SpOC Planning/Programming Ops Research Analyst

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted. 

The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, testing, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity.  We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense.  Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.

The Strategic Technology Analysis Group, part of System Planning and Analysis Inc.’s Space and Intelligence Division, offers sophisticated capabilities (people, process & tools) to resolve unique problems in space, cyber, and special operations in support to military services, Secretary of Defense offices (OSD) and theater warfighters.  Our portfolio includes the Assistant Secretary of Air Force for Space Acquisition & Integration (SAF/SQ), Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC), Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP), National Space Defense Center (NSDC), Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC), Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO), US Space Command (USSPACECOM) and US Space Force (USSF).  Come be a part of a high-speed low-drag organization providing unique and tailored solutions for our National Defense!

SPA has an immediate need for a highly qualified Space Planning and Programming Analyst supporting Space Operations Command (SpOC)/S8Z as a contract staff member. The successful candidatae will be responsible for developing, planning, and programming strategies for SAP/SAR S&T concepts, capabilities, and technologies for integration with DoD and service strategies, as well as responsible for capability changes as part of USSF Space Operations Command activities for the Space Control mission area. The candidate will also support capability life-cycle activities (under traditional and new rapid development/acquisition processes) to field critical Space Superiority capabilities contributing to DoD all-domain operations.

The successful candidate will:

• Assist HQ USSF/S8Z planners in the development of products for integration into USSF Space Operations Command Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution activities of critical space capabilities.
• Integrate strategy plans for program submissions and tracking execution of approved budget activities.
• Propose, develop, and layout a warfighting framework for the Space Superiority mission, specifically in the Space Control area.
• Assist HQ SpOC/S8Z planners as they develop and maintain the Space and Cyberspace Superiority portions of the Commands CFSPs (now the Resource Allocation Plan, which includes the Planning Choices) and appendices, including the types of infrastructure and enablers (Integration & Engineering) necessary to design, acquire, and operate the Space and Cyberspace Superiority missions. Identify and integrate Planning and Programming guidance, DoD and service strategies, and doctrinal changes in support of HQ USSF/S8 planning effort.
• Work with organizations such as Joint Staff, USSPACECOM, USSTRATCOM, USCYBERCOM, DoD/OSD, SAF/HAF, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Space Operations Command (SpOC), 16th AF, SPOs/Centers (i.e. AF Rapid Capabilities Office, Space Rapid Capabilities Office), NRO, DIA, NSA, and other US agencies and mission partners to assist in understanding Space Force strategic priorities and direction.
• Support planning integration events to include Air and Space Staff integration.
• Provide updated briefings and point papers to the Government.
• Prepare/deliver briefings/talking papers aimed at integrating and gaining planning advocacy for the Space Superiority/Space Control mission.
• Include a summation of key issues and recommendations to the Government.
• Interact directly with both the Space Staff and Air Staff, NAFs, MAJCOMs, Unified Commands, Air Staff, and defense agencies to assist in identifying and defining operational deficiencies and to integrate total force capabilities.
• Attend conferences and other technical exchanges and provide reports as required (including summations of key issues and recommendations).

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years operations experience
• BA/BS
• Experience working in classified space environment
• Experience in PPBE process and planning for capability operational transition
• Experience with Space Force instruction documents and HQ SpOC supplements
• Experience using Space Force tool sets (e.g., TMT/NGeS, and MS Office)
• Comprehension of preparation, development, review, and coordination processes with documents and deliverables across all security levels (Unclassified, Secret, TS/SCI)
• SECURITY CLEARANCE: TS/SCI (SAP/SAR eligible day 1)

Desired Qualifications:

• MA/MS desired
• 3+ years MAJCOM/Field Command headquarters experience
• SAP/SAR experience with Space capabilities

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain the top talent.  Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.  

SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.  

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only.  Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.  

Salary pay range:  $100,000 to $120,000 depending on candidate qualifications.