Warfighter Subject Matter Expert

Blue Sky Innovators is seeking a Warfighter Support SME to join our team in Arlington, VA. The Warfighter Support SME will assist in developing, coordinating, and advising on the implementation of policies related to air, space, and cyberspace power to support the CSAF, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations (AF/A3), and Numbered Air Force (NAF)/Air Component Commanders and their Staffs.

The Warfighter Support SME will participate in the operational planning and analysis process and advise the Joint Staff (JS) and CCMD staff on how to optimize USAF capabilities in support of the warfighter when confronting the operational challenges outlined in policy guidance.

The SME will be responsible for delivering high-level briefings and reports to senior USAF and Department of War (DoW) leaders, translating complex airpower concepts and operations into clear, actionable insights for General Officers and Senior Executive Service (SES) stakeholders.

The SME must maintain situational awareness of and provide recommendations regarding the current political-military issues and operational challenges, as well as will provide advice and assessments to validate that assigned planning inputs are strategically sound, operationally and logistically feasible, and resource informed/supportable according to the delineations of responsibilities.

• Familiar with Air Staff and joint administrative and operations instructions/procedures and can address programming, planning, budgeting, policy, and war fighting operational implications.
• Bachelor’s degree(s) [master's degree (MA) or doctorate (PhD) desired but not required] from an accredited university or equivalent service academy. An advanced academic degree(s) in areas such as regional studies, history, international affairs/relations, or national security/policy is (are) desired not required.
• Multiple in-country experience working geostrategic Pol-Mil issues with Allies or partner nations in one or more of the following fields - Security Cooperation, Defense Policy, Alliance Management, Ministry of Defense or JS Liaison, Force Development, or Burden Sharing.
• 10 years of combined federal (DoW or DOS) experience with five year’s total experience at MAJCOM, HAF or JS/CCMD J2/3/5/8.
• Previous assignment experience preparing US Flag/General Officers for Congressional testimony on US, Allied, or partner-nation defense issues.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft (MS) Office Suite (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and other associated software utilized in personal computing, e.g., Adobe Acrobat.
• TS/SCI Clearance

Salary range for the position is $138,000 - $220,000 per year. Specific compensation will be determined by several factors including experience, education, skills, and knowledge.

• We also offer medical/dental/vision benefits and 401k contribution.

Blue Sky Innovators, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are a qualified job seeker with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access  as a result of your disability.

To request an accommodation, please email us at  and provide your name and contact information.

Please note:

this is only for job seekers with disabilities requesting an accommodation.