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Special Operations Planner Peterson SFB

QinetiQ US


Job Location:

Colorado Springs, CO - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 130000 - 180000
Posted: 21 August 2026 (23 days ago)
Application Deadline: 18 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Company Overview

We 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 USs 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 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 Overview

Join us in supporting the United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) one of the nations eleven unified combatant commands responsible for space operations critical to joint warfighting. We are seeking an experienced Special Operations Planner to serve as an embedded contractor supporting USSPACECOM headquarters in Colorado Springs CO. The ideal candidate brings deep operational planning expertise including familiarity with Special Technical Operations (STO) compartmented programs and space domain integration and can produce decision-ready products for senior leadership under dynamic time-sensitive conditions.

Responsibilities
  • Support and lead operational and strategic planning efforts across the Joint Planning Process (JPP) including development of Concepts of Operations (CONOPs) Courses of Action (COAs) contingency plans and operational orders
  • Integrate special operations and Special Technical Operations (STO) / Special Access Program (SAP) capabilities into USSPACECOM operational plans campaign plans and CONPLANS (e.g. CONPLAN)
  • Coordinate planning efforts across USSPACECOM Directorates interagency partners allied and partner nations and other Combatant Commands to synchronize planning activities and resolve conflict
  • Develop and present decision-ready products including briefings staff packages operational overlays risk assessments and planning summaries for senior and flag-level leadership
  • Support real-world operations exercises and wargame including scenario design Master Scenario Event List (MSEL) development After Action Reviews (AARs) and observer/trainer support
  • Integrate space control capabilities including Electromagnetic Support (ES) and Electromagnetic Attack (EA) into operational plans and ensure deconfliction of sensitive activities across the space domain
  • Maintain strict operational security (OPSEC) manage classification levels (TS/SCI SAP ACCM) and ensure compliance with applicable legal and policy frameworks
  • Identify planning gaps risks and constraints; propose mitigations and alternatives; maintain situational awareness and adapt planning products as the operational environment evolves
  • Utilize classified collaboration environments (SIPRNet JWICS) and planning tools to manage and disseminate compartmented planning materials
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelors degree in a relevant discipline (strategic studies political science aerospace/systems engineering operations research or related field)
  • 10 years of operational planning experience in a special operations joint or Combatant Command headquarters environment
  • Demonstrated experience with the Joint Planning Process (JPP) Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES) and/or Military Decision Making Process (MDMP)
  • Experience planning or integrating Special Technical Operations (STO) or Special Access Programs (SAP) into operational plans
  • 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; #qinetiqclearedjob
Preferred Qualifications
  • Masters degree in strategic studies national security affairs space policy or a related field
  • Prior direct experience supporting USSPACECOM another Geographic Combatant Command (GCC) or the Joint Staff
  • Familiarity 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) training
  • Experience with space domain awareness satellite communications missile warning or space control missions
  • Background in wargame design modeling and simulation (M&S) tools or exercise planning
  • Prior military service with experience as a Space Operations Officer (FA40) or in a special operations planning billet
Pay Transparency

The salary range for this role is $130000 - $180000 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 candidates work experience location education/training and key skills.

Company EEO Statement

Accessibility/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 or call 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.


About Company

QinetiQ is a global defence and security company delivering mission-critical solutions that protect lives and enable operational advantage. We combine deep technical expertise with bold innovation to solve complex challenges across land, sea, air, space and cyber.

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