Cyber Operations Planner
About the role
Active TS/SCI clearance needed for consideration, as well as willingness to sit for a CI Polygraph. Zachary Piper Solutions is currently seeking a Cyber Operations Planner to support a Department of Defense Cyberspace Command (DCDC) program based in Fort Meade, MD. This position is a full‑time, onsite role. This position is critical in enabling defensive cyberspace operations across DoD networks, ensuring that planning, coordination, and operational design align with enterprise mission requirements. As a Cyber Operations Planner, you will play a pivotal role in DODIN Operations and Defensive Cyberspace Operations–Internal Defensive Measures (DCO‑IDM), directly influencing high‑impact defensive cyberspace missions.
Responsibilities
- Conduct and support Future Operations (FUOPS) planning and execution for defensive cyberspace operations in support of DCDC mission areas.
- Understand product linkages and dependencies within the Joint Strategic Planning System (JSPS).
- Apply operational art and design principles for the development of defensive cyberspace planning efforts.
- Integrate Joint Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment (JIPOE) inputs for cyberspace planning.
- Lead and support deliberate planning using the Joint Planning Process (JPP).
- Support Crisis Action Planning (CAP) under JPP.
- Lead diverse stakeholder teams across the defensive cyberspace community to deliver plans aligned with Commander’s priorities and mission intent.
- Coordinate with staff directorates to develop Staff Estimates and implement planning efforts.
- Lead or support Operational Planning Teams (OPTs) and Working Groups to meet Commander’s objectives and End State.
- Participate in and support B2C2WG events.
- Develop and deliver briefings to Senior Executive Service (SES) and General/Flag Officer (GO/FO) leadership.
- Author and staff CONOPS, as well as Level 1–4 plans including Commander’s Estimates, BPLANS, CONPLANS, and OPLANS.
- Research, develop, and write issue papers and white papers on defensive cyberspace topics.
- Develop and synchronize mission type orders (MTOs) supporting defensive cyberspace campaigns and operations.
- Develop assessment indicators and methodologies to measure defensive cyberspace operations effectiveness.
- Ensure synchronization across subordinate echelons in execution of deliberate planning.
- Coordinate and de-conflict inputs with service cyber components, combatant commands, agencies, field activities, and subordinate headquarters.
- Support contingency campaign planning for anticipated operations.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline with 8–10 years of combined education and experience (experience may substitute for degree).
- Active DoD TS/SCI clearance, eligible for CI Polygraph.
- Joint Professional Military Education Level I (JPME I).
- Demonstrated experience integrating diverse stakeholder inputs into detailed operational plans.
- Working knowledge of: JP 3‑12 Cyberspace Operations, JP 3‑0 Operations, JP 5‑0 Joint Planning.
- Demonstrated experience briefing SES and GO/FO leadership.
Qualifications
- Experience with DISA and DoD Networks.
- Completion of military cyber planning courses (ACOPC, JCOPC, JACWC, etc.).
- Non‑DoD cyber certifications such as Net+, SEC+, CISM, CISSP, etc.
- Understanding of Directive Authority for Cyberspace Operations (DACO).
Pay
Salary Range: $150,000 - $175,000 (depending on experience)
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), PTO, and Sick Leave as required by law
Schedule
Full‑time, onsite role.