Strategic J5 Planner — Space, SOF & Cyber

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

Job summary

QinetiQ US (formerly Avantus Federal) seeks an experienced Strategic Planner to support USSPACECOM J5 at Peterson SFB, Colorado Springs. The role requires deep joint planning expertise and the ability to integrate SOF and Cyber considerations into space campaigns.

You will interact with USSOCOM, USCYBERCOM, TSOCs, and interagency partners to develop CONOPs, COAs, and operational orders, ensuring timely, decision-ready products while maintaining strict OPSEC and bearing TS/SCI clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (strategic studies, national security affairs, political science, or related field).
• 10+ years of operational and strategic planning experience at a J5 billet at a Combatant Command, TSOC, or USCYBERCOM headquarters.
• Experience executing the Joint Planning Process (JPP), Joint Operational Planning and Execution System (JOPES), and/or Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) at the strategic level.
• Direct experience integrating SOF and/or Cyber capabilities into campaign or contingency plans, with a working understanding of how USSOCOM and USCYBERCOM approach plan development and resource prioritization.
• 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

Responsibilities

• Execute the full J5 planning process, integrating SOF and Cyber options into USSPACECOM campaign plans, contingency plans, and CONPLANs (e.g., CONPLAN 7100, 7130)
• Develop concepts of operations (CONOPs), Courses of Action (COAs), and operational orders that reflect integrated space, SOF, and Cyber perspectives for senior and flag-level review
• Serve as an authoritative interlocutor with USSOCOM, USCYBERCOM, TSOCs, and interagency partners on intersecting plan development and resource prioritization
• Coordinate J5 planning efforts across USSPACECOM directorates, Geographic Combatant Commands (GCCs), allied and partner nations, and interagency stakeholders to synchronize activities and resolve planning conflicts
• Develop and present decision-ready products – including briefings, planning summaries, staff packages, and risk assessments – for senior and flag-level leadership under dynamic, time-sensitive conditions
• Integrate Special Technical Operations (STO) and Special Access Program (SAP) capabilities into USSPACECOM operational and strategic plans, ensuring deconfliction of sensitive activities across the space domain
• Support real-world operations, exercises, and wargames including scenario design, Master Scenario Event List (MSEL) development, and After Action Reviews (AARs)
• Identify planning gaps, risks, and constraints at the SOF-Cyber-space seam; propose mitigations and alternatives; maintain situational awareness and adapt planning products as the operational environment evolves
• Maintain strict operational security (OPSEC), manage classification levels (TS/SCI, SAP, ACCM), and ensure compliance with applicable legal and policy frameworks
• Utilize classified collaboration environments (SIPRN, JWICS) to manage and disseminate compartmented planning materials

Skills

JPP/JOPES/MDMP planning

SIPRNet/JWICS

TS/SCI clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in strategic studies, political science, or related field

Master’s degree in strategic studies or space policy (preferred)

Job description

QinetiQ US (formerly Avantus Federal) seeks an experienced Strategic Planner to support USSPACECOM J5 at Peterson SFB, Colorado Springs. The role requires deep joint planning expertise and the ability to integrate SOF and Cyber considerations into space campaigns.

You will interact with USSOCOM, USCYBERCOM, TSOCs, and interagency partners to develop CONOPs, COAs, and operational orders, ensuring timely, decision-ready products while maintaining strict OPSEC and bearing TS/SCI clearance.