Program Manager/Head Instructor

OverviewSystems 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, test, 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 SPA’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 Program Manager & Head Instructor.ResponsibilitiesSPA is seeking a motivated and experienced Program Manager and Head Instructor to support the United States Space Force ISR enterprise. As the PM/Head Instructor, the successful candidate will serve as the primary Government point of contact and provide overall leadership for contract execution including staffing, scheduling, quality assurance, reporting, and customer coordination. This individual will serve as the lead instructor, overseeing and supporting in the delivery of training for the Space Warfighter Intelligence Fundamentals Training (SWIFT), Analysis, Structured Techniques, Reasoning and Operational Tradecraft (ASTRO), Mission Planning Course (MPC), Space Targeting Course (STC), and Foreign Instrumentation Signals Intelligence (FISINT) programs while ensuring the successful execution and continuous improvement of all training activities.The key duties associated with this position include but are not limited to the following:Lead and manage the contractor team to ensure optimal delivery of PWS requirements.Provide course development, updates, and primary instruction for Space Force ISR training programs.Serve as the Head Instructor across all ISR training programs, ensuring curriculum accuracy, relevancy, and alignment with evolving USSF ISR requirements.Train students on the fundamentals of ISR, Targeting and FISINT collecting, analyzing, and applying techniques and tradecraft using real‑world scenarios.Maintain strong collaboration with mission partners to ensure training reflects current operational needs.Serve as the Program Manager and primary point of contact for the Government, providing overall leadership and oversight of contract execution.Manage day-to-day program operations including staffing, scheduling, transition activities, quality assurance, risk management, performance metrics, and contract reporting.Lead and mentor a team of instructors while ensuring the successful planning, coordination, and delivery of all training activities.Deliver instructor-led training in support of the Space War fighter Intelligence Fundamentals Training (SWIFT), Analysis, Structured Techniques, Reasoning and Operational Trade-craft (ASTRO), Mission Planning Course (MPC), and comparable intelligence training programs.Coordinate with Government stakeholders, instructors, and corporate leadership to ensure contract requirements, training objectives, and customer expectations are met.Develop, review, and maintain Programs of Instruction (POIs), lesson plans, practical exercises, assessments, student materials, and courseware.Oversee course delivery schedules, classroom operations, student support, instructor assignments, and training logistics.Ensure training is delivered in accordance with established instructional standards, security requirements, and applicable DoD and Department of the Air Force guidance.Support continuous process improvement initiatives by evaluating training effectiveness, reviewing student feedback, and implementing program enhancements.QualificationsRequired QualificationsActive TS/SCI clearance at time of applicationBA/BS (or equivalent experience) and 20+ years of experience relevant to the USSF ISR mission10+ years of experience as a Program Manager4+ years of experience within the USAF or USSF ISR training programsStrong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage a diverse customer setExperience managing classified training programs, operational support programs, or contract teamsExperience delivering instructor-led training in a classified operational or Intelligence Community environmentExperience leading instructor teams, managing course schedules, coordinating staffing, overseeing quality assurance, and supporting customer engagementExperience developing or maintaining Programs of Instruction (POIs), lesson plans, assessments, practical exercises, and instructional coursewareAbility to work full-time on-site at Peterson Space Force BaseAbility to travel up to 10% to support operational requirements, both CONUS and OCONUSDesired QualificationsRecent Space Force ISR experienceRecent Space Force instructor experienceAt SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain 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 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. Pay Transparency Range: 170k - 190kJob SummaryID: 2026-23181Category: Program & Project Management, Financial and Contract SupportSecurity Clearance Requirement: Top Secret/ SCIType: Regular Full-TimeLevel: Senior