Operational Psychologist

CACI International Inc.; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 104,000 - 218,000; Full time

Job summary

CACI International Inc. seeks an Operational Psychologist to join a team delivering mission-critical advisory, training, and operations support for national security.

You will apply behavioral science to develop, target, and influence audiences to achieve strategic objectives and support joint force effectiveness. The role emphasizes ethical standards, scientific rigor, and integration of intelligence with assessment to adapt to evolving information conditions while enabling high-impact mission

Qualifications

• MA/MS in behavioral sciences or psychology or related field.
• PhD in a relevant field is desirable.
• 5 years’ experience supporting military operational planning and/or assessments for OIE, IW, Sensitive Activities, or related programs.

Responsibilities

• Supports OIE, IW, and Sensitive activities by applying behavioral science to influence targets.
• Advises on audience analysis, themes, vulnerabilities, decision styles, and assessment criteria.
• Develops MOEs to measure impact of operations on targets and audiences.
• Facilitates development of intelligence requirements to identify enemy capabilities and intentions.
• Performs behavioral assessments using established theoretical orientations adapted for operational contexts.
• Develops personalized influence tactics using digital phenotyping, neuroscience, or cyberpsychology.
• Maintains current psychological research to ensure scientific rigor in tactics and procedures.
• Supports OIE exercises, wargaming, and decision-quality planning products.

Skills

Behavioral analysis

Operational planning

Executive briefing

Data analysis

Psychology research

Education

MA/MS in behavioral sciences

PhD in relevant field

Tools

AI/ML tools

Job description

Job Title: Operational PsychologistJob Category: ScienceTime Type: Full timeMinimum Clearance Required to Start: TS/SCI with PolygraphEmployee Type: RegularPercentage of Travel Required: Up to 25%Type of Travel: Local* * *The Opportunity:Join a team dedicated to advancing national security through innovative irregular warfare and operations expertise . CACI is looking for individuals to join a program that delivers mission-critical advisory, training, and operational support services that help mission partners stay ahead of rapidly evolving global threats. Working across geographic and functional combatant commands, these professionals play a vital role in developing, integrating, and sustaining mission-ready task forces that enhance joint force effectiveness and operational success.This is an opportunity to contribute to high-impact missions, collaborate with experienced professionals, and support strategic operations that strengthen our nation's defense capabilities around the world. Candidates who thrive in dynamic environments, embrace complex challenges, and are committed to mission excellence will find meaningful opportunities for growth and impact within CACI and on this team.Responsibilities:Supports OIE (including Psychological Operations), IW, and Sensitive activities by applying behavioral science principles to develop, target, and influence individuals, groups, or organizations to accomplish tactical, operational, or strategic objectivesAdvises on target audience analysis including development of themes and messages; identification of psychological vulnerabilities, strengths, susceptibilities; decision making style; and assessment criteria refinementDevelops measures of effectiveness (MOE) to systematically assess and report the impact of operations on targets, target audiencesFacilitates and supports development of intelligence requirements to identify and evaluate relevant enemy capabilities, personality/decision making characteristics, and intentions.Performs behavioral assessment of relevant targets using empirically supported theoretical orientations, perspectives, or modalities ( e.g. trait/motivational, cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic) adapted for observable operational environmentsDevelops personalized influence tactics by synthesizing digital phenotyping, neuroscience, or cyberpsychology to create actor-specific behavioral modelsMaintains and actively applies current psychological research as a practitioner to ensure scientific rigor is integrated into all operational psychology tactics, techniques, and proceduresMaintains current professional ethical standardsIntegrates intelligence, assessment, and feedback to refine OIE approaches and adapt to changing information conditions.Supports OIE exercises, experiments, and wargaming to test assumptions and validate psychological effects.Produces decision-quality OIE planning products, assessments, and briefs incorporating operational psychology insights.Qualifications:Required:Active TS/SCI clearance with CI PolyMA/MS in a relevant field ( e.g. behavioral sciences, neurosciences, psychology, social science)5 years’ experience supporting military operational planning and/or assessments (7 years with BA/BS) for OIE, IW, Sensitive Activities, or compartmented activitiesDemonstrated experience briefing or delivering written concepts to executive/senior-level (GO/FO/SES) decision makersDemonstrated expertise applying behavioral models, scientific theory, and data analysis to military operations and assessments for OIE, IW, and/or Sensitive ActivitiesDemonstrated expertise of scientific research and its application to support psychological assessment, influence psychology, and behavior change modelsDemonstrated experience designing, administering and/or evaluating research instruments and activities in support of military operations Desired:PhD in relevant field5 years’ experience supporting military operational planning, research, and assessments at the CCMD, Service Component Command, Joint Task Force or similar levelDemonstrated experience integrating data analytic tools, to include AI/ML enabled tools-What You Can Expect: A culture of integrity.At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.An environment of trust.CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.A focus on continuous growth.Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground — in your career and in our legacy.Pay Range :There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.The proposed salary range for this position is:$103,800 - $218,100CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.