Lead Role Player

DarkStar Intelligence LLC.; Woodbridge (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

PTO and holidays

401(k) retirement plan

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

DarkStar Intelligence is seeking an experienced Lead Role Player to support NSW training operations. The role directs a team of role players, serving as the central Government contact and ensuring realism, safety, and compliance across high-risk field exercises in Southern California ranges.

The position requires active Secret clearance, ability to lead, coordinate, and safety-screen personnel, and travel to CA ranges. Note: contract award is a condition of employment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of consecutive experience as a SOF role player.
• Active Secret clearance required.
• Able to pass high-risk training suitability screening.
• Physically fit for austere environments and night operations.
• Willing to travel to multiple CA ranges and endure long shifts.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Lead Role Player and primary Government POC for each task order.
• Lead, coordinate, and account for the role player team during evolutions.
• Receive, inventory, and control Government-issued sensitive equipment/weapons.
• Coordinate with NSW safety personnel and cadre; maintain realism and ORM compliance.
• Support After Action Reviews and required reporting of events and incidents.

Skills

SOF role player

Team leadership

Safety screening

Weapons accountability

ORM awareness

High-risk ops

Tools

Small arms handling

SIMS/UTM

Job description

Description

DarkStar Intelligence is seeking an experienced Lead Role Player to support a critical Naval Special Warfare Command (NSW) training program. Serving as key personnel and the central point of contact to the Government, the Lead Role Player directs a team of role players who portray realistic characters and opposing forces during high-risk SOF field training exercises across Southern California ranges. The ideal candidate is a former Special Operations Forces (SOF) professional with proven experience serving as a SOF role player, strong familiarity with sensitive equipment and weapons accountability procedures, and the physical readiness to perform in austere, high-tempo training environments. This position requires an active Secret clearance and the ability to lead, coordinate, and safety-screen personnel while maintaining scenario realism and full compliance with NSW high-risk training standards.

Note: This position is contingent upon contract award

Responsibilities

• Serve as the designated Lead Role Player and consistent central point of contact to the Government for each task order
• Lead, coordinate, and account for the assigned role player team during scheduled and short-notice training evolutions
• Perform receiving, accounting, inventory, and control of Government-issued sensitive equipment/weapons (small arms, blanks, SIMS/UTM)
• Coordinate with TRADET/LCPO cadre (e.g., attend the evolution brief ~one week prior and on-site) and NSW safety personnel
• Maintain scenario realism, keep the team on script, and enforce safety and Operational Risk Management (ORM) procedures on site
• Support After Action Reviews and required reporting on completed events (incidents, equipment failures, lessons learned)

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of consecutive experience serving as a SOF role player
• Familiarity with receiving, accounting, inventory, and control of sensitive equipment/weapons (small arms, blanks/SIMS/UTM)
• Active Secret clearance
• Able to pass high-risk training suitability screening per OPNAVINST 1500.75C and COMNAVSPECWARCOMINST 1500.1
• Physically fit for austere environments and night operations; able to be restrained/zip-tied, stand/lie prone for extended periods, wear full PPE (helmet, throat guard, groin guard), and be engaged with non-lethal marking ammunition
• Basic weapons handling/safety proficiency; able to operate marking/blank weapons after instruction
• Able to work up to 12-hour days and accommodate short-notice nights/weekends and ±2-day schedule shifts
• Able to travel to and perform at CA ranges (Niland, San Clemente Island, Fort Hunter Liggett, San Diego, Seal Beach)
• Able to protect CUI and comply with security/dissemination and standards-of-conduct requirements

Desired

• Prior military experience (strongly preferred)
• Direct experience with USSOCOM units
• Familiarity with Naval Special Warfare Group operations, NATO Military Forces, and SOF scenario design
• Prior experience leading/coordinating role player teams across multiple training sites

Who We Are

DarkStar Intelligence delivers mission-critical support to national security operations across intelligence, cybersecurity, technology, and operational support domains. We partner with government customers to strengthen decision advantage, enhance operational readiness, and advance mission success in complex and evolving threat environments.

Why Work at DarkStar?

At DarkStar Intelligence, you’ll contribute directly to high-impact national security missions while growing your professional capabilities in a collaborative, performance-driven environment. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for continuous development within a mission-focused team culture.

ADA Accommodations Statement

DarkStar Intelligence is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

DarkStar Intelligence is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.

E-Verify Participation

DarkStar Intelligence participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees in accordance with applicable law.

Benefits Overview

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan options
• Professional development and training opportunities