Strategic Space Operations Planner

QinetiQ U.S.; California (MO); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Special Operations Planner to support USSPACECOM at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The role requires deep operational planning expertise, familiarity with STO/SAP, and the ability to produce decision-ready products for senior leadership under tight deadlines.

You will coordinate across multiple directorates, interagency partners, and allied nations to align plans, develop CONOPs/COAs, and integrate space control capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline.
• 10+ years of operational planning experience in special operations, joint, or Combatant Command HQ.
• Experience with JPP, JOPES and/or MDMP.
• Experience planning STO/SAP into plans.
• Strong written and oral communication under pressure.
• Proficient with classified systems including SIPRNet and JWICS.
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support and lead operational and strategic planning across the JPP, CONOPs, COAs, contingencies, and OPORDs.
• Integrate STO/SAP capabilities into USSPACECOM plans and CONPLANs.
• Coordinate across directorates, interagency partners, allied nations, and other commands.
• Develop and present decision-ready briefings and staff products for senior leadership.
• Support real-world ops, exercises, and wargames; design scenarios and AARs.
• Incorporate space control capabilities into plans and ensure deconfliction.
• Maintain OPSEC and manage TS/SCI, SAP, ACCM classifications.
• Identify gaps, risks, and mitigations; adapt products as needed.
• Use SIPRNet/JWICS and other tools to disseminate classified planning materials.

Skills

Strategic planning

Briefing development

High-pressure communication

Collaboration across agencies

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in strategic studies or related field

Master's degree in strategic studies (preferred)

Tools

SIPRNet

JWICS

JOPES

Job description

QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Special Operations Planner to support USSPACECOM at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The role requires deep operational planning expertise, familiarity with STO/SAP, and the ability to produce decision-ready products for senior leadership under tight deadlines.

You will coordinate across multiple directorates, interagency partners, and allied nations to align plans, develop CONOPs/COAs, and integrate space control capabilities.