Cognitive Performance Specialist

Req ID: RQ222816 Type of Requisition: Regular Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Top Secret Public Trust/Other Required: None Job Family: Healthcare Services US Citizenship Required: Yes Skills: Adaptive Thinking, Human Performance, Performance Improvements, Researching, Training and Education Experience: 3 + years of related experience Position Overview The Cognitive Performance Specialist provides evidence‑based cognitive, psychological, and behavioral skills training to enhance mental performance and readiness. The CPS develops, implements, and evaluates cognitive performance programs that strengthen attention, adaptability, learning, emotional regulation, and decision‑making under pressure. This role collaborates across the Human Performance team to improve overall performance, readiness, and resilience. Responsibilities Utilize evidence‑based and peer‑reviewed literature to train and educate SOF personnel, in individual and group settings, in specific cognitive, mental, behavioral, psychosocial, perceptual, learning, adaptive thinking, human engagements, and emotional control skills and strategies, documenting work performed and provided to SOF personnel. Assist and advise the POTFF Program Manager/Coordinator or Government Lead in matters relating to mental performance and sport psychology. Provide information, education, and training about cognitive performance related to exercise and sports psychology factors in sports and physical activity. Provide education and training on executive function, sleep, self‑regulation, attention, and other cognitive functions as needed. This could include areas such as memory, skill acquisition, goal setting, performance profiling, visualization, performance development, and planning. As a subject matter expert for this labor category, enhance and preserve the cognitive, physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well‑being of Service Members, documenting services offered in HP Enterprise‑wide platforms per USSOCOM Directive 10‑12. Additional duties assigned through local POTFF leadership must be documented and approved. Qualifications Education Master’s degree in human performance, kinesiology, exercise science, cognitive science, cognitive neuroscience, sport sciences, performance psychology, psychology, or mental health discipline with a specialization in performance psychology. Doctoral degree preferred. Minimum of three (3) years or more post‑graduate degree of demonstrable accumulated experience as a cognitive performance practitioner or sport psychologist with military members, athletes, groups of athletes at NCAA Collegiate, Olympic, professional sports, tactical setting, or with individuals or groups requiring high levels of mental and physical performance (experience with Special Operations personnel preferred). Certification of training for heart rate variability (HRV) through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) or a relevant certification, or at least one (1) year of demonstrable experience delivering HRV training in a high‑performance setting and willingness to obtain the BCIA HRV certificate of completion within one year of hire. May be required to receive and maintain certifications relevant to cognitive enhancement such as BCIA biofeedback certification. Experience 3+ years of related experience. Clearance Secret or Top‑Secret Clearance, or the ability to obtain clearance. Location Various OCONUS & CONUS Sites. This is a contingent posting, expected to start in 2027. Salary Range The likely salary range for this position is $83,927 - $113,549. Salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and contractual requirements and could fall outside this range. Benefits 401(k) with company match Comprehensive health and wellness packages Internal mobility team dedicated to helping you own your career Professional growth opportunities including paid education and certifications Cutting‑edge technology to learn from Paid vacation and holidays Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans. #J-18808-Ljbffr General Dynamics Information Technology