Space Operations Analyst (Mid or Senior)

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 138,000 - 198,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) is seeking a Space Operations Analyst to support the Space Warfighting Analysis Center in San Diego, CA.

The role involves MBSE, modeling and simulation, and on-site collaboration with SWAC, SSDP, and DAF PAE C3BM programs. Responsibilities include assisting program managers, preparing deliverables, managing multiple tasks, communicating analytic results, and serving as on-site SME in spacecraft systems and orbital dynamics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in applied math, engineering, physical science, or operations research.
• 4+ years of space systems engineering or space operations experience (mid-level); 7+ years for senior-level.
• Top Secret/SCI eligibility requirement.
• Experience designing models for evaluating complex space systems/architectures, incl. spacecraft maneuvers and orbital dynamics, using software tools.

Responsibilities

• Assist Program Managers and Team Leads in day-to-day space systems analysis and operations research projects; develop advanced project management models and forecast resources.
• Lead the preparation of deliverables (presentations, reports) communicating assumptions, methodologies, findings and recommendations.
• Balance tasks across multiple projects and communicate progress to task leads.
• Communicate analytic results and technical information to internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as on-site subject matter expert in spacecraft systems, satellite operations, space-enabled kill chains, and mission engineering principles.

Skills

Space operations

MBSE

Stakeholder alignment

Analytical reasoning

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in applied math/engineering/physical science/operations research

Master’s degree (desired)

Tools

STK

GMAT

AFSIM

SysML

Cameo

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.

The Operations Research and C5ISR Analysis (ORCA) group is seeking a Space Operations Analyst to provide on‑site support in San Diego, CA to the Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC), Space Security & Defense Program (SSDP), and Department of the Air Force Program Acquisition Executive for Command, Control, Communications, and Battle Management (DAF PAE C3BM). The candidate will leverage simulation systems to support multi‑domain military operations and drive the analytical process. Operations Analysts apply Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles and analytical tools to identify trends, analyze complex data, and solve real‑world challenges. They will also execute technical ownership of modeling and simulation efforts, providing quality assurance to other analysts. Qualified candidates should be able to effectively communicate analytic results, understand current and future space system capabilities, and apply analytical and engineering methodologies to solve operational problems. #KS

Responsibilities

• Assist Program Managers and Team Leads in the day‑to‑day execution of space systems analysis and operations research projects, developing advanced project management models and forecasting resource requirements


• Lead the preparation of deliverables (presentations, written reports, etc.) to communicate assumptions, methodology, analysis‑based findings, and recommendations to sponsors and stakeholders


• Balance tasks across multiple projects concurrently and regularly communicate progress or challenges to task leads


• Communicate analytic results and technical information to internal and external stakeholders


• Serve as on‑site subject matter expert in spacecraft systems, satellite operations, space‑enabled kill chains, and/or space mission engineering principles

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in applied math, engineering, physical science, or operations research


• Academic or industry experience in the space domain


• 4+ years of space systems engineering or space operations experience for mid‑level; 7+ years of experience for senior‑level


• Demonstrated success in aligning diverse stakeholders, forging strategic partnerships, and directing high‑impact research efforts in support of mission success.


• Experience in designing models for evaluating complex systems or architectures, including spacecraft maneuvers and orbital dynamics, using commercial and proprietary software tools


• Top Secret/SCI eligibility

Desired Qualifications:

• Master's degree in applied math, engineering, physical science, or operations research


• Experience with DoD, Intelligence Community (IC), and/or Commercial Satellite systems


• Experience with modeling and simulation software, such as Systems Tool Kit (STK); General Mission Analysis Tool (GMAT); Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM); and Cameo Systems Modeling Language (SysML) in the conduct of space‑related analysis


• Active participation and membership in a professional aerospace or operations research society such as the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) or the Military Operations Research Society (MORS)


• Previous experience supporting space capabilities within United States Air Force, United States Space Force, NRO, SPACECOM, STRATCOM, PACOM, and/or NASA

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. California Pay Transparency Range: $138k - $198k.

This position requires obtaining, holding, and maintaining eligibility for a Top Secret/SCI clearance based on the contract requirements. Applicants must be able to obtain the appropriate clearance within a reasonable amount of time based on the needs of the client. Additionally, due to the protected nature of the work process and product at SPA, all positions require the execution of the SPA Non‑Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Some employees may be required to sign additional documents or complete other pre‑employment or ongoing testing.

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. California, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $138,000.00/Yr. - USD $198,000.00/Yr.