Lead / Senior Controller

Applied Training Solutions; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Training Solutions, LLC is seeking an experienced Lead / Senior Controller to support HSEEP-compliant state exercises. This role oversees exercise control activities to ensure accurate, realistic, and consistent exercise play in accordance with HSEEP.

The Lead / Senior Controller manages controller teams and coordinates scenario execution and inject delivery with planners, facilitators, evaluators, and leadership to maintain safety, tempo, and integrity.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience serving as a controller for HSEEP-compliant exercises.
• Strong knowledge of exercise design, conduct, and control principles.
• Ability to manage complex scenarios and multiple controller inputs.
• FEMA HSEEP training or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Lead / Senior Controller for seminars, workshops, tabletop, functional, and full-scale exercises conducted in accordance with HSEEP doctrine
• Oversee and coordinate all exercise control activities to ensure scenario flow aligns with exercise design and objectives
• Lead and manage controller teams, including assignment of roles, responsibilities, and areas of control
• Ensure accurate, timely, and consistent delivery of scenario information, injects, and simulation inputs
• Coordinate closely with the Exercise Director, Lead Facilitator, and Lead Evaluator to synchronize exercise play, facilitation, and evaluation
• Monitor participant actions and decisions to ensure exercise play remains within scope and objectives
• Manage exercise tempo, transitions, and pacing to support effective exercise outcomes
• Address and resolve exercise issues, disruptions, or safety concerns in coordination with exercise leadership
• Maintain accurate control logs, notes, and records to support after-action reporting and future planning

Skills

HSEEP knowledge

Leadership

Emergency management

Decision making under pressure

Communication

U.S. citizenship

Job description

Lead / Senior Controller

1099 - Consultant
Various locations within the Commonwealth of Virginia

Position Summary

Applied Training Solutions, LLC is seeking an experienced Lead / Senior Controller to support HSEEP-compliant state exercises. The Lead / Senior Controller is responsible for overseeing and coordinating exercise control activities to ensure accurate, realistic, and consistent exercise play in accordance with the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP). This role manages controller teams, oversees scenario execution and inject delivery, and works closely with exercise planners, facilitators, evaluators, and leadership to maintain exercise safety, tempo, and integrity.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Lead / Senior Controller for seminars, workshops, tabletop, functional, and full-scale exercises conducted in accordance with HSEEP doctrine
• Oversee and coordinate all exercise control activities to ensure scenario flow aligns with exercise design and objectives
• Lead and manage controller teams, including assignment of roles, responsibilities, and areas of control
• Ensure accurate, timely, and consistent delivery of scenario information, injects, and simulation inputs
• Coordinate closely with the Exercise Director, Lead Facilitator, and Lead Evaluator to synchronize exercise play, facilitation, and evaluation
• Monitor participant actions and decisions to ensure exercise play remains within scope and objectives
• Manage exercise tempo, transitions, and pacing to support effective exercise outcomes
• Address and resolve exercise issues, disruptions, or safety concerns in coordination with exercise leadership
• Ensure adherence to exercise rules, assumptions, artificialities, and control guidance
• Participate in exercise planning meetings and provide technical input to control and scenario development
• Support hot washes, controller debriefs, and after-action discussions as required
• Maintain accurate control logs, notes, and records to support after-action reporting and future planning
• Maintain professionalism, objectivity, and confidentiality throughout the exercise process

Basic Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience serving as a controller or senior controller for HSEEP-compliant exercises
• Strong knowledge of exercise design, conduct, and control principles
• Ability to manage complex scenarios and multiple controller inputs in dynamic environments
• Strong communication, coordination, and decision-making skills
• Ability to remain calm and adaptable in high-tempo exercise environments
• Familiarity with Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)
• Must be a U.S. citizen

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in emergency management, preparedness, or planning roles
• FEMA HSEEP training (e.g., IS-120, IS-130, IS-139, or equivalent)
• Experience serving as Lead Controller or Senior Controller for state or multi-agency exercises
• Incident Command System training (ICS-300,ICS-400 preferred)
• Experience with Emergency Operations Center (EOC) operations or field-based exercises
• Knowledge of FEMA, EMAC, and interagency coordination processes
• MEPP qualified (Master Exercise Practitioner Program) or demonstrated equivalent experience supporting complex, multi-agency HSEEP-compliant exercises

Other Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship Required: Yes
• Performance Location: On-site while on assignment (various locations within the Commonwealth of Virginia)
• Relocation Assistance: Not applicable
• Clearance Required: None
• Travel Required: Yes - up to 100% while on assignment

Working Environment

The work environment will include Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), field exercise sites, training venues, or office locations depending on assignment. The position may require extended work hours beyond 12 hours per day, working under high operational tempo, and travel to locations throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

About Applied Training Solutions, LLC

Applied Training Solutions, LLC is a leading simulations company providing innovative systems, products, and solutions to government and commercial customers.

We are committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. U.S. citizenship is required for most positions.