Senior ISR Unit-Level SME

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country’s most challenging technical problems. All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.

About the role

Riverside Research is seeking a full-time Senior ISR & Unit-level SME to support the United States Space Force (USSF) in Colorado Springs, CO. This position will be part of a multi-disciplinary staff element supporting integration of new weapon systems into existing and future warfighting architectures. This individual will also provide subject matter expertise in the establishment, administration, and operation of ISR-T and Surveillance units to include a focus on unit standup, training, tradecraft, strategic planning, and integration.

Responsibilities

• Assist Space Delta leadership with strategic planning and C2ISR integration across the USSF and Department of Defense (DoD).
• Participate in weapon system team activities to integrate new sensor capabilities and tactical data feeds into broader Joint Force architectures.
• Research complex operational issues, draft white papers, author briefings, and present operational recommendations to senior decision-makers.
• Provide direct SME guidance on basing actions, facility planning (DOTMLPF-F), manning requests, and operational test plans for newly established units.
• Lead the development of the unit’s operational training programs, including Initial Qualification Training (IQT) and Mission Qualification Training (MQT), and author position-specific Job Qualification Standards (JQS).
• Draft and refine Concepts of Operations (CONOP) and Concepts of Employment (CONEMP) for advanced C2ISR and targeting operations.
• Coordinate directly with higher headquarters to ensure seamless integration of unit-level capabilities into Joint Force organizations.

Requirements

• Active TS clearance with SCI adjudication.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, physics, math, business administration, finance, history, or related fields.
• 12 years of intelligence community experience.
• Experience with USSF organizations, mission, and roles; familiarity with Delta 7.
• Experience planning and implementing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance & targeting activities (ISR-T) at the Delta/Wing or above level.
• Familiarity with various planning methodologies to include the joint planning process (JPP); doctrine, organization, training, material, leadership and education, personnel, facilities (DOTMLPF) as a structured framework for analyzing requirements, and the military decision-making process (MDMP).
• Experience working in collaborative teams to achieve common objectives in close coordination with senior level decisionmakers.
• Effective/efficient written/verbal communication skills; proficient in MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Self-motivated, detail oriented, responsible team player able to work independently with minimal daily direction.
• Ability to work and interact with technically and organizationally diverse personnel.
• Open to occasional travel.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, engineering, computer science, physics, math, history, intelligence, or related field (desired).
• Familiarity with the Combat Forces Command (CFC), National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) organizations and mission (desired).
• Professional military education commensurate with rank/grade of any service (desired).
• Experience with airborne platforms to include E-2/E-3 AWACS, E-6/RQ-4 Block 40 GMTI and/or RC-135 RIVET JOINT (desired).
• Qualification/Experience in an Air Operations Center; including ISRD, Combat Plans or Combat Operations Division (desired).
• Experience with USSF organizations, mission, roles, and responsibilities; familiarity with Delta 7 (desired).

Pay

$170,000 - $200,000. This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.