Space Operations Analyst; Mid or Senior

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 Operations Research and C5

ISR Analysis (ORCA) group is seeking a Space Operations Analyst to provide on‑site support in San Diego, CA to the Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC), Space Security & Defense Program (SSDP), and Department of the Air Force Program Acquisition Executive for Command, Control, Communications, and Battle Management (DAF PAE C3BM). The candidate will leverage simulation systems to support multi‑domain military operations and drive the analytical process.

Operations Analysts apply Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles and analytical tools to identify trends, analyze complex data, and solve real‑world challenges. They will also execute technical ownership of modeling and simulation efforts, providing quality assurance to other analysts. Qualified candidates should be able to effectively communicate analytic results, understand current and future space system capabilities, and apply analytical and engineering methodologies to solve operational problems.

#KS

• Assist Program Managers and Team Leads in the day‑to‑day execution of space systems analysis and operations research projects, developing advanced project management models and forecasting resource requirements
• Lead the preparation of deliverables (presentations, written reports, etc.) to communicate assumptions, methodology, analysis‑based findings, and recommendations to sponsors and stakeholders
• Balance tasks across multiple projects concurrently and regularly communicate progress or challenges to task leads
• Communicate analytic results and technical information to internal and external stakeholders
• Serve as on‑site subject matter expert in spacecraft systems, satellite operations, space‑enabled kill chains, and/or space mission engineering principles

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in applied math, engineering, physical science, or operations research
• Academic or industry experience in the space domain
• 4+ years of space systems engineering or space operations experience for mid‑level; 7+ years of experience for senior‑level
• Demonstrated success in aligning diverse stakeholders, forging strategic partnerships, and directing high‑impact research efforts in support of mission success.
• Experience in designing models for evaluating complex systems or architectures, including spacecraft maneuvers and orbital dynamics, using commercial and proprietary software tools
• Top Secret/SCI eligibility

Desired

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in applied math, engineering, physical science, or operations research
• Experience with DoD, Intelligence Community (IC), and/or Commercial Satellite systems
• Experience with modeling and simulation software, such as Systems Tool Kit (STK);
  General Mission Analysis Tool (GMAT);
  Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM); and Cameo Systems Modeling Language (SysML) in the conduct of space‑related analysis
• Active participation and membership in a professional aerospace or operations research society such as the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) or the Military Operations Research Society (MORS)
• Previous experience supporting space capabilities within United…