Cyber Capabilities Development SME

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.  

The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity.  We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense.  Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.

The Strategic Technology Analysis Group (STAG), part of SPA’s Space and Intelligence Division, offers sophisticated capabilities (people, process & tools) to resolve unique problems in space, cyber, and special operations in support to military services, Secretary of Defense offices (OSD) and theater warfighters.  Our portfolio includes 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).  Come be a part of a high-speed low-drag organization providing unique and tailored solutions for our National Defense!

SPA has an immediate need for a Cyber Capabilities Development SME.

Responsibilities:

Cyber Capabilities SME in development, integration, employment, and synchronization of software/hardware capabilities for military cyberspace operations and electromagnetic warfare. They translate operational requirements, informed by doctrine and operational TTPs, into technical plans and capability requirements; they coordinate with operational and acquisition stakeholders to enhance deliverables supporting offensive cyber operations (OCO).

• Technical Expertise: This job is a highly technical position, requiring the ability to direct tactical, technical work, while being able to defend how those capabilities will meet strategic intent. An ideal candidate will provide subject matter expertise on offensive cyber enabling operations (CEO), intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, and electronic warfare (EW). Desire to also have knowledge of Space Enabled Cyber Operations (SECO) and Space Enabled Cyber Access (SECA).
• Capability Integration: Provide recommendations to government lead for the design, testing, and evaluation of software/hardware to support cyber capability development. Develops integration and interoperability requirements and applies standards, in the development cycle, to ensure capabilities can be used together.
• Operations Coordination: Participates in Joint Planning Groups (JPGs), Joint Targeting Boards, and liaises with intelligence agencies, DoD, and industry partners. Familiarity with operational security considerations in cyber and digital domains.
• Planning and Doctrine: Develops predictive contingency plans (CONPLANs, OPLANs), Courses of Action (COAs), and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for cyber operations to support capability development.
• Knowledge of Threat environment: Evaluates emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) to update cyber security measures. 

 Required Qualifications:

• Experience/Education:
• • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, or related field, often with 5+ years of experience -or-
  • 8+ years of operational experience in prior military or government cyber operations experience such as an Exploitation Analyst, Operator or Service Developer
  • Strong & demonstrated proficiency in networking fundamentals, protocols, and network administration
• Military/IC Training: Completion of specialized courses to include 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)
• Industry training: Completion of specialized courses to include at least one of the following or equivalent –
• • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
  • BlackHat
  • SANS
• Clearance:
• • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must possess active U.S. Government security clearance of Top Secret/SCI with ability to obtain Special Access Program; polygraph desired
• 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
• The ability to author, direct, manage and integrate requirements in a complex system
• Network exploitation techniques
• Ability to clearly communicate technical concepts to operational personnel for decisions and methodologies
• Technical Requirements writing
• Strong written communication skills
• Ability to travel twice a month which can be on short notice and include work/travel on holidays. Travel may include CONUS and OCONUS at times.
• Able to work full time in a Chantilly VA office within SCIF/SAPF spaces

Desired Qualifications:

• 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), 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

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent.  Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. 

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, and a number of programs that provide both paid and unpaid time away from work.  The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only.  Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.  Pay Transparency Range:  $175-250k