Special Operations Planner - Peterson SFB with Security Clearance

QinetiQ US; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Special Operations Planner to serve as an embedded contractor with USSPACECOM in Colorado Springs, CO. The role focuses on integrating STO/SAP, space domain operations, and high‑level planning under time pressure.

Responsibilities include developing decision‑ready products for senior leadership, coordinating with multiple directorates and partners, and maintaining strict OPSEC and classification controls (TS/SCI). Active clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in strategic studies, political science, aerospace, or related field.
• 10+ years of operational planning experience in a special operations or Combatant Command HQ.
• Experience with JPP, JOPES and/or MDMP.
• Experience planning STO or SAP into operational plans.
• Strong written and oral communication for high‑pressure environments.
• Proficiency with classified systems and tools including SIPRNet and JWICS.
• Active TS/SCI clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Integrate STO/SAP and space-domain capabilities into USSPACECOM plans and CONPLANs.
• Coordinate planning across USSPACECOM Directorates and interagency partners.
• Develop and present decision-ready products for senior and flag-level leadership.
• Support real-world operations, exercises, and wargames including AARs.
• Ensure deconfliction of sensitive activities and maintain OPSEC.
• Utilize SIPRNet/JWICS and planning tools to manage compartmented materials.

Skills

Operational planning

Decision-ready briefings

Written and oral communication

Security awareness

SIPRNet

Education

Bachelor's degree in strategic studies / related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SIPRNet

JWICS

JPP/JOPES/MDMP

Job description

Position Overview Join us in supporting the United States Space Command (USSPACECOM), one of the nation’s eleven unified combatant commands responsible for space operations critical to joint warfighting. We are seeking an experienced Special Operations Planner to serve as an embedded contractor supporting USSPACECOM headquarters in Colorado Springs, CO. The ideal candidate brings deep operational planning expertise – including familiarity with Special Technical Operations (STO), compartmented programs, and space domain integration – and can produce decision-ready products for senior leadership under dynamic, time-sensitive conditions.

Responsibilities

• Integrate special operations and Special Technical Operations (STO) / Special Access Program (SAP) capabilities into USSPACECOM operational plans, campaign plans, and CONPLANS (e.g., CONPLAN 7100, 7130)
• Coordinate planning efforts across USSPACECOM Directorates, interagency partners, allied and partner nations, and other Combatant Commands to synchronize planning activities and resolve conflict
• Develop and present decision-ready products – including briefings, staff packages, operational overlays, risk assessments, and planning summaries – for senior and flag-level leadership
• Support real-world operations, exercises, and wargame including scenario design, Master Scenario Event List (MSEL) development, After Action Reviews (AARs), and observer/trainer support
• Integrate space control capabilities – including Electromagnetic Support (ES) and Electromagnetic Attack (EA) – into operational plans and ensure deconfliction of sensitive activities across the space domain
• Maintain strict operational security (OPSEC), manage classification levels (TS/SCI, SAP, ACCM), and ensure compliance with applicable legal and policy frameworks
• Identify planning gaps, risks, and constraints; propose mitigations and alternatives; maintain situational awareness and adapt planning products as the operational environment evolves
• Utilize classified collaboration environments (SIPRNet, JWICS) and planning tools to manage and disseminate compartmented planning materials

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (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 headquarters environment
• Demonstrated experience with the Joint Planning Process (JPP), Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES), and/or Military Decision Making Process (MDMP)
• Experience planning or integrating Special Technical Operations (STO) or Special Access Programs (SAP) into operational plans
• Strong written and oral communication skills with demonstrated ability to produce high-quality briefings, orders, and staff packages under high-pressure, short-suspense conditions
• Proficiency with classified systems and tools including SIPRNet and JWICS
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance required; #qinetiqclearedjob

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in strategic studies, national security affairs, space policy, or a related field
• Prior direct experience supporting USSPACECOM, another Geographic Combatant Command (GCC), or the Joint Staff
• Familiarity with space operations doctrine including JP 3-14 (Space Operations) and JP 5-0 (Joint Planning)
• Completion of a formal STO Planner course (e.g., USASTOPC) and/or Planning and Decision Aid System (PDAS) training
• Experience with space domain awareness, satellite communications, missile warning, or space control missions
• Background in wargame design, modeling and simulation (M&S) tools, or exercise planning
• Prior military service with experience as a Space Operations Officer (FA40) or in a special operations planning billet

Pay Transparency The salary range for this role is $130,000 - $180,000 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. QinetiQ US considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.