Senior Targeting Subject Matter Expert

Suffolk, VA

Minimum of Secret clearance required

The Defense Sector at Leidos is currently looking for a Senior Targeting Subject Matter Expert. In this position you will provide expert‑level leadership, analysis, and operational support across the full spectrum of joint targeting, Combatant Command assessment activities, and mission‑partner interoperability efforts. This role integrates advanced analytical methodologies, testing rigor, modeling and simulation, and multi‑domain operational expertise to support high‑visibility programs and senior decision‑makers.

You will lead planning, execution, and assessment activities for Desktop Analysis (DTA), Assurance & Validation (A&V) events, and CIAV‑aligned targeting assessments, ensuring data‑driven insights, operational relevance, and mission impact.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Targeting Operations Leadership - Provide senior level management of planning, preparation, research, coordination, and execution of targeting activities, delivering expert analysis and mission focused guidance across all phases of the joint targeting cycle.
• Analytical Product Development - Develop and deliver detailed analytical reports, workflow visualizations, mission thread products, and executive briefings that clearly articulate findings, risks, and operational impacts.
• Test Planning & Execution - Conduct structured testing activities, coordinate with external test organizations, and participate in test related working groups to ensure rigorous validation of systems, processes, and mission threads.
• CIAV Targeting Support - Apply deliberate targeting expertise to support CIAV methodology, collaborating with Joint Staff DDC5I teams and Combatant Commands to assess and improve data sharing interoperability with mission partners.
• Event Planning & Leadership - Serve as Planning/Execution Analyst and Event Lead for Desktop Analysis (DTA) and Assurance & Validation (A&V) events, overseeing research, site configuration, use case execution, and operational data analysis.
• Modeling & Simulation Integration - Identify opportunities to incorporate modeling and simulation into event planning, assessment design, and mission thread development to enhance analytical rigor and scenario fidelity.
• Joint Targeting Expertise - Provide expert level knowledge across the joint targeting process, including Target System Analysis, Target Development, prioritization, MEA, CDE, BDA, CA, and multi domain mission planning.
• Operational Data Analysis - Gather, process, and analyze operational data to identify trends, validate findings, and support decision quality recommendations for senior leaders and mission partners.
• Systems Development Support - Assist with testing, evaluation, and development of new systems or updates to existing systems, ensuring alignment with client needs, operational requirements, and emerging technologies.
• Documentation & Training Development - Write, update, and maintain project documentation, system procedures, presentations, and training materials to support operational readiness and knowledge transfer across the team.

Basic Qualifications:

• US Citizen with an active Secret clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years related experience or Master’s degree and 6+ years related experience. Additional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum 8 years supporting military operational activities; minimum 8 years Targeting experience.
• C5ISRT (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) and Targeting Experience.
• Experience developing target packages and target list with detailed intelligence, capabilities and vulnerabilities.
• Experience in supporting multi-domain mission planning and effects-based targeting.
• Experience with automated targeting tools (e.g. JTT, MIDB) and Service specific fire control systems. 
• Understanding of the F2T2EA Cycle and the data tools and techniques utilized for each phase of targeting. 
• Analyze the operational effectiveness of targeting systems in various scenarios and environments.
• Evaluate the impact of emerging technologies and trends on Targeting systems.
• Working knowledge of U.S, NATO, and coalition partner targeting processes, procedures, and systems.
• Apply analytical tools and methodologies to assess targeting system performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Must possess skills to communicate effectively and clearly in written reports and verbal presentations.  Must possess skills to interview operational and technical military, civilian, and contractor to efficiently and accurately extract information.
• Must possess analytical skills to identify capabilities and limitations, assess operational impacts and provide focused, achievable recommendations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active TS with eligibility for CUI, NATO Secret, ACCMs, SCI and SAPs.
• Joint targeting Staff Course
• Collateral Damage Estimation
• Combat Assessment
• Weapons Application Course
• Joint Targeting Applications
• Battle Damage Course
• Joint duty experience
• Data Analyst background
• Combatant Command Staff
• Joint Staff Experience
• Experience with Operational-Strategic Level Planning efforts
• Advanced or Intermediate military level school graduate
• Operational and C5ISR Assessment Experience
• Mission Partner Environment Experience

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If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.