Military Operations Analyst

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 Strategic Division (SD) supports high-reliability organizations including Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, and the Department of Energy (DOE), among others. Our support across our client base is expanding rapidly and encompasses important services, such as data analytics and visualization, threat analysis, risk management, modeling and simulation, cost estimating, earned value management, program management, system engineering, independent evaluation, and High Consequence Event prevention.

SPA's Strategic Division's Regional Strike System Group (RSSG) supports critical U.S. government programs providing Systems Engineering, Systems Safety, Modelling, Master Scheduling, and Financial Analysis support. RSSG is hiring for a senior-level Military Operations Analyst in Washington, DC (Maritime Plaza) supporting the Nuclear-Armed, Sea-Launched Cruise Missile Program Office in early 2026.

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 for 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. Washington D.C. Pay Transparency Salary range: $140,000 - $180,000/year.

Help shape the future of theater deterrence as a Senior Military Operations Analyst for the Nucelar-armed, Sea-launched Cruise Missile (SLCM-N) program. This senior-level position is central to translating strategic guidance into operational reality. You will be responsible for authoring the foundational Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) that will define how this critical capability is employed. In this capacity, you will serve as the primary interface between the program office, external stakeholders, spanning Fleet and Combatant commanders, the Navy Staff, and the Joint Staff, ensuring that the SLCM-N system is developed and delivered to meet the warfighter's most pressing needs.

• Develop, draft, and validate the system's Concept of Operations (CONOPS), employment concepts (CONEMP), and other strategic policies.
• Serve as the program's primary liaison to the Joint Staff, OSW, and Combatant Commands to advocate for program requirements and ensure alignment with joint operational plans and national strategic guidance.
• Manage and deconflict requirements from a wide range of external stakeholders, including U.S. Strategic Command, Fleet Forces Command, and other operational users. Translate their operational needs into verifiable system specifications for the engineering team.
• Design, execute, and analyze wargames, operational simulations, and analytical studies to validate the CONOPS, assess military utility, and explore the system's impact on strategic stability and deterrence.
• Prepare and deliver high-level briefings, position papers, and strategic communications for senior DoW leadership, Flag Officers, and other key decision-makers.
• Coordinate with interagency partners and the nuclear security enterprise to ensure seamless integration of the SLCM-N into the broader national strategic posture.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in National Security Studies, Strategic Studies, International Relations, or a related field; OR a Bachelor's degree with extensive, directly relevant operational experience.
• 10+ years of experience in military operations, operational planning, or requirements management, with a significant portion spent in a joint or service-level headquarters environment.
• Expert knowledge of the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) process, operational planning processes (e.g., Joint or Service Planning Processes), and DoD 5000-series acquisition policies.
• Demonstrated experience authoring or significantly contributing to the development of operational concepts (CONOPS) for major weapon systems.
• Exceptional communication skills, with proven experience briefing senior military and civilian leaders (O-6/GS-15 and above).
• Active Top Secret security clearance, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI access.
  

Desired Qualifications

• Graduate of a Senior Service College or Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase II.
• Direct operational experience with strategic assets, nuclear command and control (NC2), or long-range precision strike platforms.
• Prior assignment on the Joint Staff, a Combatant Command staff, or a major service staff (e.g., OPNAV, HQMC).
• In-depth understanding of nuclear deterrence theory, strategic targeting, and arms control verification.
• Experience in leading and facilitating large, diverse working groups composed of military, civilian, and contractor personnel.