Become a Senior Strategic Planner at the U.S. Space Command

Are you ready to play a decisive role in the defense of our nation? The United States Space Command (USSPACECOM), the nation’s 11th combatant command, is hiring a Senior Strategic Planner. This is a high-impact position for experts in military planning, policy, and strategy. You will be responsible for shaping the future of space operations, working at the highest levels of the Department of Defense to deter conflict and project combat power.

Job Responsibilities

As a Senior Strategic Planner, you serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) who bridges the gap between high-level policy and field execution. Your primary duties include:

Framing complex national security challenges using advanced analytical research.
Leading operational planning teams (OPTs) and joint planning groups (JPGs).
Implementing Adaptive Planning and Execution (APEX) procedures.
Developing integrated warfighting options that cross the spectrum of competition, crisis, and conflict.

Requirements

This position requires a high degree of specialization. Applicants must have at least one year of experience at the NH-02 (GS-12 equivalent) level. You must demonstrate advanced knowledge of the Joint Planning Process (JPP) and Joint doctrine. Additionally, candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance and pass all mandatory drug screening protocols as a Testing Designated Position.

Salary and Comparison Table

The compensation for this role reflects the high level of expertise required for strategic command support.

Pay Scale	Annual Salary Range	Employment Type
NH (Broadband)	$93,216 - $144,102	Permanent

Benefits

Employees of the Department of the Air Force and USSPACECOM enjoy extensive federal benefits, including:

Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
Generous retirement plans and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
Potential for professional development and training through advanced military education programs.

Application Tips

To be competitive, ensure your resume is concise—strictly no more than two pages. Use the application questionnaire to detail your experience with APEX and the Joint Strategic Planning System. Finally, double-check that your SF-50 forms are included if you are a current or former federal employee.

Serving as a Senior Strategic Planner with the U.S. Space Command is a unique opportunity to shape the future of military strategy. If you possess the required planning expertise and are prepared to handle high-stakes national security responsibilities, we encourage you to apply before the deadline.

Why This Senior Strategic Planner Job Matters

Shape the future of national security as a Senior Strategic Planner with the U.S. Space Command—where mission-critical planning meets high-level executive influence.

Senior Strategic Planner Job Overview

The U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) is seeking a highly skilled Senior Strategic Planner to join their team at Redstone Arsenal. This pivotal role serves as a contingency planner responsible for developing and executing complex strategic plans that support the 11th combatant command's mission to deter conflict and defend vital U.S. interests in, from, and through space. You will act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), leading operational planning teams and synthesizing national security guidance into globally integrated warfighting options.

Requirements for Senior Strategic Planner

U.S. Citizenship.
Must obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility.
Completion of a non-disclosure agreement.
Subject to random drug testing as a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
Minimum of one year of specialized experience at the NH-02 (GS-12 equivalent) level.
Demonstrated ability to apply the Joint Planning Process (JPP) to campaign and deliberate plans.
Knowledge of Adaptive Planning and Execution (APEX) and Joint Strategic Planning System (JSPS).
Must meet Time-In-Grade requirements if currently a Federal employee.

Preferred Qualifications for Senior Strategic Planner

Experience leading operational planning teams and joint planning groups.
Ability to develop and utilize complex simulation and modeling techniques.
Exceptional ability to synthesize national statutes, treaties, and strategies into actionable military options.
Demonstrated success in stakeholder management and cross-functional team leadership.
Advanced proficiency in communicating complex technical issues to executive-level management.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary range within the federal pay scale.
✓Comprehensive federal health and insurance programs.
✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Opportunities for professional growth within a high-visibility combatant command.
✓Eligibility for telework programs based on agency policy.
✓Access to state-of-the-art facilities and mission-critical resources.

💡 How to Apply Senior Strategic Planner Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Senior Strategic Planner Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy requirements and prepare your resume (maximum 2 pages).
Complete the online application questionnaire through the provided portal.
Upload required documents, including SF-50s and relevant transcripts.
Submit your application package by the closing date of September 4, 2026.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less; longer resumes will be excluded.
Explicitly state hours worked per week and specific dates of employment for all positions.
Ensure your responses to the online questionnaire are fully supported by your resume content.
If you are a federal employee, include your pay plan, series, and grade.
Verify that your uploaded documents have cleared virus scanning prior to the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level of security clearance is required for this role?

This position is designated as special-sensitive and requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No, resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration to ensure that the selection process remains efficient and focused on the most relevant experience.

Is relocation assistance available?

Relocation benefits are authorized for this position as indicated in the job requirements.

Job from Afelm Us Space Command

USSPACECOM is the premier organization dedicated to defending U.S. and allied interests in, from, and through the space domain. As a combatant command, they operate at the intersection of national security policy and warfighting execution. Working at Redstone Arsenal, you will collaborate with a diverse group of military and civilian professionals committed to maintaining global space superiority.