Deterrence Policy Analyst

Systems Planning & Analysis; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plans

Life and disability insurance

Paid time away

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) is seeking a Senior Deterrence Policy Analyst to lead the integration of national deterrence guidance into Air Force policy and planning. You will shape and interpret strategic documents for AF/A10 and create options papers, memos, and briefs for senior leaders.

The role requires interpreting complex guidance, coordinating with stakeholders, and aligning nuclear, CWMD, and deterrence contributions across programs. On-site work in Virginia is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, strategic studies, security studies, or a related discipline; master’s degree preferred
• 8+ years of experience in strategic policy analysis, deterrence planning, or closely related work in a headquarters, joint, or interagency environment
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and synthesize complex strategic guidance into clear recommendations for senior leaders
• Active TS/SCI clearance and the ability to maintain it throughout employment
• Direct experience supporting one or more strategic reviews (e.g., NPR, NDS development, JSCP, major PBRs)
• Familiarity with nuclear posture, NC3, CWMD, and conventional-nuclear integration issues and how they fit into broader deterrence strategy

Responsibilities

• The senior Policy Analyst reviews and analyzes national-level documents such as the NSS, NDS, NPR, Missile Defense Review, and related guidance, identifying implications for Air Force deterrence policy and force development.
• They develop options papers, decision memos, and briefs that support AF/A10’s positions in major strategic reviews and planning activities.
• They help articulate Air Force equities in joint and interagency strategic planning, aligning nuclear, CWMD, and broader deterrence contributions.
• They also coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure AF/A10 positions are coherent, timely, and fully staffed.

Skills

Strategic policy analysis

Deterrence planning

Interagency coordination

TS/SCI clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in international relations, strategic studies, security studies, or a related discipline

Master’s degree preferred

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 US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Sea, Land, Air Analysis Group’s mission is to deliver objective analyses, plans and strategies to US Navy, US Marine Corps, USAF, other DoD, and Australian Defence Force clients to support technology development, acquisition, delivery and sustainment decisions. The group provides the core of SPA thought leadership on Undersea Strategy, Software Development and Cost Estimating, with additional benchmark capabilities in AI/ML & Decision Analytics, Modeling and Simulation, and Future Force Assessments.

SPA has a need for a senior Deterrence Policy Analyst to lead analysis and integration of national deterrence guidance into Air Force policy and planning. This role helps AF/A10 shape and interpret strategic documents and reviews for the Air Force deterrence mission.

Responsibilities

The senior Policy Analyst reviews and analyzes national-level documents such as the NSS, NDS, NPR, Missile Defense Review, and related guidance, identifying implications for Air Force deterrence policy and force development. They develop options papers, decision memos, and briefs that support AF/A10’s positions in major strategic reviews and planning activities. They help articulate Air Force equities in joint and interagency strategic planning, aligning nuclear, CWMD, and broader deterrence contributions. They also coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure AF/A10 positions are coherent, timely, and fully staffed.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, strategic studies, security studies, or a related discipline; master’s degree preferred


• 8+ years of experience in strategic policy analysis, deterrence planning, or closely related work in a headquarters, joint, or interagency environment


• Demonstrated ability to interpret and synthesize complex strategic guidance into clear recommendations for senior leaders


• Active TS/SCI clearance and the ability to maintain it throughout employment

Desired Qualifications

• Direct experience supporting one or more strategic reviews (e.g., NPR, NDS development, JSCP, major PBRs)


• Familiarity with nuclear posture, NC3, CWMD, and conventional-nuclear integration issues and how they fit into broader deterrence strategy

Pay Range Information

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $130,000.00/Yr. - USD $180,000.00/Yr.