Tactical Scientist (Fort Belvoir, VA)

CSPC Solutions

$110K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Expertise in U.S. special operations, particularly in counter-WMD or counterterrorism contexts.
  • Ability to convert operational needs into clear technical requirements for engineers.
  • Experience in RDT&E processes and operational experimentation.
  • Familiarity with CONOPS development and wargaming methodologies.
  • TS/SCI clearance with the ability to obtain higher-level access.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally to various environments.

Responsibilities

  • Act as the operational voice in translating mission needs into technical specifications.
  • Execute comprehensive research, threat assessments, and operational modeling to identify hazards and strategies.
  • Create and enhance CONOPS, mission threads, and plans through wargaming and effects-based strategies.
  • Plan and conduct controlled tests and field experiments to assess technology performance and user feedback.
  • Provide analytical support and assist in integrating technologies into active operations.
  • Develop MOEs and MOPs to measure the operational effectiveness of technologies.
  • Facilitate the transition of prototypes to production with necessary training and sustainment plans.

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment with government and technical teams.
  • Opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research in counter-WMD technologies.
  • Hands-on involvement in mission-critical operational testing and evaluations.
Full Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY

CSPC Solutions is seeking a Tactical Scientist to serve as an embedded operational translator supporting a federal Counter-Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) research, development, test, and evaluation effort. The Tactical Scientist brings elite subject-matter expertise drawn from the highest levels of special operations to bridge the gap between operational needs and technical development, guiding scientists and engineers with authority so that technology investments are driven by operational viability, lethality, and survivability rather than theoretical perfection.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Serve as the operational voice in technical development efforts, translating mission requirements into actionable, precise technical specifications for scientists and engineers.
  • Conduct multi-source research and analysis, threat assessments, and operational environment modeling to identify risks and opportunities.
  • Develop and refine Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), mission threads, and courses of action through wargaming and effects-based planning.
  • Plan and execute controlled tests, field experiments, and exercise integrations to evaluate capability, performance and suitability, and to collect user feedback for iterative refinement.
  • Provide reach-back analytical support and real-time decision support and assist with direct integration of developed capabilities into live or planned operations.
  • Develop and apply Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs) and Measures of Performance (MOPs) to validate operational impact.
  • Support transition planning for mature prototypes to production, including development of training materials and sustainment models.
  • Guide and advise scientists and engineers with operational authority, ensuring technology investments remain grounded in real-world mission viability.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Background in the highest levels of U.S. special operations, with direct experience in counterterrorism, counter-WMD, or related sensitive operations.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate complex operational requirements into technical specifications, and to communicate effectively with both operators and technical staff.
  • Experience supporting or leading RDT&E efforts, capability development, or operational experimentation.
  • Working knowledge of CONOPS development, wargaming, and effects-based planning methodologies.
  • TS/SCI clearance, with the ability to obtain and maintain eligibility for higher-level access as required.
  • Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, including to austere or non-permissive environments, as mission requirements dictate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Prior experience with Department of War (SOF, SMU, STO, or SAP background preferred), IC, or USG CWMD programs.
  • Experience developing Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs) and Measures of Performance (MOPs) for capability assessment.
  • Experience mentoring or advising technical teams in an operational advisory capacity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & TRAVEL

This position is based on-site at Fort Belvoir, VA, with regular collaboration alongside government stakeholders, technical teams, and partner organizations. Travel is a core component of this role and is required for field experimentation, exercise integration, mission support, and stakeholder engagement. Travel may include time in operationally demanding or austere environments.

Please submit a resume and statement of relevant experience.

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