking a skilled Military Operations Analyst to join a growing team of Space professionals providing objective advice and operational insight across Defence.

This role supports the development, integration, and employment of space capabilities within the broader joint and multi-domain force, with close collaboration to Defence stakeholders and a need for strong written communication.

Qualifications

• Experience in military operations or operational planning, preferably with joint/space operations.
• Ability to translate complex issues into actionable recommendations in reports.
• Strong written communication for senior decision-makers.
• Australian citizenship with NV1 security clearance or higher.
• Knowledge of space capabilities and multi-domain operations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct operational analysis of space capabilities to support force design and acquisition.
• Produce clear reports, briefs, and technical documentation for Defence clients.
• Translate complex issues into actionable recommendations.
• Support development of CONOPS, campaign plans, and mission threads for space missions.
• Provide SME in operational planning, mission assurance, and joint space effects.
• Participate in simulations, red-teaming, and war-gaming to test options.
• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and analysts to ensure relevance.

Skills

Military operations experience

Operational planning

Joint space operations

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Security clearance NV1

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Defence studies / related field

Tools

MATLAB

Systems Tool Kit (STK)

Python

Mission analysis tools

Job description

Proximity, an SPA Australia Company – Canberra ACT

Working with us - Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA) Australia

SPA Australia is a leading provider of integrated consulting, legal, commercial and analytics services to government and large organisations. Our multidisciplinary approach combined with trusted advisory and leading-edge technology and analysis takes our clients further. For more than five decades, Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA) has supported clients across the world to meet complex national security challenges.

In 2025 SPA Australia acquired Proximity Advisory Services, a well-established and highly regarded consultancy organisation with unrivalled legal abilities, exceptional commercial capability, and a raft of specialisations in consulting. Today, SPA has more than 2,200 employees across 15 office locations within the US, UK and Australia. In Australia, more than 130 employees are based across Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide.

SPA Australia is seeking a skilled Military Operations Analyst to join a growing team of Space professionals providing objective advice and operational insight across Defence. This position will support the development, integration, and employment of space capabilities within the broader joint and multi-domain force.

At SPA Australia, you will work on challenging, mission-critical projects that shape the future of Australia’s space and Defence capabilities. We offer a supportive team culture, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for career development in a growing and dynamic sector.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will provide evidence-based analysis and operational context to inform capability development, force design, and mission planning activities related to Australia’s space domain. This role involves close collaboration with Defence stakeholders and demands exceptional written communication skills, as a significant portion of the work will involve producing high-quality, defensible reports, briefs, and technical documentation for senior decision-makers.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct operational analysis of space capabilities (e.g., SATCOM, ISR, SDA, PNT, space control) in support of force design and capability acquisition.
• Produce clear, concise, and well-structured written reports, briefs, and technical documentation for Defence clients and senior decision-makers.
• Translate complex operational or technical issues into actionable recommendations.
• Support the development of concepts of operations (CONOPS), campaign plans, and mission threads for space and multi-domain missions.
• Provide subject matter expertise in operational planning, mission assurance, and joint integration of space effects.
• Participate in simulation, red-teaming, and war-gaming to test space capability options and operational employment.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, and analysts to ensure mission relevance and practicality.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience in military operations or operational planning, preferably with experience in joint operations, space operations, electronic warfare, ISR, communications, or command and control.
• Demonstrated ability to apply military knowledge to operational planning, capability development, or mission design.
• Understanding of joint force integration, space operations, or multi-domain operational concepts.
• Ability to work independently, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Proven ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely in written products.
• Ability to think critically, synthesize large amounts of information, and communicate recommendations clearly for military and government audiences.
• Australian citizenship and an active NV1 security clearance or higher. More information on eligibility for an Australian security clearance can be found at: https://www.defence.gov.au/security/clearances/about/vetting-assessment#eligibility.

Note: International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) are applicable to this role and as such, the position will or is likely to require access to material controlled by ITAR and EAR (Controlled Material). Therefore, any person occupying the position must be able to satisfy ITAR and EAR controls, which may require specific authorisation to access Controlled Materials. Accordingly, your citizenship, previous citizenships, race or nationality, or substantive contacts where such contacts are affiliated with proscribed countries under ITAR may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role. Further information on this requirement can be found at: https://spa.com/about/compliance-statements/.

Desirable Qualifications

• Qualifications in engineering, physics, defence studies, strategic studies, or a related field.
• Background in systems engineering, operations research, or mission analysis.
• Familiarity with space systems or effects integration (e.g., C4ISR, EW, SATCOM, SDA, sensors, orbital operations).
• Experience with software design, modelling and simulation, and tools such as MATLAB, Systems Tool Kit (STK), Python, or other mission analysis platforms.
• Active PV Australian Government security clearance.

The SPA Australia Difference

We Believe Work Should Be a Positive Part Of Your Life. It Should Challenge, Engage, And Support You In Equal Measure. By Joining SPA Australia, You Will Enjoy

• Flexible working options
• Health and Wellbeing support
• Professional development
• Career progression pathways supporting your development and career goals
• The chance to give back to your community by working with our not-for-profit partners

Why SPA Australia

We offer a competitive salary package with options to earn on-the-job awards and bonuses, a collaborative team environment, a swag of benefits to support you and your colleagues, and the opportunity to do high-impact, meaningful work.