Project Management Support & Software Development Systems Engineer

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 a Project Management Support & S/W Development Systems Engineer.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities:

Provide project management, capability development, and operational experimentation support to a fast-paced DoD Research & Development (R&D) office advancing capabilities in the information environment, including cognitive security and automation-enabled analytics. The individual will coordinate technical, operational, and acquisition activities across the DoW, Intelligence Community (IC), and whole of Government stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of mission-focused initiatives. This role emphasizes program execution oversight of agile development efforts, planning and conducting operational experimentation events, rapid acquisition support, and the development of concise communications to inform senior leadership. The ideal candidate brings a blend of uniformed operational experience and hands-on program management of technical solution development within DoW enterprise environments, with the demonstrated ability to translate emerging concepts into fielded outcomes.

• Project Execution & Contract Support:
• Coordinate day-to-day program activities to align technical efforts, schedules, and mission objectives.
• Support the Program Manager in tracking execution progress, managing dependencies, and mitigating risks across multiple concurrent projects.
• Develop and maintain integrated schedules, milestone trackers, and action item lists.
• Support oversight of performer teams, including level-of-effort tracking, deliverable review, and budget discipline across prime and subcontractor efforts.
• Prepare program documentation, business cases, white papers, and leadership briefings.
• Capability Development & Automation Support:
• Support agile (Scrum) development, evaluation, and spiral improvement of automation and AI/ML-enabled tooling, including robotic process automation (RPA) and low-code solutions.
• Assist technical feasibility, architecture, and enterprise integration of candidate solutions, including interoperability, governance, security, and audit considerations within DoW environments.
• Support transition of prototyped capabilities into sustained operational use across multiple commands and mission partners.
• Advise on rapid and flexible acquisition approaches for emerging technology, including things such as the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace, SBIR/STTR Direct-to-Phase-II mechanisms, and OTs.
• Operational Experimentation & Demonstration:
• Support planning and execution of operational experimentation, test, and demonstration events across multiple stakeholders.
• Assist in development of experimentation objectives, execution plans, evaluation criteria, and tactics/SOP documentation for emerging capabilities, including unmanned systems.
• Coordinate participants, logistics, scheduling, and site requirements.
• Track outcomes, capture lessons learned, and conduct after-action reviews to inform capability refinement and transition decisions.

• Stakeholder Coordination & Executive Engagement:
• Facilitate coordination among government stakeholders, performers, and operational partners.
• Track action items and ensure alignment across technical and operational teams.
• Develop executive briefings, talking points, and status updates for SES, Flag-level, and equivalent senior leaders.
• Support senior-leader engagement activities, working groups, and technical exchange meetings, including event planning and execution.
• Provide clear, decision-grade communications to support leadership alignment and program direction.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI security clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Security Studies, Engineering, or a related field; graduate study in defense and strategic studies, security studies, or a related discipline strongly preferred
• 10+ years of experience
• Demonstrated experience managing contractor delivery teams, including subcontractors, with responsibility for schedules, level-of-effort, budgets, and deliverable quality. Ability to coordinate and seamlessly integrate various teams to deliver a unified product
• Hands-on experience leading agile (Scrum) development, evaluation, and enterprise transition of automation or AI/ML-enabled solutions (e.g., RPA, low-code platforms) within DoW organizations
• Working familiarity with rapid and flexible acquisition mechanisms, such as the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace, SBIR/STTR Direct-to-Phase-II pathways, or OTs
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including business cases, white papers, and briefings delivered to SES or Flag-level leadership
• Experience supporting business development activities, including RFI/RFP responses, technical approaches, and successful contract negotiations, awards, and recompetes
• Able to support travel up to 10% to 20% of the time
• Location: Must have the ability to work full-time on-site in secure spaces (SCIF) in the Chantilly, VA area

Desired Qualifications

• Academic research focus in cognitive warfare, information warfare, or strategic influence, with coursework in adversary (e.g., Chinese, Russian) military strategy
• U.S. military service and professional program/project management experience, including prior enlisted service with operational deployment and small-unit leadership responsibility
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or comparable process-improvement certification
• Experience managing senior-leader engagement programs, including executive event planning, keynote coordination, and strategic communications development

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 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.  Pay Transparency Range: 200k - 225k

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. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $200,000.00/Yr. - USD $225,000.00/Yr.