Senior Undersea Warfare SME — Strategy, Testing & Ops

Systems Planning & Analysis; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) seeks an Undersea Warfare SME to work on-site in Chantilly, VA. You will lead testing of next‑gen USW systems, manage complex workflows, and coordinate across military and civilian teams to ensure mission success.

The role requires a top-tier defense background in USW/TASW, a STEM degree or equivalent, and the ability to travel as needed. Join a trusted firm supporting national security with innovative analytical capabilities.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance at time of application.
• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline or equivalent operational experience.
• 10+ years of DoD operational experience.
• Extensive USW/TASW and waterspace deconfliction/management background.
• Experience with software test planning and tactical decision-support tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, coordination, and execution of comprehensive software test plans for next‑gen Undersea Warfare systems.
• Define and optimize day-in-the-life workflows (CONOPS) to integrate new TD capabilities.
• Coordinate cross-functional workflow across DOTMLP‑F areas and partner teams.
• Manage program schedules and track performance metrics to meet program priorities.
• Translate USW requirements into clear directions for software engineering teams.
• Resolve integration and testing bottlenecks and adapt to evolving execution needs.
• Provide strategic direction to maintain project alignment across stakeholders.
• Foster collaboration among military, civilian, and contractor partners.
• Communicate findings and data-driven recommendations to senior leaders.

Skills

TS/SCI clearance

Undersea Warfare

Software test planning

Schedule management

Education

B.S. in STEM or equivalent experience

Operational DoD experience

Tools

Tactical decision-support tools

SONAR TDAs

STAPLE Toolkit

Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter . Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter . Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity. We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense. Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.

The Strategic Technology Analysis Group, part of SPA’s Space and Intelligence Division, offers sophisticated capabilities (people, process & tools) to resolve unique problems in space, cyber, and special operations in support to military services, Secretary of Defense offices (OSD) and theater warfighters. Our portfolio includes the Assistant Secretary of Air Force for Space Acquisition & Integration (SAF/SQ), Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC), Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP), National Space Defense Center (NSDC), Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC), Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO), US Space Command (USSPACECOM) and US Space Force (USSF). Come be a part of a high-speed low-drag organization providing unique and tailored solutions for our National Defense!

SPA has an immediate need for an Undersea Warfare SME.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will provide high-level Subject Matter Expert (SME) support for Undersea Warfare (USW) and tactical employment of Submarine systems. Operating full-time within secure spaces in Chantilly, VA, the selected candidate will lead water space deconfliction planning management, software test execution, and workflow optimization. This critical position requires a unique blend of deep operational system experience, tactical oceanography and underwater sound propagation, schedule management capabilities, and the ability to integrate emerging decision support tools into daily warfighter workflows. You should have an understanding of high-fidelity underwater environments with 2D and 3D visualizations for modeling of SONAR propagation paths and performance along with knowledge of sensors from Low to High Frequency bands and the tactical implications and limitations of both.

• Lead the development, coordination, and execution of comprehensive software test plans and operational test oversight for next-generation Undersea Warfare systems.
• Establish, evaluate, and continuously optimize "day in the life" operational workflows (CONOPS) to seamlessly integrate new tactical decision support capabilities.
• Coordinate and drive operational system reviews across the range of transition partner DOTMLP-F areas and collaborate closely with cross-functional technical and operational teams.
• Manage program schedules, track performance metrics, and ensure deliverables meet overarching program requirements and priorities.
• Translate complex tactical USW operational requirements into clear, technical directions for software engineering and development teams.
• Apply adaptive problem-solving skills to resolve complex system integration, testing, and operational bottlenecks dynamically during execution.
• Provide strategic direction to maintain project alignment and manage program schedules across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Foster collaboration, build consensus, and maintain strong partnerships among military, civilian, and contractor stakeholders.
• Communicate complex technical findings and data-driven recommendations effectively to a diverse audience of senior military leaders, program managers, and engineers.
  
  

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Active TS/SCI security clearance and recent experience supporting U.S. Navy Special Access Programs (SAPs).
• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline (or equivalent operational experience in lieu of a degree)
• 10+ years of experience working directly with Defense Department operational details and programs
• Extensive operational background in Undersea Warfare (USW), Theater Anti-Submarine Warfare (TASW), and Waterspace Deconfliction/Management
• Proven experience in software test planning, execution oversight, and the utilization of tactical Decision Support Tools
• Demonstrated ability to manage program schedules, track performance, and coordinate cross-functional team workflows
• Solid understanding of the defense industry, military command structures, and acquisition environments
• Able to support travel up to 25% to 50% of the time
• Location: Must have the ability to work full-time on-site in secure spaces (SCIF) in the Chantilly, VA area
  
  

Desired Qualifications

• 10+ years of active-duty service with prior experience serving under a Theater Undersea Warfare Commander (TUSWC) highly preferred.
• Knowledge of Undersea Warfare Decision Support System, SONAR Tactical Decision Aide, STAPLE Toolkit
  
  

Pay Range Information

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $200,000.00/Yr. - USD $225,000.00/Yr.