Operational Psychologist

CACI; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

CACI seeks an Operational Psychologist to join a team delivering advisory, training, and operational support for national security. The role emphasizes behavioral science to influence targets and support mission-critical objectives across diverse commands.

Required TS/SCI clearance with Poly, MA/MS in a related field, and 5+ years in military operational planning or assessments. You will apply behavioral models, conduct audience analysis, and develop MOEs while adhering to ethical standards.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with CI Poly.
• MA/MS in a relevant field (e.g. behavioral sciences, neuroscience, 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 activities.
• Demonstrated experience briefing or delivering written concepts to executive/senior-level (GO/FO/SES) decision makers.
• Demonstrated expertise applying behavioral models, scientific theory, and data analysis to military operations and assessments for OIE, IW, and/or Sensitive Activities.
• Demonstrated experience designing, administering and/or evaluating research instruments and activities in support of military operations.

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 objectives
• Advises on target audience analysis including development of themes and messages; identification of psychological vulnerabilities, strengths, susceptibilities; decision making style; and assessment criteria refinement
• Develops measures of effectiveness (MOE) to systematically assess and report the impact of operations on targets, target audiences
• Facilitates 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 environments
• Develops personalized influence tactics by synthesizing digital phenotyping, neuroscience, or cyberpsychology to create actor-specific behavioral models
• Maintains and actively applies current psychological research as a practitioner to ensure scientific rigor is integrated into all operational psychology tactics, techniques, and procedures
• Maintains current professional ethical standards
• Integrates 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.

Skills

Briefing experience

Behavioral models

Data analysis

Operational psychology

Military operations

Education

MA/MS in behavioral sciences or psychology

PhD in relevant field

Tools

AI/ML tools

Job description

Job Title: Operational Psychologist

Job Category: Science

Time Type: Full time

Minimum Clearance Required to Start: TS/SCI with Polygraph

Employee Type: Regular

Percentage 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 objectives
• Advises on target audience analysis including development of themes and messages; identification of psychological vulnerabilities, strengths, susceptibilities; decision making style; and assessment criteria refinement
• Develops measures of effectiveness (MOE) to systematically assess and report the impact of operations on targets, target audiences
• Facilitates 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 environments
• Develops personalized influence tactics by synthesizing digital phenotyping, neuroscience, or cyberpsychology to create actor-specific behavioral models
• Maintains and actively applies current psychological research as a practitioner to ensure scientific rigor is integrated into all operational psychology tactics, techniques, and procedures
• Maintains current professional ethical standards
• Integrates 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 Poly
• MA/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 activities
• Demonstrated experience briefing or delivering written concepts to executive/senior-level (GO/FO/SES) decision makers
• Demonstrated expertise applying behavioral models, scientific theory, and data analysis to military operations and assessments for OIE, IW, and/or Sensitive Activities
• Demonstrated expertise of scientific research and its application to support psychological assessment, influence psychology, and behavior change models
• Demonstrated experience designing, administering and/or evaluating research instruments and activities in support of military operations

Desired:

• PhD in relevant field
• 5 years' experience supporting military operational planning, research, and assessments at the CCMD, Service Component Command, Joint Task Force or similar level
• Demonstrated 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 bre