Sentinel ICBM Operations Program Manager

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) Branch as they acquire the weapon system command & control capabilities for the next generation ICBM. Areas of responsibility that fall under the C&L Team include:

• Weapon system command & control (e.g., missile crew launch console and command data processing equipment, etc.)
• ICBM nuclear codes/cryptography (i.e., securing the nuclear launch codes and assuring confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of the critical commands)
• ICBM targeting (i.e., weapon system processing of the strategic missile aim points)
• Nuclear command, control & communications (NC3) systems (i.e., national communications systems used for receiving Presidential nuclear orders in the launch control center)
• ICBM command pathways (i.e., hardline & RF networks for voice & data command transmission and reception in the missile field)
• Airborne launch control capabilities (i.e., secondary launch capability aboard a US Navy E-6B command & control 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. at the launch facilities)
• Physical security systems (e.g., motion sensors, visual sensors, delay features, etc. at the launch facilities)

Specifically, this C&L team member will be responsible for supporting the U.S. Air Force customer in the review and evaluation of the Sentinel ICBM prime contractor’s designs, documentation, architectures, and Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) products related to Sentinel command & control subsystems. Additionally, this team member will work directly with Air Force stakeholders in managing the integration of government-furnished equipment and property into the Sentinel weapon system design. This team member will focus on functional area related to missile crew operations within the Sentinel weapon system and perform duties such as program status tracking, meeting support, cost control monitoring, and integrated master schedule (IMS) management. The position interacts with government customer staff and senior leaders in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Headquarter Air Force, Air Force Global Strike Command, the National Security Agency, U.S. Strategic Command, as well as other Sentinel team partners from Federally-Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs). This team member will also coordinate and integrate actions with other program managers, engineers, logisticians, testers, and external agencies.

Required Qualifications: 

• Must have a current SECRET security clearance or higher (within last 6 years or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) and be able to obtain a Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable timeframe
• 10 years of experience (8 years with an MS degree) in direct program/project management
• Experience with Minuteman III ICBM weapon system as a Missile Operator
• Proficiency using office software such as Microsoft Office Word, PowerPoint, and Excel is highly desirable
• Self-motivated with excellent verbal and written communications skills in addition to sound interpersonal skills involving interfacing, coordinating and negotiating with customer and company personnel

Desired Qualifications: 

• Familiarity with Earned Value Management; Cost Accounts; and schedule management concepts