Special Operations Planner - J5

QinetiQ US•Colorado Springs, CO

10d•$130,000 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

Join us in supporting the United States Space Command (USSPACECOM), one of the nation’s eleven unified combatant commands responsible for space operations critical to joint warfighting. We are seeking an experienced Strategic Planner to serve as an embedded contractor supporting the USSPACECOM J5 directorate at Peterson SFB in Colorado Springs, CO. The ideal candidate brings deep J5 planning expertise – including experience executing the full joint planning process at the Combatant Command level – and can ensure SOF and Cyber considerations are fully integrated into USSPACECOM’s global campaign and contingency plans. This role requires the credibility and professional network to serve as an authoritative interface with USSOCOM, USCYBERCOM, and Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs) on plan development, resource prioritization, and cross-COCOM coordination.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (strategic studies, national security affairs, political science, or related field)
10+ years of operational and strategic planning experience, with demonstrated service in a J5 billet at a Combatant Command, TSOC, or USCYBERCOM headquarters
Demonstrated experience executing the Joint Planning Process (JPP), Joint Operational Planning and Execution System (JOPES), and/or Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) at the strategic level
Direct experience integrating SOF and/or Cyber capabilities into campaign or contingency plans, with a working understanding of how USSOCOM and USCYBERCOM approach plan development and resource prioritization
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

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in strategic studies, national security affairs, space policy, or a related field
Prior direct experience supporting USSPACECOM J5 or another Geographic Combatant Command (GCC) strategy and plans directorate
Familiarity with space operations doctrine including JP 3-14 (Space Operations) and JP 5-0 (Joint Planning) and their intersection with SOF and Cyber planning frameworks
Experience planning or integrating Special Technical Operations (STO) or Special Access Programs (SAP) at the strategic level
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 at the CCMD level
Prior military service with experience as a Space Operations Officer (FA40), special operations planner, or Cyber planner in a senior joint billet

Responsibilities

Execute the full J5 planning process, integrating SOF and Cyber options into USSPACECOM campaign plans, contingency plans, and CONPLANs (e.g., CONPLAN 7100, 7130)
Develop concepts of operations (CONOPs), Courses of Action (COAs), and operational orders that reflect integrated space, SOF, and Cyber perspectives for senior and flag-level review
Serve as an authoritative interlocutor with USSOCOM, USCYBERCOM, TSOCs, and interagency partners on intersecting plan development and resource prioritization
Coordinate J5 planning efforts across USSPACECOM directorates, Geographic Combatant Commands (GCCs), allied and partner nations, and interagency stakeholders to synchronize activities and resolve planning conflicts
Develop and present decision-ready products – including briefings, planning summaries, staff packages, and risk assessments – for senior and flag-level leadership under dynamic, time-sensitive conditions
Integrate Special Technical Operations (STO) and Special Access Program (SAP) capabilities into USSPACECOM operational and strategic plans, ensuring deconfliction of sensitive activities across the space domain
Support real-world operations, exercises, and wargames including scenario design, Master Scenario Event List (MSEL) development, and After Action Reviews (AARs)
Identify planning gaps, risks, and constraints at the SOF-Cyber-space seam; propose mitigations and alternatives; maintain situational awareness and adapt planning products as the operational environment evolves
Maintain strict operational security (OPSEC), manage classification levels (TS/SCI, SAP, ACCM), and ensure compliance with applicable legal and policy frameworks
Utilize classified collaboration environments (SIPRN, JWICS) to manage and disseminate compartmented planning materials