Senior Undersea Warfare SME — Strategy, Testing & Ops

Overview

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.

Overview

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, 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 an Undersea Warfare SME.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will provide high-level Subject Matter Expert (SME) support for Undersea Warfare (USW) and tactical employment of Submarine systems. Operating full-time within secure spaces in Chantilly, VA, the selected candidate will lead water space deconfliction planning management, software test execution, and workflow optimization. This critical position requires a unique blend of deep operational system experience, tactical oceanography and underwater sound propagation, schedule management capabilities, and the ability to integrate emerging decision support tools into daily warfighter workflows.

You should have an understanding of high-fidelity underwater environments with 2D and 3D visualizations for modeling of SONAR propagation paths and performance along with knowledge of sensors from Low to High Frequency bands and the tactical implications and limitations of both.

• Lead the development, coordination, and execution of comprehensive software test plans and operational test oversight for next-generation Undersea Warfare systems.
• Establish, evaluate, and continuously optimize "day in the life" operational workflows (CONOPS) to seamlessly integrate new tactical decision support capabilities.
• Coordinate and drive operational system reviews across the range of transition partner DOTMLP-F areas and collaborate closely with cross-functional technical and operational teams.
• Manage program schedules, track performance metrics, and ensure deliverables meet overarching program requirements and priorities.
• Translate complex tactical USW operational requirements into clear, technical directions for software engineering and development teams.
• Apply adaptive problem-solving skills to resolve complex system integration, testing, and operational bottlenecks dynamically during execution.
• Provide strategic direction to maintain project alignment and manage program schedules across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Foster collaboration, build consensus, and maintain strong partnerships among military, civilian, and contractor stakeholders.
• Communicate complex technical findings and data-driven recommendations effectively to a diverse audience of senior military leaders, program managers, and engineers.

• Active TS/SCI security clearance and recent experience supporting U.S. Navy Special Access Programs (SAPs).
• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline (or equivalent operational…