Special Technician Operations (STO) Lead Planner

Description

SAIC is seeking a highly experienced Special Technical Operations (STO) Lead Planner to support the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Operations for Battlespace Resilient Architecture (COBRA) program at USAFE–AFAFRICA. This role directly supports the integration of advanced Special Access Program (SAP) capabilities into joint, coalition, and interagency operations, aligning with JADC2 and MDO priorities.

The STO Lead Planner will serve as the A3/10 focal point for STO operational planning activities, ensuring compliance with SAP policy, leading multi‑domain mission planning, and synchronizing STO contributions across Air, Joint, and partner‑nation mission sets.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead STO integration into Joint, Air Component, and multi‑domain operational plans.
• Synchronize SAP‑enabled capabilities with broader USAFE–AFAFRICA operations, ensuring classification and compartmented handling compliance.
• Support Crisis Action Planning (CAP) and time‑sensitive mission planning.
• Develop and refine detailed mission plans supporting operational, contingency, and theater‑wide objectives.

SAP & Compartment Management

• Ensure adherence to SAP policy, security requirements, and SAPF procedures.
• Coordinate with security managers on SAP read‑ons, audits, and classification handling.
• Oversee creation, storage, and dissemination of STO mission products.
• Represent STO equities in Joint Planning Groups (JPGs), Operational Planning Teams (OPTs), and working groups.
• Coordinate STO capabilities with NATO and coalition partners, ensuring interoperability and proper handling of multinational access limitations.
• Provide STO subject‑matter expertise to Joint, interagency, and USAFE mission partners.

Mission Execution, Assessments & Reporting

• Monitor ongoing missions and adjust STO contributions to changing operational needs.
• Conduct post‑mission and post‑exercise assessments to evaluate STO effectiveness and identify improvements.
• Contribute to operational reporting requirements including inputs for Monthly Status Reports (MSRs), Technical Directive Plan (TDP) reporting, and other contractual reporting requirements.

Exercise & Rehearsal Support

• Integrate STO capabilities into U.S., NATO, coalition, and Joint exercises.
• Develop STO injects, scenario elements, and classification‑controlled mission threads.
• Provide on‑site support to large‑force exercises, tabletop exercises, and rehearsal‑of‑concept drills.

Cross‑Functional Coordination

• Maintain collaborative relationships and serve as a liaison between STO, A3/10 leadership, C2 nodes, and mission support elements.
• Coordinate with mission partners, program managers, and technical leads across the COBRA enterprise.

Qualifications

Required Experience/Qualifications

• 15+ years of Air Operations experience.
• 10+ years of (Special Access Program) SAP experience.
• 5+ years 5th Generation (5th GEN) integration experience.
• US Citizen and Active U.S. Top Secret / SCI and SAP Clearance.
• Bachelor's and 18 or relevant years of experience in lieu of degree.

Desired Experience/Qualifications

• Graduate of USAF or USN Fighter Weapons School (or equivalent advanced tactical instructor qualification).
• Experience with the Planning and Decision Aid System (PDAS) for Integrated Joint STO planning.
• Familiarity with Joint planning systems such as JOPES/APEX and Air Force C2/mission‑planning systems (e.g., TBMCS, JMPS).
• Prior experience supporting NATO, coalition, or forward‑deployed operational staffs.
• Experience supporting Joint or coalition exercises and planning events.
• 3+ years of experience serving on Major Command (MAJCOM) Staff.
• Formal training or certification related to STO or SAP mission planning.

Additional Benefits

• Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) Individual Logistics Support, including:
  • German tax exemption.
  • Base Exchange and CommissaryPrivileges.
  • Motor vehicle registration.
  • Access to VAT‑free vehicle fuel.
  • Armed Forces Post Office (APO) services.
  • Reimbursement for minor dependent education at the duty location and access to the DoD Education Activities (DoDEA) school system on a space‑A basis.
  • Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) at the Group 3 rate.
  • Relocation to/from Germany.
  • Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (US Federal Income Tax Exclusion.)