Space Operations Analyst

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.

Join a team shaping the future of national security in the space domain. SPA’s Operations Research and C5ISR Analysis (ORCA) Group develops and employs simulation system products in support of operations, experimentation, and the acquisition analysis process.

Our space analytics projects tackle some of the toughest challenges in modern defense—helping decision‑makers understand operations problems and how space systems perform, survive, and deliver effects in complex and contested mission environments.

As a Space Operations Analyst, you’ll turn ambiguous client mission questions into clear, actionable analyses—bridging the gap between operational needs and analytic solutions. You’ll collaborate with operators, intelligence professionals, and operations research engineers to translate “what the client is really asking” into structured problem statements, measures of effectiveness, and executable tasks that drive timely mission impact. You’ll support sponsors such as the Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP) and Space Systems Command (SSC).

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will participate in project teams to

• Translate client problem statements into structured analytic approaches: define hypotheses, metrics, decision criteria, and executable tasks for operations research and engineering teams.
• Engage directly with customers (e.g., SSDP, SSC, USSF organizations) to capture requirements, refine assumptions, and align analysis to mission priorities.
• Analyze Space Domain Awareness (SDA) mission areas including catalog maintenance, orbital analysis, conjunction assessment, sensor network performance, and space object tracking.
• Develop and leverage modeling & simulation to explore system behavior, assess resiliency, and inform operational decision-making.
• Create clear, compelling briefings, visualizations, and technical write-ups that inform senior stakeholders and drive decisions.
• Collaborate across operations, intelligence, and engineering teams; operate effectively amid ambiguity and evolving tasking.

Required Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related analytical discipline
• 5+ years of experience working with or within the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force (any capacity) in national security space
• Experience/exposure in SDA-relevant functions: tracking objects, sensor networks, catalog maintenance, orbital analysis, and/or conjunction assessment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey technical ideas clearly and confidently

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree or MBA
• Operations floor or mission operator experience (e.g., Space C2, ops center, squadron/unit experience)
• Experience with modeling & simulation and the ability to articulate what it brings to the customer (e.g., trade studies, sensitivity analysis, mission effectiveness, resiliency).
• Familiarity with tools such as STK, FreeFlyer, Python/MATLAB, and/or MBSE platforms (Cameo, Sparx EA); exposure to Space C2 tools
• Experience collaborating across the broader national security space enterprise (e.g., SSDP, SSC, USSF, and allied/partner organizations)
• This is an in-person, with hybrid option, role located at our office and client sites in San Diego, CA or Colorado Springs, CO.

Pay Range Information

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. California, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $150,000.00/Yr. - USD $190,000.00/Yr.