Cognitive Performance Specialist – 125th Special Tactics Squadron (STS) Human Performance Program

Reef Systems•Portland, OR

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The 125th Special Tactics Squadron (STS) requires peak physical, cognitive, and psychological readiness to meet demanding mission requirements. The Human Performance Program (HPP) is designed to optimize operator performance, reduce injuries, enhance resilience, and sustain long-term mission capability. This program supports the USSOCOM Preservation of the Force & Family (POTFF) initiative and integrates best practices used in elite athletic and tactical environments. The Cognitive Performance Specialist is a key member of the holistic Human Performance team, responsible for delivering evidence-based cognitive enhancement, mental skills training, fatigue management, and performance psychology support to Special Warfare operators. This role ensures operators are mentally prepared for high-risk missions, able to sustain focus under pressure, and capable of rapid return-to-duty following cognitive or psychological degradation.

Requirements

Master’s degree or higher in Performance Psychology, Cognitive Science, Sport Psychology, Human Factors, Behavioral Science, or related field.
Minimum 3–5 years working with elite performers (military, tactical, professional sports, or high-performance populations).
Experience delivering cognitive training, mental skills coaching, or neuropsychological performance programs.
Experience working in multidisciplinary human performance environments.
Expertise in cognitive enhancement methodologies, neuropsychological assessment tools, and performance psychology techniques.
Ability to design individualized cognitive training plans based on operator needs.
Strong communication skills and ability to work with Special Warfare personnel.
Understanding of DoD security, OPSEC, and information assurance requirements.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance (contract classified as “Secret”).
Ability to meet installation access requirements, CAC eligibility, and background investigation standards.
Must comply with all installation regulations, safety protocols, and contractor identification requirements.

Nice To Haves

Certifications in performance psychology, mental skills coaching, neurocognitive training, or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

Deliver individualized and group-based cognitive performance training to enhance focus, attention, memory, decision-making, and reaction time.
Provide mental skills coaching including visualization, goal setting, arousal control, resilience training, and stress management.
Conduct cognitive load assessments and develop tailored interventions to improve operator performance under fatigue and stress.
Assess cognitive degradation following injury, stress, or operational strain and develop individualized return-to-duty cognitive rehabilitation plans.
Collaborate with rehabilitation and medical staff to ensure integrated recovery pathways.
Utilize validated cognitive testing tools to track operator performance trends.
Maintain documentation, progress notes, and performance metrics in accordance with AAAHC standards and PWS requirements.
Provide monthly, quarterly, and annual cognitive performance reports to leadership.
Work within a multidisciplinary Human Performance team including strength coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and medical personnel.
Participate in case reviews, performance meetings, and operator readiness assessments.
Complete required DoD Information Assurance, OPSEC, CyberAwareness, and ADLS training.
Maintain compliance with installation access, CAC requirements, background investigations, and security protocols.
Follow all installation regulations, safety requirements, and restricted area access procedures.
Support development and execution of the contractor’s Quality Control Plan (QCP).
Ensure all cognitive performance services meet standards outlined in the PWS and QASP.
Attend post-award conferences and periodic progress meetings as required.