Cognitive Performance Specialist – 125th Special Tactics Squadron (STS) Human Performance Program

Reef Systems; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Reef Systems in Portland, OR is seeking a Cognitive Performance Specialist for the 125th Special Tactics Squadron Human Performance Program. The role focuses on cognitive enhancement, mental skills training, fatigue management, and performance psychology to keep operators mission-ready.

Responsibilities include cognitive load management, return-to-duty planning, and data-driven performance reporting within a high‑risk, elite environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Performance Psychology, Cognitive Science, Sport Psychology, Human Factors, Behavioral Science, or related field.
• Certifications in performance psychology, mental skills coaching, neurocognitive training, or equivalent preferred.
• 3–5 years working with elite performers (military, tactical, professional sports, or high‑performance populations).

Responsibilities

• Deliver cognitive optimization and mental skills training to enhance focus, attention, memory, decision making, and reaction time.
• Provide mental skills coaching including visualization, arousal control, resilience, and stress management.
• Conduct cognitive load assessments and tailor interventions for fatigue and stress.
• Assess cognitive degradation post-injury or stress and develop return-to-duty rehabilitation plans.
• Collaborate with rehabilitation and medical staff for integrated recovery pathways.
• Monitor operator performance with validated cognitive tests and document progress.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual performance reports for leadership.
• Work within a multidisciplinary Human Performance team to support readiness assessments.
• Complete required DoD training and maintain security/compliance adherence.

Skills

Cognitive enhancement

Neuropsychological assessment

Performance psychology

Communication skills

Security/OPSEC understanding

Education

Master’s degree in Performance Psychology

Tools

Cognitive testing tools

Job description

Cognitive Performance Specialist – 125th Special Tactics Squadron (STS) Human Performance Program

• Government/Military

Portland, Oregon

Introduction & Background

The 125th Special Tactics Squadron (STS) requires peak physical, cognitive, and psychological readiness to meet demanding mission requirements. The Human Performance Program (HPP) is designed to optimize operator performance, reduce injuries, enhance resilience, and sustain long-term mission capability. This program supports the USSOCOM Preservation of the Force & Family (POTFF) initiative and integrates best practices used in elite athletic and tactical environments.

The Cognitive Performance Specialist is a key member of the holistic Human Performance team, responsible for delivering evidence-based cognitive enhancement, mental skills training, fatigue management, and performance psychology support to Special Warfare operators. This role ensures operators are mentally prepared for high-risk missions, able to sustain focus under pressure, and capable of rapid return-to-duty following cognitive or psychological degradation.

Place of Performance & Duty Hours

• Duty Location: 125 STS, Building 365, Portland, OR
• Duty Hours: Monday–Friday, 0700–1600
• No telework authorized
• Schedule adjustments required for Quarterly Regularly Scheduled Drills (RSD) and annual training.
• 24/7 on-call support during domestic response crises with a 4-hour response time (phone or in-person).

Recognized Federal Holidays (No Work Performed)

New Year’s Day, MLK Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day.

Position Summary

The Cognitive Performance Specialist provides advanced cognitive optimization services to Special Tactics operators. This includes mental skills coaching, cognitive load management, fatigue mitigation, stress inoculation, decision‑making enhancement, and return-to-duty cognitive rehabilitation. The specialist integrates with strength & conditioning, physical therapy, and medical personnel to deliver a fully coordinated human performance program.

This role requires expertise in performance psychology, neurocognitive training, tactical decision‑making, and applied mental skills development within high-stress, elite populations.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Cognitive Optimization & Mental Skills Training

• Deliver individualized and group‑based cognitive performance training to enhance focus, attention, memory, decision‑making, and reaction time.
• Provide mental skills coaching including visualization, goal setting, arousal control, resilience training, and stress management.
• Conduct cognitive load assessments and develop tailored interventions to improve operator performance under fatigue and stress.

Operational Readiness & Return-to-Duty Support

• Assess cognitive degradation following injury, stress, or operational strain and develop individualized return-to-duty cognitive rehabilitation plans.
• Collaborate with rehabilitation and medical staff to ensure integrated recovery pathways.

Performance Monitoring & Data Tracking

• Utilize validated cognitive testing tools to track operator performance trends.
• Maintain documentation, progress notes, and performance metrics in accordance with AAAHC standards and PWS requirements.
• Provide monthly, quarterly, and annual cognitive performance reports to leadership.

Integrated Team Collaboration

• Work within a multidisciplinary Human Performance team including strength coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and medical personnel.
• Participate in case reviews, performance meetings, and operator readiness assessments.

Training, Compliance & Security

• Complete required DoD Information Assurance, OPSEC, CyberAwareness, and ADLS training.
• Maintain compliance with installation access, CAC requirements, background investigations, and security protocols.
• Follow all installation regulations, safety requirements, and restricted area access procedures.

Quality Control & Program Support

• Support development and execution of the contractor’s Quality Control Plan (QCP).
• Ensure all cognitive performance services meet standards outlined in the PWS and QASP.
• Attend post-award conferences and periodic progress meetings as required.

Required Qualifications

Education & Credentials

• Master’s degree or higher in Performance Psychology, Cognitive Science, Sport Psychology, Human Factors, Behavioral Science, or related field.
• Certifications in performance psychology, mental skills coaching, neurocognitive training, or equivalent preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years working with elite performers (military, tactical, professional sports, or high‑performance populations).
• Experience delivering cognitive training, mental skills coaching, or neuropsychological performance programs.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary human performance environments.

Knowledge & Skills

• Expertise in cognitive enhancement methodologies, neuropsychological assessment tools, and performance psychology techniques.
• Ability to design individualized cognitive training plans based on operator needs.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with Special Warfare personnel.
• Understanding of DoD security, OPSEC, and information assurance requirements.

Other Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance (contract classified as “Secret”).
• Ability to meet installation access requirements, CAC eligibility, and background investigation standards.
• Must comply with all installation regulations, safety protocols, and contractor identification requirements.

Additional Notes

• Contractor personnel must maintain proper identification, comply with installation rules, and follow all security and safety protocols.
• Contractor must safeguard government property and adhere to key control and lock combination procedures.
• Telework is not authorized; on‑site presence is required at all times except during authorized closures.