Journeyman Cyber Operations Planner

Description

Athenix Cyber & SIGINT Solutions (ACS) is seeking a motivated and experienced Cyber Operations Planner – Journeyman Level I to support mission-critical cyberspace operations within the Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) enterprise.

The successful candidate will support the development, coordination, integration, and execution of joint cyberspace operational plans. Working alongside experienced operational planners, intelligence professionals, and technical specialists, this individual will contribute to deliberate planning, crisis action planning, operational synchronization, and the integration of cyberspace capabilities into joint military operations.

We are seeking a mission-focused professional with a solid foundation in military operational planning, an understanding of offensive and defensive cyberspace operations, and the ability to translate operational requirements into actionable planning products.

Responsibilities

• Support the development, coordination, and staffing of joint cyberspace operational plans in accordance with USCYBERCOM guidance, applicable joint doctrine, and established operational planning processes.
• Draft and coordinate Operational Plans (OPLANs), Operational Orders (OPORDs), Fragmentary Orders (FRAGOs), concepts of operations (CONOPs), and associated planning documentation.
• Participate in Operational Planning Teams (OPTs), Operational Planning Groups (OPGs), and other collaborative planning activities.
• Assist in the development and evaluation of courses of action (COAs), concepts of support, and operational planning recommendations.
• Support the integration and synchronization of offensive and defensive cyberspace capabilities with broader joint and multidomain operations.
• Coordinate with operational, intelligence, targeting, and technical stakeholders to synchronize cyberspace activities with mission objectives.
• Support targeting development, validation, and synchronization activities in coordination with authorized operational and intelligence organizations.
• Contribute to deliberate planning, crisis action planning, operational assessments, and the transition of approved plans to current operations.
• Analyze cyber threats, adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), and operational vulnerabilities to support planning and risk assessments.
• Assist in the identification and evaluation of operational requirements, capability gaps, and emerging technologies that may improve cyberspace mission effectiveness.
• Develop briefings, issue papers, planning summaries, decision-support products, and other operational documentation for military and civilian leadership.
• Coordinate planning activities with DoD, Intelligence Community (IC), military Service components, and mission partners.
• Ensure planning activities comply with applicable laws, authorities, policies, and operational guidance.
  
  

Requirements

• Active TS/SCI clearance with current polygraph.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in cyberspace operational planning, military operational planning, offensive cyberspace operations, or cyberspace capability development.
• Relevant experience supporting a Combat Mission Team (CMT) or serving as an Offensive Cyberspace Operations (OCO) Planner within a Joint Force Headquarters–Cyber (JFHQ-C) may be considered toward experience requirements, subject to contractual qualifications.
• Formal training in cyberspace operational planning through a Department of Defense, military Service, or Intelligence Community training program.
• Working knowledge of military operational planning processes, including planning, approval, execution, and operational assessment.
• Familiarity with applicable joint doctrine, including Joint Publication (JP) 5-0, Joint Planning, and JP 3-12, Joint Cyberspace Operations.
• Understanding of offensive cyberspace operations (OCO), defensive cyberspace operations (DCO), and associated intelligence support requirements.
• Knowledge of cyber threats, adversary capabilities, attack methods, and vulnerabilities affecting DoD networks and operational environments.
• Familiarity with computer networking fundamentals, communications infrastructure, and the technical platforms supporting cyberspace operations.
• Ability to develop clear, accurate, and timely planning documentation, analytical products, and operational briefings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical and operational concepts to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across organizational boundaries, manage competing priorities, and perform effectively in a fast-paced operational environment.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, Intelligence Studies, Military Science, National Security Studies, or a related discipline.
• Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase I or II, or equivalent joint planning education or joint military planning.
• Previous experience supporting USCYBERCOM, CNMF, JFHQ-C, a Service Cyber Component, or other joint cyberspace operational organizations.
• Completion of a recognized cyberspace operational planning course, such as the Joint Cyberspace Operations Planners Course (JCOPC) or a Service-specific equivalent.
• Experience supporting Combat Mission Teams (CMTs), Cyber Protection Teams (CPTs), or other Cyber Mission Force elements.
• Familiarity with cyberspace targeting, operational synchronization, mission planning, and campaign support.
• Experience integrating cyberspace operations with intelligence, information operations, electronic warfare, space operations, or other joint warfighting capabilities.
• Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase I or II, or equivalent joint planning education.
• Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), data analytics, or operational decision-support tools.
• Experience with data visualization tools, including Microsoft Power BI.
• Experience supporting exercises, operational assessments, mission rehearsals, or readiness activities.
• Relevant cybersecurity certifications, such as CompTIA Security , CompTIA CySA , GIAC GSEC, or other DoD-approved certifications applicable to the position.
  
  

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.