Operations Planner

Future Operations Planner

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide. Position Overview We are seeking a highly skilled Future Operations Planner to support the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) J-3 Directorate. This position plays a pivotal role in shaping the near-term operational landscape, ensuring seamless integration between current operations and long-term strategic objectives. Operating within a 96-hour to six-month planning horizon, the Future Operations Planner is responsible for developing executable plans and operational directives that ensure mission readiness and continuity across the Department of Defense Information Network (DODIN).

Responsibilities Near-Term Operational Planning

• Develop and coordinate future operations plans that address emerging mission requirements and support continuity of operations.
• Translate strategic guidance from the J-5 into actionable operational directives, task orders, and executable COAs.
• Work across directorates (J-3, J-5, and J-7) to ensure alignment of planning, training, and execution activities.
• Anticipate and adapt to evolving threats, mission sets, and operational scenarios in support of Combatant Commands and joint cyber efforts.

Collaboration & Integration

• Serve as a planning lead or team member within Operational Planning Teams (OPTs), Joint Planning Groups (JPGs), and Crisis Action Teams (CATs).
• Synchronize with Current Operations (CUOPS) to ensure a seamless operational transition from near-term plans to execution.
• Integrate Cyber Protection Team (CPT) mission requirements and cyberspace considerations into future operations planning.
• Engage stakeholders across USCYBERCOM, JFHQ-DODIN, and other DoD entities to ensure cohesive planning and mission coordination.

Tools & Execution Support

• Utilize advanced planning tools including JPES, JOPES, GCCS-J, and other command and control systems.
• Contribute to the refinement of existing plans based on lessons learned, operational feedback, and shifting strategic priorities.
• Develop briefings, status updates, and reports to inform leadership on planning progress and readiness

Required Experience/Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in joint military planning, future operations, or campaign development.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Course of Action (COA) development, operational plan writing, and multi-stakeholder coordination.
• Deep understanding of the Joint Planning Process (JPP) and the Adaptive Planning and Execution (APEX) system.
• Experience supporting Combatant Commands (CCMDs), USCYBERCOM, or JFHQ-DODIN.
• Background in cyber operations planning or mission integration.
• Proficiency with planning tools: JPES, JOPES, GCCS-J.
• Currently holds a DoD 8570 certification at IAT or IAM Level I.

Preferred Experience/Qualifications

• Experience bridging current operations with strategic-level planning efforts.
• Familiarity with exercise development and training plan integration.
• Previous experience operating within high-tempo joint operational environments.
• PMP or equivalent program management certification.

Special Requirements/Security Clearance This position requires a TS/SCI clearance at the time of application. Salary Range Salary Minimum:150,000.00 Salary Maximum:$160,000.00 The annual base salary provided is a guideline for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. When extending an offer, By Light also considers other variables such as (but not limited to) work experience, education, training, skill set, internal peer equity, clearance level, and market conditions. In addition, By Light provides an extensive selection of benefits and offerings to our employees.