Accelerated Software Development Program Jobs in Ashburn, VA

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 Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity.  We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense.  Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.

The Strategic Technology Analysis Group (STAG), part of SPA's Space and Intelligence Division, offers sophisticated capabilities (people, process & tools) to resolve unique problems in space, cyber, and special operations in support to military services, Secretary of Defense offices (OSD) and theater warfighters.  Our portfolio includes the Assistant Secretary of Air Force for Space Acquisition & Integration (SAF/SQ), Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC), Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP), National Space Defense Center (NSDC), Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC), Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO), US Space Command (USSPACECOM) and US Space Force (USSF).  Come be a part of a high-speed low-drag organization providing unique and tailored solutions for our National Defense!

SPA has an immediate need for an Agile Software Development Lead Subject Matter Expert (SME) Technical Advisor.

The successful candidate will serve as the Agile Software Development Lead Subject Matter Expert (SME), embedded with the program office to guide the iterative development and integration of ground system software.  You will act as the technical lead to connect the ground system with external interfaces in a dynamic, operational environment.

• Lead and participate in agile development, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives, to ensure the development team is aligned with program goals and user needs.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define and refine the product backlog, breaking down large-scale requirements into actionable user stories and epics for the development team. 
• Champion Agile and DevSecOps best practices, including Test-Driven Development (TDD), continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), and testing to accelerate the delivery of new capabilities. 
• Communicate progress, impediments, and key metrics to stakeholders and leadership through sprint demonstrations, burn-down charts, and summary reports, translating complex technical concepts into clear, actionable information. 
• Develop user stories to drive software development to support tactical Department of War (DoW) operations. 
• Prepare and deliver executive-level briefings, reports, and summary papers; explain complex concepts in relatively simple language; summarize key decisions; and provide recommendations supported by analysis. 
• Provide hands-on SME guidance for the installation, integration, and troubleshooting of software components within a DoW Rapid Prototyping environment, ensuring seamless system performance and connectivity. 
• Apply leading-edge principles, theories, and concepts, and contribute to the development of new principles and concepts. Work on unusually complex problems and provide innovative solutions. 
• Often acts independently to resolve issues associated with the development and implementation of operational programs.
• Plan, program, and recommend technical solutions to accomplish long range objectives.
• Provide managerial/leadership skills to integrate capabilities across functional boundaries. 
• Participate in tailored system engineering reviews contributing to acquisition program milestone decision processes.
• Provide objective information and analysis to support decision making on current and future investments.
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Required Qualifications:

• Active TS/SCI Security Clearance with a current polygraph and SAP eligibility
  • Please discuss specific polygraph requirements with an SPA Talent Acquisition professional
• Bachelor's Degree and 8+ years of experience (or Master's Degree and 4+ years) in Software Development, Computer Science, Engineering, or related disciplines 
• 5+ years of technical or program management experience with the DoD or Intelligence Community with at least 3 years in a leadership role 
• Demonstrated experience with ground space control
• Demonstrated experience with Agile frameworks such as Scrum, Kanban, or SAFe 
• Proficiency with Agile project management tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence) for managing backlogs, sprints, and reporting 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication (oral and writing) skills:
  • Demonstrated experience using critical thinking to prepare written reports and presentations for decision makers
  • Demonstrated experience compiling and articulating complex technical knowledge into digestible talking points for senior leaders
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to plan, work, and deliver both independently and as part of a diverse team focused on delivering novel capabilities 
• Demonstrated ability to work with and manage developers/engineers across disciplines to implement customer and system requirements
• Ability to report to designated work location in Chantilly, VA, up to full time, based on the needs of the customer

Desired Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years of prior experience working within Space or Air Operations Centers, or other similar Operational Command Center experience 
• Experience with space operations in large force exercises and readying operators for real-world operations 
• Experience developing technical documentation, such as Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), system architectures, and interface specifications 
• Experience tracking, monitoring, and recommending system enhancements based on operational feedback 
• Desired experience should also include the following:
  • Tracking, monitoring, analyzing, and providing recommendations for system enhancements
  • Ensuring designs are compatible with the ground system architecture and external interfaces
  • Identifying technical risks and mitigation strategies