U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM)
Listed on Orbital Diplomat 17 Aug 2026
U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) is the combatant command responsible for joint space operations and space superiority, currently relocating its headquarters to Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama. The Strategy, Plans and Policy Directorate (J5) is the intellectual engine of USSPACECOM's operational planning function, translating national security objectives into executable military plans for the space domain. This Senior Strategic Planner serves as the principal subject matter expert and strategic guide for the War Plans Division, advising the Director of Strategy, Plans and Policy and the Commander on the full spectrum of joint operational and space operations planning. The postholder will lead the development and synchronisation of complex contingency and bi-national plans (OPLANs, CONPLANs) using JOPES, APEX, and the Joint Strategic Planning System; direct wargaming, crisis action planning, and technical assessments; represent USSPACECOM at executive and flag-officer level; and prepare strategic briefings for the President, Secretary of Defence, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and Congress. This is one of the most senior and consequential space strategy planning roles available to civilian professionals in the US government, sitting at the direct interface between national security strategy and space domain operational planning. TS/SCI clearance is required. Applications are by direct email only — no USAJOBS. Full details at https://www.spacecom.mil/Partnerships-and-Outreach/Careers/HQ-USSPACECOM-Civilian-Vacancies/
Mastery knowledge of joint operational planning at the strategic and operational levels of war including JOPES, APEX, and Crisis Action Planning (CAP) Mastery knowledge of national security strategy documents including the National Security Strategy, Contingency Planning Guidance, National Defense Strategy, National Military Strategy, and Unified Command Plan Mastery knowledge of DoD, CCMD, Joint Staff, and Service missions, organisational structures, and functions at command level Advanced written and oral communication skills for executive-level audiences including POTUS, SecDef, CJCS, and Congress Ability to gather, analyse, and package complex information into actionable recommendations and senior leadership products Previous experience at a Combatant Command and/or Service, Joint Staff, or OSD-level staff highly desired Must obtain and maintain TS/SCI security clearance US citizenship required Submit 2-page resume directly to David Farmer at david.farmer.16@usspacecom.mil by COB 28 August 2026