Hiring: Special Operations Planner - Peterson SFB Company: QinetiQ US Location: Colorado Springs, CO Job Posted Time: 2026-09-11 13:36:47 Target Skills & Keywords : AI, Accessibility, Elasticsearch, Embedded Systems, Machine Learning, SAP, Systems Engineering About the job Experience: •10+ years of operational planning experience in a special operations, joint, or Combatant Command headquarters environment Required Skills: •Support and lead operational and strategic planning efforts across the Joint Planning Process (JPP), including development of Concepts of Operations (CONOPs), Courses of Action (COAs), contingency plans, and operational orders •Integrate special operations and Special Technical Operations (STO) / Special Access Program (SAP) capabilities into USSPACECOM operational plans, campaign plans, and CONPLANS (e.g., CONPLAN 7100, 7130) •Coordinate planning efforts across USSPACECOM Directorates, interagency partners, allied and partner nations, and other Combatant Commands to synchronize planning activities and resolve conflict •Develop and present decision-ready products – including briefings, staff packages, operational overlays, risk assessments, and planning summaries – for senior and flag-level leadership •Support real-world operations, exercises, and wargame including scenario design, Master Scenario Event List (MSEL) development, After Action Reviews (AARs), and observer/trainer support •Integrate space control capabilities – including Electromagnetic Support (ES) and Electromagnetic Attack (EA) – into operational plans and ensure deconfliction of sensitive activities across the space domain •Maintain strict operational security (OPSEC), manage classification levels (TS/SCI, SAP, ACCM), and ensure compliance with applicable legal and policy frameworks •Identify planning gaps, risks, and constraints; propose mitigations and alternatives; maintain situational awareness and adapt planning products as the operational environment evolves Qualifications: •Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (strategic studies, political science, aerospace/systems engineering, operations research, or related field) •Demonstrated experience with the Joint Planning Process (JPP), Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES), and/or Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) •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 •Master’s degree in strategic studies, national security affairs, space policy, or a related field •Prior direct experience supporting USSPACECOM, another Geographic Combatant Command (GCC), or the Joint Staff •Operational familiarity with space operations doctrine including JP 3-14 (Space Operations) and JP 5-0 (Joint Planning) •Completion of a formal STO Planner course (e.g., USASTOPC) and/or Planning and Decision Aid System (PDAS) training •Background in wargame design, modeling and simulation (M&S) tools, or exercise planning Compensation: •$130,000 - $180,000 / year •Flexible work environment (work from home / hybrid options) Interested candidates, please apply directly through the job posting on company's career page or try via AI auto apply on this platform. Don't miss this opportunity to join a forward-thinking team!