Special Operations Planner - J8

Colorado Springs, CO$130k–$180kPosted Jul 26, 2026

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 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 Overview

Join 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 Force Structure and Resource Analyst to serve as an embedded contractor supporting USSPACECOM headquarters in Colorado Springs, CO. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in defense resource management, force structure analysis, and the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process – including familiarity with space domain capability requirements and investment analysis – and can produce decision-ready products for senior leadership under dynamic, time-sensitive conditions.

Responsibilities

Support and lead force structure and resource management efforts across USSPACECOM’s J8 directorate, including analysis of capability requirements, investment priorities, and programmatic tradeoffs in support of USSPACECOM’s Integrated Priority List (IPL) and operational objectives
Develop, coordinate, and staff USSPACECOM inputs to the Defense Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process, including Program Objective Memorandum (POM) submissions, budget exhibits, and Program Review documentation across USSPACECOM-aligned programs and space warfighting capabilities
Conduct force structure assessments and capability gap analyses to identify resourcing shortfalls, redundancies, and investment opportunities across the space domain; translate operational requirements into defensible resource requests and acquisition recommendations
Coordinate resource and force structure planning across USSPACECOM Directorates, Service Components, the Office of the Security of War (OSW), the Joint Staff J8, and other Combatant Commands to synchronize investment strategies and resolve programmatic conflicts
Develop and present decision-ready resource products – including briefings, staff packages, cost-benefit analyses, force structure assessments, and program summaries – for senior and flag-level leadership and external stakeholders including Congress and OSW
Support the development of USSPACECOM’s Requirements Generation process, including staffing of Joint Capability Technology Demonstrations (JCTDs), Joint Urgent Operational Needs (JUONs), and Joint Emergent Operational Needs (JEONs) with appropriate cost and force structure analysis
Integrate financial management and execution data into resource planning products, monitoring obligations and expenditures against program plans and identifying adjustments needed to maintain program health and mission alignment
Maintain strict operational security (OPSEC), manage classification levels (TS/SCI), and ensure all resource management and force structure products simply with applicable legal, policy, and regulatory frameworks including DoW Financial Management Regulation (FMR)
Identify programmatic risks, unfunded requirements, and force structure gaps; propose mitigations and resource alternatives; and adapt planning products as USSPACECOM’s mission priorities and the competitive space environment evolve
Utilize classified and unclassified resource management systems and planning tools (e.g., PBIS, OUSW(C) data systems, SIPRNet, JWICS) to manage and disseminate force structure and budget planning materials

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (finance, economics, public administration, systems engineering, operations research, or related field)
10+ years of experience in defense resource management, force structure analysis, or financial management at a joint headquarters, Combatant Command, Service Secretariat, or OSW level
Demonstrated experience with the DoW Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process, including POM development, Program Review, and budget justification documentation
Experience conducting capability gap analyses, requirements generation, and investment tradeoff studies in support of joint or Combatant Command operational priorities
Strong written and oral communication skills with demonstrated ability to produce high-quality briefings, analytical assessments, and staff packages under high-pressure, short-suspense conditions
Proficiency with classified systems and tools including SIPRNet and JWICS, as well as DoW resource management and financial systems
Active Top Secret/SCI clearance required; #qinetiqclearedjob

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in finance, business administration, public policy, national security affairs, systems engineering, or a related field
Prior direct experience supporting USSPACECOM, another Functional Combatant Command (FCC), the Joint Staff J8, or OSW Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE)
Familiarity with space operations doctrine and space warfighting investment priorities, including programs supporting space domain awareness, satellite communications, missile warning, and space control
Experience with the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development Systems (JCIDS), Defense Acquisition System (DAS), and requirements-to-resource linkage in support of Major Defense Acquisitions Programs (MDAPs)
Proficiency with DoW resource management tools such as the Program Budget Information System (PBIS), Comptroller Information System (CIS), or equivalent budget execution and visibility platforms
Background in cost estimating, independent cost assessment, or earned value management (EVM) in support of space or national security programs
Prior military service with experience as a Comptroller/Financial Manager (65W/FI/6FOX1 or equivalent) or in a resource management billet at a major joint or Service headquarters

Pay Transparency

The 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 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 staffing@us.QinetiQ.com or call (540) 658-2720 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.