Cyber Operations Planner

Zachary Piper Solutions; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Benefits

Job summary

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Cyber Operations Planner to support a DoD Cyberspace Command program based in Fort Meade, MD. This onsite, full-time role enables defensive cyberspace operations across DoD networks, ensuring planning aligns with mission requirements.

The candidate will lead planning efforts, coordinate with defense stakeholders, and prepare CONOPS and staff estimates, while meeting necessary clearances (TS/SCI, CI polygraph) and JPME I.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline with 8–10 years of combined education and experience.
• Active DoD TS/SCI clearance, eligible for CI Polygraph.
• Joint Professional Military Education Level I (JPME I).
• Experience integrating diverse stakeholder inputs into detailed operational plans.
• Working knowledge of JP 3‑12 Cyberspace Operations, JP 3‑0 Operations, JP 5‑0 Joint Planning.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and support FUOPS planning and execution for defensive cyberspace operations in support of DCDC mission areas.
• Understand product linkages and dependencies within the Joint Strategic Planning System (JSPS).
• Apply operational art and design principles for the development of defensive cyberspace planning efforts.
• Integrate JIPOE inputs for cyberspace planning.
• Lead and support deliberate planning using the Joint Planning Process (JPP).
• Support Crisis Action Planning (CAP) under JPP.
• Lead diverse stakeholder teams across the defensive cyberspace community to deliver plans aligned with Commander’s priorities and mission intent.
• Coordinate with staff directorates to develop Staff Estimates and implement planning efforts.
• Lead or support Operational Planning Teams (OPTs) and Working Groups to meet Commander’s objectives and End State.
• Participate in and support B2C2WG events.
• Develop and deliver briefings to SES and GO/FO leadership.
• Author and staff CONOPS, and Level 1–4 plans including Commander’s Estimates, BPLANS, CONPLANS, and OPLANS.
• Research, develop, and write issue papers and white papers on defensive cyberspace topics.
• Develop and synchronize mission type orders (MTOs) supporting defensive cyberspace campaigns and operations.
• Develop assessment indicators and methodologies to measure defensive cyberspace operations effectiveness.
• Ensure synchronization across subordinate echelons in execution of deliberate planning.
• Coordinate and de-conflict inputs with service cyber components, combatant commands, agencies, field activities, and subordinate headquarters.
• Support contingency campaign planning for anticipated operations.

Skills

Defensive cyberspace operations

Joint Planning Process (JPP)

Operational planning

Briefings to SES/GO/FO leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline

Job description

*Active TS/SCI clearance needed for consideration, as well as willingness to sit for a CI Polygraph*

Zachary Piper Solutions is currently seeking a Cyber Operations Planner to support a Department of Defense Cyberspace Command (DCDC) program based in Fort Meade, MD. This position is a full‑time, onsite role. This position is critical in enabling defensive cyberspace operations across DoD networks, ensuring that planning, coordination, and operational design align with enterprise mission requirements. As a Cyber Operations Planner, you will play a pivotal role in DODIN Operations and Defensive Cyberspace Operations–Internal Defensive Measures (DCO‑IDM), directly influencing high‑impact defensive cyberspace missions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct and support Future Operations (FUOPS) planning and execution for defensive cyberspace operations in support of DCDC mission areas.
• Understand product linkages and dependencies within the Joint Strategic Planning System (JSPS).
• Apply operational art and design principles for the development of defensive cyberspace planning efforts.
• Integrate Joint Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment (JIPOE) inputs for cyberspace planning.
• Lead and support deliberate planning using the Joint Planning Process (JPP).
• Support Crisis Action Planning (CAP) under JPP.
• Lead diverse stakeholder teams across the defensive cyberspace community to deliver plans aligned with Commander’s priorities and mission intent.
• Coordinate with staff directorates to develop Staff Estimates and implement planning efforts.
• Lead or support Operational Planning Teams (OPTs) and Working Groups to meet Commander’s objectives and End State.
• Participate in and support B2C2WG events.
• Develop and deliver briefings to Senior Executive Service (SES) and General/Flag Officer (GO/FO) leadership.
• Author and staff CONOPS, as well as Level 1–4 plans including Commander’s Estimates, BPLANS, CONPLANS, and OPLANS.
• Research, develop, and write issue papers and white papers on defensive cyberspace topics.
• Develop and synchronize mission type orders (MTOs) supporting defensive cyberspace campaigns and operations.
• Develop assessment indicators and methodologies to measure defensive cyberspace operations effectiveness.
• Ensure synchronization across subordinate echelons in execution of deliberate planning.
• Coordinate and de-conflict inputs with service cyber components, combatant commands, agencies, field activities, and subordinate headquarters.
• Support contingency campaign planning for anticipated operations.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline with 8–10 years of combined education and experience (experience may substitute for degree).
• Active DoD TS/SCI clearance, eligible for CI Polygraph.
• Joint Professional Military Education Level I (JPME I).
• Demonstrated experience integrating diverse stakeholder inputs into detailed operational plans.
• Working knowledge of:
  • JP 3‑12 Cyberspace Operations
  • JP 3‑0 Operations
  • JP 5‑0 Joint Planning
• Demonstrated experience briefing SES and GO/FO leadership.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with DISA and DoD Networks.
• Completion of military cyber planning courses (ACOPC, JCOPC, JACWC, etc.).
• Non‑DoD cyber certifications such as Net+, SEC+, CISM, CISSP, etc.
• Understanding of Directive Authority for Cyberspace Operations (DACO).

Compensation Includes:

• Salary Range: $150,000 - $175,000 (depending on experience)
• Full Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), PTO, and Sick Leave as required by law

This job posting opens on 8/17/2026 and will remain open for at least 30 days from the posting date

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