Senior Space Operations Planner

QinetiQ US; Lompoc (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Special Operations Planner to support USSPACECOM at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The role requires deep operational planning expertise, STO/SAP integration, and the ability to deliver decision-ready products for senior leadership under tight timelines.

Candidates should hold a TS/SCI clearance and a Bachelor's degree, with 10+ years in joint or Combatant Command planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in strategic studies, political science, aerospace/systems engineering, operations research, or related field.
• 10+ years of operational planning experience in a special operations, joint, or Combatant Command HQ environment.
• Experience with JPP/JOPES/MDMP or equivalent.
• Experience planning STO or SAP into operational plans.
• Strong written and oral communication under high-pressure, short-suspense conditions.
• Proficiency with classified systems including SIPRNet and JWICS.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support and lead planning across the Joint Planning Process (JPP), including CONOPs, COAs, contingency plans, and operations orders.
• Integrate STO/SAP capabilities into USSPACECOM plans and CONPLANs.
• Coordinate planning across USSPACECOM Directorates, interagency partners, allies, and other commands.
• Develop decision-ready products—briefings, staff packages, operational overlays, risk assessments, and planning summaries—for senior leadership.
• Support real-world operations, exercises, and wargames; assist with scenario design and AARs.
• Integrate space control capabilities into plans and ensure deconfliction of sensitive activities.
• Maintain OPSEC and manage TS/SCI classifications; adhere to legal and policy frameworks.
• Identify planning gaps, risks, and mitigations; maintain situational awareness.
• Use SIPRNet/JWICS planning tools to manage and disseminate compartmented materials.

Skills

Operational planning

Staff briefings

Written communication

Oral communication

JPP/JOPES/MDMP

TS/SCI clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

SIPRNet

JWICS

Job description

QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Special Operations Planner to support USSPACECOM at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The role requires deep operational planning expertise, STO/SAP integration, and the ability to deliver decision-ready products for senior leadership under tight timelines.

Candidates should hold a TS/SCI clearance and a Bachelor's degree, with 10+ years in joint or Combatant Command planning.