Space Operations Exercise Planner

This position is contingent upon contract award. Multiple positions available.

The Space Operations Exercise Planner serves as the subject matter expert (SME) and primary architect for all live, virtual and constructive exercise events, practical scenarios, and performance-based assessments. This position is responsible for the full life-cycle of exercise design—from concept development and scenario scripting through execution, assessment, and after-action review. The designer works in close coordination with curriculum developers, instructors, and operational units to ensure exercises are current, operationally relevant, and aligned with Space Force training standards.

Tasks

Exercise Design and Development

• Design, develop, and revise space operations capstone level exercises in support of 9 mission areas: Orbital Warfare, Space Electromagnetic Warfare, Cyber Warfare, Satellite Communications (SATCOM), Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR), Missile Warning/Missile Defense, C2-CSpOC, C2-NSDC, and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
• Create operationally realistic scenario injects, Master Scenario Events Lists (MSELs), and exercise control documentation
• Develop performance measurement tools including scenario-based assessments, grading rubrics, and standards checklists tied to course learning objectives
• Integrate current tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and lessons learned from operational space units to ensure exercise fidelity and relevance
• Design exercises compatible with virtual, constructive, and live training environments as applicable
• Troubleshoot real-time exercise issues and adapt scenario injects as needed to achieve training objectives

Administration and Coordination

• Incorporate lessons learned from operational space units, exercise programs and allied/partner training events.
• Maintain all exercise documentation in the curriculum management system in accordance with training standards.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years in U.S. military Space Operations as military member or civilian
• Deep understanding of space domain operations, including satellite communications, space surveillance, and space-based sensors
• Knowledge of Space Doctrine Publication (SDP) 5-0 and Joint Planning Process (JPP) integration for space missions
• Ability to integrate space capabilities into the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP) and Exercise Life Cycle
• Demonstrated experience with simulation control injects and TTPs to replicate realistic space environments
• Knowledge of exercise design and control methodologies including MSEL development, White Cell operations, and after-action review processes
• Knowledge of data analysis and requirements development for space-based training scenarios
• Demonstrated ability to conduct problem-solving and adaptability to dynamic space operational environments
• Knowledge of Incident response planning for space domain contingencies
• Ability to analyze complex technical content and translate it into clear, sequenced instruction aligned to performance objectives.
• Skill in writing, editing, and maintaining curriculum documentation to Air Force/Space Force instructional systems design standards.
• Ability to evaluate student performance objectively, provide constructive feedback, and identify remediation requirements.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge, Skills, and Ability to design space operations in games focused contested environments
• Knowledge, Skills, and Ability to design accurate, but playable, games focused on space systems
• Operational experience in a deployed or joint environment integrating space capabilities with ground and air forces

Education Requirements

• Bachelors degree in STEM, Space, Intelligence Studies, International Relations, Global Security, or National Security Studies

Clearance Level: TS/SCI clearance eligibility is required