Lead Role Player

About the role

DarkStar Intelligence is seeking an experienced Lead Role Player to support a critical Naval Special Warfare Command (NSW) training program. The Lead Role Player serves as the central point of contact to the Government and directs a team of role players who portray realistic characters and opposing forces during high‑risk SOF field training exercises across Southern California ranges. The position requires an active Secret clearance, the ability to lead, coordinate, and safety‑screen personnel, and to maintain scenario realism while complying with NSW high‑risk training standards. This position is contingent upon contract award.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the designated Lead Role Player and consistent central point of contact to the Government for each task order.
• Lead, coordinate, and account for the assigned role player team during scheduled and short‑notice training evolutions.
• Perform receiving, accounting, inventory, and control of Government‑issued sensitive equipment/weapons (small arms, blanks, SIMS/UTM).
• Coordinate with TRADET/LCPO cadre (e.g., attend the evolution brief ~one week prior and on‑site) and NSW safety personnel.
• Maintain scenario realism, keep the team on script, and enforce safety and Operational Risk Management (ORM) procedures on site.
• Support After Action Reviews and required reporting on completed events (incidents, equipment failures, lessons learned).

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of consecutive experience serving as a SOF role player.
• Familiarity with receiving, accounting, inventory, and control of sensitive equipment/weapons (small arms, blanks/SIMS/UTM).
• Active Secret clearance.
• Ability to pass high‑risk training suitability screening per OPNAVINST 1500.75C and COMNAVSPECWARCOMINST 1500.1.
• Physical fitness for austere environments and night operations; able to be restrained/zip‑tied, stand/lie prone for extended periods, wear full PPE (helmet, throat guard, groin guard), and engage with non‑lethal marking ammunition.
• Basic weapons handling/safety proficiency; able to operate marking/blank weapons after instruction.
• Ability to work up to 12‑hour days and accommodate short‑notice nights/weekends and ±2‑day schedule shifts.
• Willingness to travel to and perform at California ranges (Niland, San Clemente Island, Fort Hunter Liggett, San Diego, Seal Beach).
• Ability to protect CUI and comply with security/dissemination and standards‑of‑conduct requirements.

Desired

• Prior military experience (strongly preferred).
• Direct experience with USSOCOM units.
• Familiarity with Naval Special Warfare Group operations, NATO Military Forces, and SOF scenario design.
• Prior experience leading/coordinating role player teams across multiple training sites.

Who We Are

DarkStar Intelligence delivers mission‑critical support to national security operations across intelligence, cybersecurity, technology, and operational support domains. We partner with government customers to strengthen decision advantage, enhance operational readiness, and advance mission success in complex and evolving threat environments.

Why Work at DarkStar?

At DarkStar Intelligence, you’ll contribute directly to high‑impact national security missions while growing your professional capabilities in a collaborative, performance‑driven environment.

Benefits Overview

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan options
• Professional development and training opportunities