Strategic Space Operations Planner

QinetiQ US (formerly Avantus Federal); Vandenberg Village (CA); 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 supporting U.S. Space Forces (S4S) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The ideal candidate brings deep operational planning expertise— including familiarity with STO, SAP, and space domain integration—and can produce decision-ready products for senior leadership under time-sensitive conditions. You will lead and integrate planning across JPP processes, coordinate with interagency

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline as listed.
• 10+ years of operational planning experience in a special operations or headquarters environment.
• Experience with JPP, JOPES, and/or MDMP.
• Experience planning or integrating STO/SAP into plans.
• Strong written and oral communication under time-sensitive conditions.
• Proficiency with classified systems including SIPRNet and JWICS.
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance required; #qinetiqclearedjob

Responsibilities

• Support and lead operational and strategic planning across the JPP.
• Integrate STO/SAP capabilities into USSPACECOM plans and CONPLANs.
• Coordinate planning across directorates, interagency partners, and allied commands.
• Develop and present decision-ready products for senior leadership.
• Support real-world operations, exercises, and wargames.
• Manage classified collaboration environments and planning tools.

Skills

Operational planning

Joint Planning Process (JPP)

Military Decision Making Process (MDMP

Education

Bachelor's degree in strategic studies, political science, aerospace/systems engineering, operations research, or related field

Master’s degree in strategic studies, national security affairs, space policy, or related field

Tools

SIPRNet

JWICS

Job description

QinetiQ US is 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 STO, SAP, and space domain integration—and can produce decision-ready products for senior leadership under time-sensitive conditions. You will lead and integrate planning across JPP processes, coordinate with interagency