Cyber Capabilities Development SME

About the role

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of expertise, SPA is known for continuous innovation supporting government customers in the US and abroad. The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA, including enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test planning and execution, cost estimating, acquisition support, and cybersecurity.

The Strategic Technology Analysis Group (STAG), part of SPA’s Space and Intelligence Division, offers sophisticated capabilities to resolve unique problems in space, cyber, and special operations. STAG supports military services, Secretary of Defense offices, and theater warfighters, with a portfolio including the Assistant Secretary of Air Force for Space Acquisition & Integration, Joint Warfare Analysis Center, Space Security and Defense Program, National Space Defense Center, Space Warfighting Analysis Center, Strategic Capabilities Office, US Space Command, and US Space Force.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Cyber Capabilities Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the development, integration, employment, and synchronization of software/hardware capabilities for military cyberspace operations and electromagnetic warfare.
• Translate operational requirements, informed by doctrine and operational TTPs, into technical plans and capability requirements.
• Coordinate with operational and acquisition stakeholders to enhance deliverables supporting offensive cyber operations (OCO).
• Provide subject matter expertise on offensive cyber enabling operations (CEO), intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, and electronic warfare (EW).
• Offer knowledge of Space Enabled Cyber Operations (SECO) and Space Enabled Cyber Access (SECA).
• Provide recommendations for the design, testing, and evaluation of software/hardware to support cyber capability development.
• Develop integration and interoperability requirements and apply standards to ensure capabilities can be used together.
• Participate in Joint Planning Groups (JPGs), Joint Targeting Boards, and liaise with intelligence agencies, DoD, and industry partners.
• Develop predictive contingency plans (CONPLANs, OPLANs), Courses of Action (COAs), and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for cyber operations.
• Evaluate emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) to update cyber security measures.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, or related field with 5+ years of experience, or 8+ years of operational experience in prior military or government cyber operations (e.g., Exploitation Analyst, Operator, or Service Developer).
• Strong and demonstrated proficiency in networking fundamentals, protocols, and network administration.
• Completion of specialized military/IC training, including at least one of the following:
  • FORGE Exercise
  • Joint Targeting School (JTS) Staff Course
  • Joint Cyber Operations Planners Course (JCOPC)
  • Computer Network Operations Development Program (CNODP)
• Completion of specialized industry training, including at least one of the following or equivalent:
  • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
  • BlackHat SANS
• Must be a U.S. citizen with an active U.S. Government security clearance of Top Secret/SCI, with the ability to obtain Special Access Program clearance; polygraph desired.
• Experience with past intelligence community interaction.
• Software Development Lifecycle expertise.
• Strong understanding of modern applications and Application Programming Interface (API) development.
• Firm grasp of vulnerability research techniques, including harnessing artificial intelligence.
• Firm grasp of reverse engineering techniques.
• Ability to author, direct, manage, and integrate requirements in a complex system.
• Proficiency in network exploitation techniques.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical concepts to operational personnel.
• Strong technical requirements writing and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel twice a month, potentially on short notice, including work/travel on holidays. Travel may include CONUS and OCONUS.
• Able to work full time in a Chantilly, VA office within SCIF/SAPF spaces.

Qualifications (Desired)

• Signals Intelligence Development (SIGDEV) experience.
• Malware development, exploitation, or reverse engineering experience.
• Cloud environment offensive techniques experience.
• Proficiency in characteristics of Communications Networks, Antennas, Electro-Optics, and EW Systems.
• Proficiency in Joint Planning Process (JPP), Joint Operations Planning and Execution System (JOPES), and cybersecurity policies.
• Proficiency in Cyber and Electronic Warfare/Electronic Attack (EW/EA) Doctrine, Policy, and Authorities.
• Proficiency in Cyber and EW Threats.
• Proficiency in Cyberspace and Electromagnetic Warfare Operations, Planning, Synchronization, and Integration.
• Proficiency in Fundamentals of the Electromagnetic Spectrum.
• Proficiency in Electrical, EW, and EMS Principles and Theories.

Benefits

SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including:

• Health insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Health savings accounts
• Retirement savings plans
• Life and disability insurance programs
• Paid and unpaid time away from work

The specific programs and options available may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location and date of hire.

Pay

Pay Transparency Range: $175,000–$250,000 per year. Salaries are commensurate with experience, qualifications, and market considerations.