Program Manager/Head Instructor

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 and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity.

The Strategic Technology Analysis Group, part of SPA’s Space and Intelligence Division, offers sophisticated capabilities to resolve unique problems in space, cyber, and special operations for military services, Secretary of Defense offices, and theater warfighters. Our portfolio includes support to the Assistant Secretary of Air Force for Space Acquisition & Integration (SAF/SQ), Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC), Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP), National Space Defense Center (NSDC), Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC), Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO), US Space Command (USSPACECOM), and US Space Force (USSF).

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the contractor team to ensure optimal delivery of PWS requirements.
• Provide course development, updates, and primary instruction for Space Force ISR training programs.
• Serve as the Head Instructor across all ISR training programs, ensuring curriculum accuracy, relevancy, and alignment with evolving USSF ISR requirements.
• Train students on the fundamentals of ISR, Targeting, and FISINT, including collecting, analyzing, and applying techniques and tradecraft using real-world scenarios.
• Maintain strong collaboration with mission partners to ensure training reflects current operational needs.
• Serve as the Program Manager and primary point of contact for the Government, providing overall leadership and oversight of contract execution.
• Manage day-to-day program operations including staffing, scheduling, transition activities, quality assurance, risk management, performance metrics, and contract reporting.
• Lead and mentor a team of instructors while ensuring the successful planning, coordination, and delivery of all training activities.
• Deliver instructor-led training for Space Warfighter Intelligence Fundamentals Training (SWIFT), Analysis, Structured Techniques, Reasoning and Operational Tradecraft (ASTRO), Mission Planning Course (MPC), Space Targeting Course (STC), and comparable intelligence training programs.
• Coordinate with Government stakeholders, instructors, and corporate leadership to ensure contract requirements, training objectives, and customer expectations are met.
• Develop, review, and maintain Programs of Instruction (POIs), lesson plans, practical exercises, assessments, student materials, and courseware.
• Oversee course delivery schedules, classroom operations, student support, instructor assignments, and training logistics.
• Ensure training is delivered in accordance with established instructional standards, security requirements, and applicable DoD and Department of the Air Force guidance.
• Support continuous process improvement initiatives by evaluating training effectiveness, reviewing student feedback, and implementing program enhancements.

Requirements

• Active TS/SCI clearance at time of application.
• BA/BS (or equivalent experience) and 20+ years of experience relevant to the USSF ISR mission.
• 10+ years of experience as a Program Manager.
• 4+ years of experience within the USAF or USSF ISR training programs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage a diverse customer set.
• Experience managing classified training programs, operational support programs, or contract teams.
• Experience delivering instructor-led training in a classified operational or Intelligence Community environment.
• Experience leading instructor teams, managing course schedules, coordinating staffing, overseeing quality assurance, and supporting customer engagement.
• Experience developing or maintaining Programs of Instruction (POIs), lesson plans, assessments, practical exercises, and instructional courseware.
• Ability to work full-time on-site at Peterson Space Force Base.
• Ability to travel up to 10% to support operational requirements, both CONUS and OCONUS.

Qualifications (Desired)

• Recent Space Force ISR experience.
• Recent Space Force instructor experience.

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: $170,000 - $190,000 per year. Salaries are commensurate with experience, qualifications, market, and business considerations.