We are currently seeking a Cyber Ops Planning SME for our team at Fort Meade.
The Operations Planning SME will be a principal-level expert Strategist responsible for the development, analysis, and support of joint operational and strategic plans. The ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of the Joint Planning Process (JPP), advanced planning concepts, and the integration of information technology services and capabilities provided by the Defense Information and Systems Agency (DISA). This role requires the ability to translate strategic guidance into detailed, executable plans and orders, and to effectively advise senior military leaders on complex operational challenges. The SME is expected to be a thought leader for the Agency and must be able to work independently with minimum or no guidance.
All SME’s shall:
- Provide expert-level guidance on the application of the Joint Planning Process and Operational Approach.
- Lead Joint Planning Groups (JPG) and Operational Planning Teams (OPT) through the JPP to develop Agency Strategy, OPLANS, orders and directives.
- Develop and present detailed analysis, staff estimates, and plan recommendations to senior military and civilian leaders.
- Author and review planning documents, including technical papers, white papers, and Concepts of Operations (CONOPS).
- Integrate and influence cross-functional concepts that align with high-interest operational plans.
- Lead and direct panels, meetings, and working groups as a subject matter expert and principle advisor.
- Coordinate with all applicable staff elements, Service Components, Combatant Commands (CCMDs), and other partners/agencies.
Primary Responsibilities
The Operations Planning SME shall:
- Provide expert planning support for Crisis Action, Future Operations, and Deliberate planning in support of the J3 and J5 Directorates, developing strategic and operational plans with viable options.
- Compose and disseminate orders and directives (OPORDs, FRAGORDs, etc.) that address complex policy and doctrinal issues, such as dual chains of command, and direct maneuver and effects across National, Joint, and internal operational environments.
- Conduct rigorous Mission Analysis and lead teams in Course of Action (COA) development, analysis, wargaming, and comparison, utilizing established screening and evaluation criteria.
- Apply advanced planning concepts, including Center of Gravity (COG) analysis, Lines of Operation (LOO), Lines of Effort (LOE), and the operational approach to solve complex military problems.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical discipline and 15 years of overall related experience in military operational planning, with a proven track record of success in a joint, multi-domain environment or Master’s degree with 10 years of prior relevant experience. Additional related years of experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree.
- Must possess an active TS/SCI security clearance.
- Expertise in the Joint Planning Process (JPP), from Planning Initiation to Plan/Order Development.
- In-depth knowledge of various planning levels (Commander's Estimate, BPLAN, CONPLAN, OPLAN) and planning types (Campaign, Contingency, Crisis Action Planning).
- Deep understanding of Mission Analysis inputs/outputs, and mastery of COA Development, including screening criteria (Adequate, Feasible, Acceptable, etc.) and evaluation criteria.
Preferred Qualifications
- Graduate of the Joint Advanced Warfighting School (JAWS) or the School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS).
- Direct experience translating strategic guidance into operational plans and future operations within a Combatant Command (CCMD) J5 or J35 environment.
- Background in DoD Acquisition or Program Management, with a proven track record of managing the development and delivery of information technology and communication solutions to Combatant Commands and Defense Agencies.
- IAT Level II (Security +, CySA+, CND, GSEC, SSCP, GICSP).
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:April 17, 2026For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
Leidos Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Leidos and has not been reviewed or approved by Leidos.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as comprehensive, with multiple plan options, low office-visit copays in some plans, and access to mental health and wellness support tools. The availability of HSA/FSA options and employer contributions is positioned as a meaningful part of the total package.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are framed as a strong component of total rewards, highlighted by a 401(k) match and immediate vesting in the standard package. The Employee Stock Purchase Plan is also presented as an additional long-term wealth-building feature.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle supports extend beyond core insurance, including wellness programs, fitness-related stipends, and assistance resources. Work flexibility and related perks are also included as part of the broader rewards experience.
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We Are Leidos For 50 years we have been tackling some of the biggest problems that face our nation and our world. OUR MISSION Through our culture of innovation and history of performance, we develop deep customer trust built on integrity and create enduring solutions that improve our world. Leidos is a science and technology solutions leader working to address some of the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and healthcare markets. The company’s 43,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Va., Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $11.09 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2020. Leidos was cited for the meaningful work employees perform that is challenging, impactful, and aligned with our customers’ missions as reasons professionals want to work and stay at our company. Leidos has also been named to lists including Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women, Military Times Best for Vets Employers, and Ethisphere Institute’s World's Most Ethical Companies®. Employees enjoy career enrichment opportunities available through mobility and development and experience rewarding relationships with supportive supervisors and talented colleagues and customers. Employees appreciate our flexible work environment, allowing for and encouraging a true work-life balance. Our professionals are also excited about our Employee Resource Groups, like the newly launched Collaborative Outreach with Remote and Embedded Employees (CORE), which strives to create an environment where every employee, regardless of location, feels fully engaged as a valued employee of Leidos. Your most important work is ahead.
