Special Operations Planner - Vandenberg SFB with Security Clearance

QinetiQ US; Lompoc (CA); In loco; USD 130.000 - 180.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Special Operations Planner to support USSPACECOM at Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA. The role emphasizes embedded planning expertise in STO, SAP, and space-domain integration to deliver decision-ready products for senior leadership.

The candidate will lead JPP-based efforts, develop CONOPs/COAs, coordinate across agencies and partners, and support exercises, wargames, and real-world operations while maintaining strict OPSEC and classification controls.

Competenze

• 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.
• Experience with JPP, JOPES, and/or MDMP.
• Experience planning STO/SAP into operational plans.

Mansioni

• Support and lead operational and strategic planning across the Joint Planning Process (JPP), including development of CONOPs, COAs, contingency plans, and orders.
• Integrate STO/SAP capabilities into USSPACECOM plans and CONPLANs (e.g., CONPLAN 7100, 7130).
• Coordinate planning across USSPACECOM directorates, interagency partners, allies, and other Combatant Commands to synchronize planning activities.
• Develop and present decision-ready products for senior leadership within time-sensitive conditions.
• Support real-world operations, exercises, and wargaming including MSEL development and AARs.
• Integrate space control capabilities into operational plans and ensure deconfliction of sensitive activities.
• Maintain OPSEC, manage classifications (TS/SCI, SAP, ACCM).
• Identify planning gaps, risks, and mitigations; adapt products to evolving environments.
• Utilize SIPRNet/JWICS and planning tools to disseminate compartmented materials.

Conoscenze

Operational planning experience (10+)

Joint Planning Process (JPP)

JOPES/MDMP

STO/SAP integration

Clearance TS/SCI

Strong written/oral communication

Formazione

Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline

Strumenti

SIPRNet

JWICS

Descrizione del lavoro

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 U.S. Space Forces (S4S) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. 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

Support and lead operational and strategic planning efforts across the Joint Planning Process (JPP), including development of Concepts of Operations (CONOPs), Courses of Action (COAs), contingency plans, and operational orders

• 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.