Special Operations Planner Team Lead - Peterson SFB

Company OverviewWe are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).QinetiQ US’s dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.Why Join QinetiQ US?If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems. In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.Position OverviewJoin 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 Special Operations Planner Team Lead to serve as the senior contractor lead embedded within USSPACECOM headquarters at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, CO. In this role, you will direct a team of planners supporting USSPACECOM’s most sensitive operational planning requirements, serve as the primary contractor interface with government leadership, and own the quality and delivery of all planning products. The ideal candidate combines deep operational and STO/SAP planning expertise with demonstrated team leadership in a high-visibility, fast-paced combatant command environment.ResponsibilitiesTeam Leadership & Program ManagementServe as the senior contractor point of contact for all planning support activities, interfacing directly with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and government leadership on performance, staffing, and prioritiesLead, mentor, and manage a team of Special Operations Planners – assigning work, monitoring quality, balancing workload, and ensuring all contract deliverables are met on time and within scopeConduct performance evaluations, support professional development, and maintain high team morale and retention in a demanding operational environmentIdentify and escalate staffing gaps, resource constraints, and performance issues; coordinate with QinetiQ program management on hiring and personnel actionsOperational PlanningDirect and personally contribute to the development of operational and strategic planning products across the Joint Planning Process (JPP), including CONOPs, COAs, contingency plans, campaign plans, and operational ordersLead integration of Special Technical Operations (STO) and Special Access Program (SAP) capabilities into USSPACECOM operational plans and CONPLANSServe as the senior planning authority for coordination across USSPACECOM Directorates, interagency partners, allied and partner nations, and other Combatant CommandsOversee development and delivery of decision-ready products – briefings, staff packages, operational overlays, risk assessments, and planning summaries – for senior and flag-level leadershipLead planning support for real-world operations, exercises, and wargames including scenario design, MSEL development, After Action Reviews (AARs), and observer/trainer supportSpace Domain & Sensitive Operations IntegrationGuide the team’s integration of space control capabilities – including Electromagnetic Support (ES) and Electromagnetic Attack (EA) – into operational plans and ensure deconfliction of sensitive activitiesMaintain rigorous OPSEC standards and classification management (TS/SCI, SAP, ACCM) across all team products and activitiesProactively identify planning gaps, risks, and constraints across the portfolio; propose and implement mitigations; keep leadership informed as the operational environment evolvesRequired QualificationsBachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (strategic studies, political science, aerospace/systems engineering, operations research, or related field)15+ years of operational planning experience in a special operations, joint, or Combatant Command headquarters environment3+ years of demonstrated supervisory or team lead experience managing planners or analysts in a DoW or cleared contractor environmentProven experience leading planning teams through the full Joint Planning Process (JPP), including delivery of completed CONOPs, COAs, and operational orders to senior leadershipDirect experience planning or integrating Special Technical Operations (STO) or Special Access Programs (SAP) into operational plans at the combatant command levelDemonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, communicate clearly with government customers, and hold a team accountable to quality standards under tight deadlinesStrong written and oral communication skills with a track record of producing and presenting high-quality products to flag/general/senior executive service (SES)-level audiencesProficiency with classified systems and environments including SIPRNet and JWICSActive Top Secret/SCI clearance required; #qinetiqclearedjobPreferred QualificationsMaster’s degree in strategic studies, national security affairs, space policy, or a related fieldPrior direct experience supporting USSPACECOM, another Geographic Combatant Command (GCC), the Joint Staff, or SOCOM at the O-6/GS-15 equivalent level or aboveFamiliarity with space operations doctrine including JP 3-14 (Space Operations) and JP 5-0 (Joint Planning)Completion of a formal STO Planner course (e.g., USASTOPC) and/or Planning and Decision Aid System (PDAS) trainingPrior military service at the O-5/O-6 level or higher, with experience as a Space Operations Officer (FA40), space operations planner, or senior joint staff officerExperience managing contract performance, including COR/COTR relationships, deliverable tracking, and contract reportingBackground in wargame design, modeling and simulation (M&S) tools, or large-scale exercise planningPay TransparencyThe salary range for this role is $130,000 - $180,000 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. QinetiQ US considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Company EEO StatementAccessibility/Accommodation:If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io Opt. 1 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.Job SummaryJob ID: 2026-12191Posted Date: Program/Mission SupportJob Location: US-CO-Colorado Springs