Defensive Cyberspace Operations Planner

Zachary Piper, LLC; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Cyber Operations Planner to support a DoD Cyberspace Command (DCDC) program based in Fort Meade, MD. This full-time, onsite role enables defensive cyberspace operations across DoD networks, ensuring planning, coordination, and operational design align with enterprise mission requirements.

As a Cyber Operations Planner, you will lead or support Joint Planning Process activities, integrate JIPOE inputs, and deliver CONOPS, staff estimates, and briefings to SES

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 8–10 years of combined education and experience.
• Active DoD TS/SCI clearance, eligible for CI Polygraph.
• Experience integrating diverse 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.
• Coordinate with Joint Planning Process and JIPOE inputs for cyberspace planning.
• Lead and support deliberate planning using the Joint Planning Process.
• Develop staff estimates and synchronize planning across echelons.
• Develop and deliver briefings to SES and GO/FO leadership.
• Author CONOPS and staff plans including OPLANS and CDR estimates.

Skills

Operational planning

Joint planning

Stakeholder coordination

Briefing leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree

JPME I

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 - $180,000 (depending on experience)
• Full Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), PTO, and Sick Leave as required by law

This job posting opens on 10/23/2026 and will remain open for at least 30 days from the posting date

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