Strategic Space Operations Planner | TS/SCI Clearance

QinetiQ US; Lompoc (CA); 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, 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.

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

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Operational planning experience (10+)

Joint Planning Process (JPP)

JOPES/MDMP

STO/SAP integration

Clearance TS/SCI

Strong written/oral communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline

Tools

SIPRNet

JWICS

Job description

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.