Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.  

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of War, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

The Critical Infrastructure Group (CIG) within JOID provides technical, programmatic, and analytical support to customers with missions in national security, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Group brings technical and operational expertise in fields such as countering weapons of mass destruction, critical infrastructure protection, emergency response, and transportation safety.

We have a future need for an Operations Research SME to assist with systems engineering (SE) and testing and evaluation (T&E) programs in support of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The primary place of performance will be at SPA Headquarters in Alexandria, VA with regular visits to customer sites in VA and DC. 

The Operations Research Analysis SME will review and comment/revisions of program T&E documents and provide the Government advice. Help develop and update internal and external T&E processes and policy documents so they align with DHS directives and acquisition policy and provide decision-makers with sufficient T&E information for milestone decisions. Review Office of T&E processes and recommend improvements to program management and T&E execution, including internal process guides, best practices, and document workflows, using research of government and industry T&E/acquisition sources. Review, edit, and advise on a wide range of program T&E and acquisition documents (e.g., Operational Requirements Documents, Acquisition Strategies, Program Management Baselines/Plans, T&E strategies, Test Plans, TEMPs, test and system evaluation reports, LOAs, AoAs, and similar documents). Collaborate with Operational Test Directors and test teams to develop and revise test reports, and select/analyze data from all test phases to assess Critical Operating Issues, the system under test, and related systems in realistic operational scenarios.

Required:

• Master's degree or equivalent credits/certifications.
• 20 years of experience.
• DHS T&E Level 3, DAWIA T&E Practitioner Level 2/3, and/or CTEP (Certified Test and Evaluation Professional).
• Proven ability to communicate effectively, both in written and verbal formats, with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain DHS Suitability.

Desired:

• Experience in providing assistance to program planning and oversight, exercise, development, execution and evaluation; system level analysis; system integration support inclusive of understanding of threats and vulnerability; technical assessment & evaluation to support and complement the Government’s technical experts in applying both acquisition efforts and RDT&E towards accomplishing the DHS mission.
• Prior experience supporting DHS programs.
• Active DHS Suitability.

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
VA Pay Transparency Salary range: $180k - $200k