Cyber Capabilities Development SME

Systems Planning & Analysis; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems Planning & Analysis is seeking a Cyber Capabilities Development Senior Mission Expert (SME) to enhance offensive cyber operations for military applications. The role involves translating operational requirements into technical plans and executing integration of cyber capabilities.

A successful candidate will have a background in computer science or engineering, alongside strong proficiency in networking and cybersecurity, with the ability to travel and work within sensitive environments in Chantilly, VA.

Qualifications

• Experience in software development lifecycle expertise.
• Familiarity with cloud environment offensive techniques.
• Ability to travel twice a month, possible OCONUS.

Responsibilities

• Act as Cyber Capabilities SME for software/hardware integration.
• Develop and evaluate predictive contingency plans.
• Lead coordination with intelligence agencies and DoD.

Skills

Networking fundamentals

Technical communication

Vulnerability research techniques

Network exploitation techniques

Reverse engineering techniques

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or related field

8+ years of operational experience in military or government cyber operations

Tools

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the United States and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing results that matter. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity. We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high-priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense. Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.

The Strategic Technology Analysis Group (STAG), part of SPA’s Space and Intelligence Division, offers sophisticated capabilities (people, process & tools) to resolve unique problems in space, cyber, and special operations in support to military services, Secretary of Defense offices (OSD) and theater warfighters. Our portfolio includes the Assistant Secretary of Air Force for Space Acquisition & Integration (SAF/SQ), Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC), Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP), National Space Defense Center (NSDC), Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC), Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO), US Space Command (USSPACECOM) and US Space Force (USSF). Come be a part of a high-speed low-drag organization providing unique and tailored solutions for our National Defense!

SPA has an immediate need for a Cyber Capabilities Development Senior Mission Expert (SME).

Responsibilities

• Cyber Capabilities SME in development, integration, employment, and synchronization of software/hardware capabilities for military cyberspace operations and electromagnetic warfare. They translate operational requirements, informed by doctrine and operational TTPs, into technical plans and capability requirements; they coordinate with operational and acquisition stakeholders to enhance deliverables supporting offensive cyber operations (OCO).
• Technical Expertise: This highly technical position requires the ability to direct tactical, technical work while being able to defend how those capabilities will meet strategic intent. The ideal candidate will provide subject matter expertise on offensive cyber enabling operations (CEO), intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, and electronic warfare (EW). Desire to also have knowledge of Space Enabled Cyber Operations (SECO) and Space Enabled Cyber Access (SECA).
• Capability Integration: Provide recommendations to government lead for the design, testing, and evaluation of software/hardware to support cyber capability development. Develops integration and interoperability requirements and applies standards, in the development cycle, to ensure capabilities can be used together.
• Operations Coordination: Participates in Joint Planning Groups (JPGs), Joint Targeting Boards, and liaises with intelligence agencies, DoD, and industry partners. Familiarity with operational security considerations in cyber and digital domains.
• Planning and Doctrine: Develops predictive contingency plans (CONPLANs, OPLANs), courses of action (COAs), and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for cyber operations to support capability development.
• Knowledge of Threat Environment: Evaluates emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) to update cyber security measures.

Required Qualifications

• Experience/Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or related field, often with 5+ years of experience – or – 8+ years of operational experience in prior military or government cyber operations such as an Exploitation Analyst, Operator or Service Developer.
  • Strong & demonstrated proficiency in networking fundamentals, protocols, and network administration.
• Military/IC Training:
  • Completion of specialized courses to include at least one of the following – FORGE Exercise, Joint Targeting School (JTS) Staff Course, Joint Cyber Operations Planners Course (JCOPC), Computer Network Operations Development Program (CNODP).
• Industry Training:
  • Completion of specialized courses to include at least one of the following or equivalent – Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), BlackHat, SANS.
• Clearance:
  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Must possess active U.S. Government security clearance of Top Secret/SCI with ability to obtain Special Access Program; polygraph desired.
• Past intelligence community interaction.
• Software Development Lifecycle expertise.
• Strong understanding of modern applications and application programming interface (API) development.
• Firm grasp of vulnerability research techniques, including harnessing artificial intelligence.
• Firm grasp of reverse engineering techniques.
• The ability to author, direct, manage and integrate requirements in a complex system.
• Network exploitation techniques.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical concepts to operational personnel for decisions and methodologies.
• Technical requirements writing.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Ability to travel twice a month which can be on short notice and include work/travel on holidays. Travel may include CONUS and OCONUS at times.
• Able to work full time in a Chantilly VA office within SCIF/SAPF spaces.

Desired Qualifications

• Signals Intelligence Development (SIGDEV) experience.
• Malware development, exploitation, or reverse engineering experience.
• Cloud environment offensive techniques experience.
• Proficiency in characteristics of communications networks, antennas, electro-optics, and EW systems.
• Proficiency in Joint Planning Process (JPP), Joint Operations Planning and Execution System (JOPES), cybersecurity policies.
• Proficiency in Cyber and Electronic Warfare/Electronic Attack (EW/EA) doctrine, policy, and authorities.
• Proficiency in Cyber and EW threats.
• Proficiency in cyberspace and electromagnetic warfare operations, planning, synchronization, and integration.
• Proficiency in fundamentals of the electromagnetic spectrum.
• Proficiency in electrical, EW, and EMS principles and theories.