By Light Professional IT Services

Future Operations Planner

By Light Professional IT Services$150K — $160K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years in joint military planning or future operations
  • Skilled in Course of Action (COA) development and operational plan writing
  • In-depth knowledge of the Joint Planning Process (JPP) and APEX system
  • Experience with Combatant Commands (CCMDs) or USCYBERCOM
  • Cyber operations planning knowledge
  • Proficient in planning tools: JPES, JOPES, GCCS-J
  • DoD 8570 certification at IAT or IAM Level I required

Responsibilities

  • Develop future operations plans for emerging mission requirements
  • Translate J-5 strategic guidance into actionable operational directives
  • Collaborate across directorates for aligned planning and execution
  • Adapt to evolving threats and operational scenarios
  • Lead or participate in operational planning teams and crisis action teams
  • Synchronize with current operations for seamless transitions
  • Integrate cyber mission requirements into planning

Benefits

  • Extensive selection of employee benefits
  • Supportive work environment conducive to mission readiness
  • Engagement with key military and cyber entities for cohesive planning
  • Opportunities for professional development and training
  • Culture focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence
Full Job Description
Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Future Operations Planner to support the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) J-3 Directorate. This position plays a pivotal role in shaping the near-term operational landscape, ensuring seamless integration between current operations and long-term strategic objectives. Operating within a 96-hour to six-month planning horizon, the Future Operations Planner is responsible for developing executable plans and operational directives that ensure mission readiness and continuity across the Department of Defense Information Network (DODIN).

Responsibilities

Near-Term Operational Planning
  • Develop and coordinate future operations plans that address emerging mission requirements and support continuity of operations.
  • Translate strategic guidance from the J-5 into actionable operational directives, task orders, and executable COAs.
  • Work across directorates (J-3, J-5, and J-7) to ensure alignment of planning, training, and execution activities.
  • Anticipate and adapt to evolving threats, mission sets, and operational scenarios in support of Combatant Commands and joint cyber efforts.

Collaboration & Integration
  • Serve as a planning lead or team member within Operational Planning Teams (OPTs), Joint Planning Groups (JPGs), and Crisis Action Teams (CATs).
  • Synchronize with Current Operations (CUOPS) to ensure a seamless operational transition from near-term plans to execution.
  • Integrate Cyber Protection Team (CPT) mission requirements and cyberspace considerations into future operations planning.
  • Engage stakeholders across USCYBERCOM, JFHQ-DODIN, and other DoD entities to ensure cohesive planning and mission coordination.

Tools & Execution Support
  • Utilize advanced planning tools including JPES, JOPES, GCCS-J, and other command and control systems.
  • Contribute to the refinement of existing plans based on lessons learned, operational feedback, and shifting strategic priorities.
  • Develop briefings, status updates, and reports to inform leadership on planning progress and readiness


Required Experience/Qualifications

  • Minimum of 8 years of experience in joint military planning, future operations, or campaign development.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in Course of Action (COA) development, operational plan writing, and multi-stakeholder coordination.
  • Deep understanding of the Joint Planning Process (JPP) and the Adaptive Planning and Execution (APEX) system.
  • Experience supporting Combatant Commands (CCMDs), USCYBERCOM, or JFHQ-DODIN.
  • Background in cyber operations planning or mission integration.
  • Proficiency with planning tools: JPES, JOPES, GCCS-J.
  • Currently holds a DoD 8570 certification at IAT or IAM Level I.


Preferred Experience/Qualifications

  • Experience bridging current operations with strategic-level planning efforts.
  • Familiarity with exercise development and training plan integration.
  • Previous experience operating within high-tempo joint operational environments.
  • PMP or equivalent program management certification.


Special Requirements/Security Clearance

This position requires a TS/SCI clearance at the time of application.

Salary Range

Salary Minimum:150,000.00

Salary Maximum:$160,000.00

The annual base salary provided is a guideline for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. When extending an offer, By Light also considers other variables such as (but not limited to) work experience, education, training, skill set, internal peer equity, clearance level, and market conditions. In addition, By Light provides an extensive selection of benefits and offerings to our employees.

About By Light Professional IT Services

By Light Professional IT Services is a provider of full lifecycle information technology and telecommunications solutions to the federal government and commercial clients. The company provides services in the areas of cybersecurity, cloud computing, application development, network engineering, and strategic consulting. By Light has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States by Inc. Magazine and has been named a top workplace by The Washington Post.
Learn more about By Light Professional IT Services
Size
1,500 employees
Industry

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