Targeting Subject Matter Expert

Leidos; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Targeting Effects Subject Matter Expert to provide expert leadership, analysis, and operational support across joint targeting, assessment activities, and interoperability efforts. The role emphasizes data-driven insights, rigorous testing, and multi-domain mission coverage.

You will lead planning, execution, and assessment for Desktop Analysis, A&V events, and CIAV-aligned targeting assessments, ensuring operational relevance and mission impact for high-visibility programs.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting military operational activities.
• Experience in targeting across joint processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide SME analyst support for planning, preparation, research, coordination, and execution of targeting activities.
• Develop and deliver analytical reports and executive briefings.
• Lead testing, validation, and event planning for targeting assessments.
• Support CIAV methodology and data-sharing interoperability efforts.
• Write and maintain project documentation and training materials.

Skills

Targeting operations

Analytical reporting

CIAV targeting support

Data analysis

Communication skills

Interviewing military/contractor

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

JTT

MIDB

Job description

Description

Targeting Effects Subject Matter Expert

The Defense Sector at Leidos is currently looking for a Targeting Effects Subject Matter Expert. The Targeting Effects Subject Matter Expert provides expert‑level leadership, analysis, and operational support across the full spectrum of joint targeting, Combatant Command assessment activities, and mission‑partner interoperability efforts. This role integrates advanced analytical methodologies, testing rigor, modeling and simulation, and multi‑domain operational expertise to support high‑visibility programs and senior decision‑makers.

You will lead planning, execution, and assessment activities for Desktop Analysis (DTA), Assurance & Validation (A&V) events, and CIAV‑aligned targeting assessments, ensuring data‑driven insights, operational relevance, and mission impact.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Targeting Operations — Provide SME Analyst to planning, preparation, research, coordination, and execution of targeting activities, delivering expert analysis and mission focused guidance across all phases of the joint targeting cycle.
• Analytical Product Development — Develop and deliver detailed analytical reports, workflow visualizations, mission thread products, and executive briefings that clearly articulate findings, risks, and operational impacts.
• Test Planning & Execution — Conduct structured testing activities, coordinate with external test organizations, and participate in test related working groups to ensure rigorous validation of systems, processes, and mission threads.
• CIAV Targeting Support — Apply deliberate targeting expertise to support CIAV methodology, collaborating with Joint Staff DDC5I teams and Combatant Commands to assess and improve data sharing interoperability with mission partners.
• Event Planning — Serve as SME Analyst for Desktop Analysis (DTA) and Assurance & Validation (A&V) events, executing research, site configuration, use case execution, and operational data analysis.
• Modeling & Simulation Integration — Support opportunities to incorporate modeling and simulation into event planning, assessment design, and mission thread development to enhance analytical rigor and scenario fidelity.
• Joint Targeting Expertise — Provide expert level knowledge across the joint targeting process, including Target System Analysis, Target Development, prioritization, MEA, CDE, BDA, CA, and multi domain mission planning.
• Operational Data Analysis — Gather, process, and analyze operational data to identify trends, validate findings, and support decision quality recommendations for project leads and mission partners.
• Systems Development Support — Assist with testing, evaluation, and development of new systems or updates to existing systems, ensuring alignment with client needs, operational requirements, and emerging technologies.
• Documentation & Training Development — Write, update, and maintain project documentation, system procedures, presentations, and training materials to support operational readiness and knowledge transfer across the team.

Basic Qualifications:

• US Citizen with an active Secret clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree and 4+ years related experience or Master’s degree and 42 years related experience. Additional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum 4 years supporting military operational activities; minimum 4 years Targeting experience.
• C5ISRT (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) and Targeting Experience.
• Experience developing target packages and target list with detailed intelligence, capabilities and vulnerabilities.
• Experience in supporting multi-domain mission planning and effects-based targeting.
• Experience with automated targeting tools (e.g. JTT, MIDB) and Service specific fire control systems.
• Shall have a deep understanding of the F2T2EA Cycle and the data tools and techniques utilized for each phase of targeting.
• Analyze the operational effectiveness of targeting systems in various scenarios and environments.
• Evaluate the impact of emerging technologies and trends on Targeting systems.
• Working knowledge of U.S, NATO, and coalition partner targeting processes, procedures, and systems.
• Apply analytical tools and methodologies to assess targeting system performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Must possess skills to communicate effectively and clearly in written reports and verbal presentations.
• Must possess skills to interview operational and technical military, civilian, and contractor to efficiently and accurately extract information.
• Must possess analytical skills to identify capabilities and limitations, assess operational impacts and provide focused, achievable recommendations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active Top Secret with eligibility for CUI, NATO Secret, ACCMs, SCI and SAPs.
• Joint or service targeting course
• Combat Assessment
• Weapons Application Course
• Joint Targeting Applications
• Battle Damage Course
• Data Analyst background
• Experience with Tactical to Operational Level Planning efforts
• Operational and C5ISR Assessment Experience

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Pay Range

Pay Range $73,450.00 - $132,775.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment‑related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment‑related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at [e-mail]. If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.