Cognitive Performance Specialist (CPS)

Reef Systems; South Carolina; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cognitive Performance Specialist (CPS) at Joint Base Charleston, SC, works within the 437th Airlift Wing Human Performance Team to enhance aircrew mental readiness through cognitive training, coaching, and applied psychology. This role applies performance psychology techniques to improve decision‑making, situational awareness, and resilience under demanding flight operations.

The CPS leads program development, collaborates with researchers, and integrates cognitive performance with physical

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Psychology or related field; specialization in Sport Psychology.
• Minimum 5+ years providing cognitive performance services.
• Security clearance: Favorable Tier 3 investigation for access to Secret information.

Responsibilities

• Provide cognitive skills training to optimize aircrew mental performance.
• Enhance decision‑making, situational awareness, and emotional resilience.
• Develop individualized programs and support applied research.
• Deliver briefings, education, and leadership support.
• Document assessments and generate monthly performance reports.

Skills

Cognitive performance coaching

Aircrew psychology

Research collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in Psychology or related field

Specialization in Sport Psychology

Tools

Biofeedback tools

Assessment tools

Job description

Cognitive Performance Specialist (CPS) 437th Airlift Wing Human Performance Team (HPT) Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina 29404

Introduction & Background

The 437th Airlift Wing conducts some of the most demanding missions in the U.S. Air Force, including global rapid airlift operations, long-duration flights up to 36 hours, NVG low‑altitude ingress, and high‑altitude personnel delivery above 25,000 feet. These missions require exceptional cognitive resilience, mental acuity, and decision‑making under pressure.

Historically, aircrew relied on personal strategies to manage cognitive load and stress, often resulting in degraded performance and long-term fatigue. Modern operational requirements now demand a deliberate, science‑based approach to cognitive performance, mental readiness, and stress management.

The Human Performance Team (HPT) integrates cognitive, physical, and emotional performance strategies to enhance aircrew readiness and mission effectiveness.

Purpose & Overall Objective

The Cognitive Performance Specialist (CPS) provides expert-level cognitive skills training, mental performance coaching, and applied human performance psychology to mobility aircrew. The objective is to improve decision‑making, situational awareness, emotional resilience, information processing, and sustained cognitive performance in complex, high‑stress operational environments.

Position Overview

The CPS serves as a subject matter expert in sports/performance psychology, delivering individual and group cognitive training, developing performance programs, supporting applied research, and integrating cognitive performance with physical training to optimize aircrew readiness.

Place of Performance

Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. Work will be performed at a building/office designated by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR). Alternate work locations are not permitted unless formally approved. Telework is not authorized.

Duty Hours & Schedule

• Normal Duty Hours: 0730–1630, Monday–Friday
• Flexibility: Up to one hour earlier or later when mission‑dictated and pre‑approved by the COR
• Permanent schedule changes: Require Contracting Officer (CO) approval
• Federal Holidays: Observed per Joint Base Charleston holiday schedule
• Travel: May be required; all travel must follow BTAR submission and approval procedures

Required Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Counseling, Human Performance, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Sport Sciences, or a closely related field
• Specialization in Sport Psychology or similar required

Experience

• Minimum 5+ years providing cognitive performance services
• Experience in one or more of the following:
  • Collegiate (or higher) athletics
  • Professional athletics
  • Tactical athletics
  • Aerospace industry
  • Test pilot / astronaut / man‑machine high‑performance environments

Certifications

• Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) – Association for Applied Sport Psychology
• Current CPR/AED certification

Security Clearance

• Favorable Tier 3 (T3) investigation required for access to Secret information via briefings
• May begin unclassified duties with initiated T3 and written COR approval

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Core Responsibilities

• Provide cognitive skills training to optimize aircrew mental performance
• Enhance decision‑making, situational awareness, emotional resilience, and information processing
• Support applied research in cognitive enhancement, accelerated learning, instructor development, and man‑machine interface

Tasks & Subtasks (PWS‑Derived)

1. In‑Processing & Training

• Complete all in‑processing requirements
• Participate in job‑specific training, simulations, and hands‑on learning activities

2. Cognitive Assessment & Program Development

• Analyze aircrew cognitive performance needs
• Develop individualized programs (IPs) for each aircrew member
• Emphasize warfighting cognitive skills in complex, demanding environments

3. Cognitive Skills Training & Integration

• Deliver individual and group cognitive performance training
• Integrate cognitive performance with physical fitness training
• Use simulation technology and biofeedback to enhance performance under pressure

4. Research & Program Innovation

• Assist in developing research proceduresSupport applied research across cognitive enhancement, accelerated learning, instructor development, and tactical training
• Apply best practices from military, aviation, and professional sports psychology

5. Briefings, Education & Leadership Support

• Develop and deliver cognitive performance content for HP syllabi
• Provide briefings, seminars, and educational sessions
• Attend staff meetings with unit commanders
• Identify opportunities for program improvement

6. Documentation & Reporting

• Document all aircrew assessments, encounters, and contacts within 3 business days
• Prepare and submit data for the Human Performance Measures of Effectiveness Report (HP‑MER)
• Provide monthly data reports to mobility aircrew

7. Collaboration & Professional Standards

• Maintain all professional credentials and certifications
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary HPT members
• Provide data and support to government entities (e.g., AFRL) with written COR approval

Position Deliverables

• HP‑MER: Due by the 5th day of each month
• Monthly Data Report: Delivered to mobility aircrew

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal CPS is a mission‑focused performance psychology expert with experience supporting elite performers. They excel at teaching cognitive skills, thrive in dynamic military environments, communicate effectively with aircrew and leadership, and deliver measurable improvements in mental readiness and operational performance.