Program Manager (Command & Launch)

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 Strategic Division (SD) supports high-reliability organizations including Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, and the Department of Energy (DOE), among others. Our support across our client base is expanding rapidly and encompasses important services, such as data analytics and visualization, threat analysis, risk management, modeling and simulation, cost estimating, earned value management, program management, system engineering, independent evaluation, and High Consequence Event prevention.

SPA has an immediate need for a Program Manager to support the onsite SPA team at Hill AFB, UT. The Sentinel Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Group (SIG) supports the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center in the acquisition of the LGM-35A Sentinel (GBSD) ICBM weapon system. SIG delivers program management, systems engineering, and subject matter expertise to ensure on-time delivery of a safe, secure, and reliable strategic nuclear weapon system.

This position will directly support the Sentinel Program’s Command & Launch (C&L) Division as they acquire the weapon system command & control capabilities for the next generation ICBM.  Duties will include providing expert advice and support to Sentinel program leaders on all command & control aspects throughout the acquisition cycle.  Areas of responsibility that fall under the C&L Team include: 

• Weapon system command & control (e.g., launch console and command data processing, etc.)
• ICBM codes/cryptography (i.e., securing the nuclear launch codes and assuring confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of commands)
• ICBM targeting (i.e., system processing of strategic aim points)
• Nuclear command, control & communications (NC3) systems (i.e., national communications systems used for receiving Presidential nuclear orders)
• ICBM command pathways (i.e., hardline & RF networks for voice & data command transmission and reception)
• Airborne launch control capabilities (i.e., secondary launch capability on board a US Navy E-6B aircraft)
• Actuation & mechanical systems (e.g., missile suspension system, launcher closure door system, ballistic gas generators, missile umbilical retractors, etc.)
• Power distribution & endurance systems (e.g., backup generators, emergency batteries, HVAC systems, etc.)
• Physical security systems (e.g., motion sensors, visual sensors, delay features, etc.) 

Specifically, this C&L team member will be responsible for working with Air Force stakeholders for the evaluation and integration of command & control equipment into the Sentinel weapon system.  Additionally, this team member will assist the Air Force customer in the review and assessment of Sentinel’s prime contractor designs, documentation, architectures, and Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) products related to weapon system command & control.  Our team provides expertise on weapon system and lab architectures; concepts of operation; modeling, simulation and analysis (MS&A); and plans for addressing command & control integration options.  Our current team includes staff with extensive expertise in the Minuteman III weapon system (including the Airborne Launch Control System) and actively participates in ongoing studies and assessments for this next generation ICBM system.

Required Qualifications:

• 10 years of experience in direct program/project management (8 years with an MS degree).
• Must have a current (within last 6 years) SECRET security clearance or higher and be able to obtain a Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable timeframe.
• DoD acquisitions program experience.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with Earned Value Management; Cost Accounts; and schedule management concepts are highly desirable.
• Familiarity with, or willingness to rapidly learn, schedule management programs such as Primavera or Microsoft Project is desired.
• Program Management Professional (PMP) certification complete or in-work is desirable.