Senior Special Operations Planner Lead

QinetiQ U.S.; California (MO); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

QinetiQ US seeks an experienced Special Operations Planner Team Lead to support USSPACECOM at Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA. You will direct a team of planners, interface with government leadership, and own the quality of all planning products.

The ideal candidate has deep STO/SAP planning expertise, senior leadership experience in a fast-paced combatant command environment, and an active TS/SCI clearance; you will deliver CONOPs, COAs, and operational orders for sensitive space-domain

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline
• 15+ years of operational planning experience in a special operations, joint, or Combatant Command headquarters environment
• 3+ years of supervisory or team lead experience
• Proven experience leading planning through the Joint Planning Process (JPP) with CONOPs, COAs, and operational orders
• Direct experience planning or integrating STO or SAP into operational plans at the combatant command level
• Strong communication with government customers and ability to present to SES-level audiences
• Proficiency with classified systems including SIPRNet and JWICS
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance required

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior contractor point of contact for planning activities interfacing with the COR and government leadership
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of Special Operations Planners
• Conduct performance evaluations and support professional development to maintain high morale
• Identify staffing gaps and coordinate with program management on hiring actions
• Develop operational products across the Joint Planning Process (JPP) including CONOPs, COAs, and OPs
• Oversee delivery of decision-ready products—briefings, staff packages, and planning summaries

Skills

Team Leadership

Operational Planning

Joint Planning Process

STO/SAP experience

TS/SCI Clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline

Master's degree in strategic studies or related field

Tools

SIPRNet

JWICS

Job description

QinetiQ US seeks an experienced Special Operations Planner Team Lead to support USSPACECOM at Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA. You will direct a team of planners, interface with government leadership, and own the quality of all planning products.

The ideal candidate has deep STO/SAP planning expertise, senior leadership experience in a fast-paced combatant command environment, and an active TS/SCI clearance; you will deliver CONOPs, COAs, and operational orders for sensitive space-domain