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Cognitive Performance Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Cognitive Performance Specialist shall train and educate agency personnel, in individual and group settings, in specific cognitive, mental, behavioral, psychosocial, perceptual, learning ...

The Cognitive Performance Specialist shall train and educate agency personnel, in individual and group settings, in specific cognitive, mental, behavioral, psychosocial, perceptual, learning ...

The Cognitive Performance Specialist shall train and educate agency personnel, in individual and group settings, in specific cognitive, mental, behavioral, psychosocial, perceptual, learning ...

The Cognitive Performance Specialist shall train and educate agency personnel, in individual and group settings, in specific cognitive, mental, behavioral, psychosocial, perceptual, learning ...

The Cognitive Performance Specialist shall train and educate agency personnel, in individual and group settings, in specific cognitive, mental, behavioral, psychosocial, perceptual, learning ...

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Cognitive Performance Specialist information

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$32.5K

$68.2K

$112K

How much do cognitive performance specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for cognitive performance specialist in the United States is $68,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of a Cognitive Performance Specialist?

As a Cognitive Performance Specialist, your daily tasks often include conducting cognitive assessments, developing individualized training plans, and monitoring client progress using evidence-based methods. You will regularly collaborate with multidisciplinary teams—such as coaches, therapists, or healthcare providers—to coordinate comprehensive support for clients. Facilitating workshops, one-on-one coaching sessions, and providing feedback on mental performance strategies are also common. This role involves both direct client interaction and behind-the-scenes analysis to optimize cognitive functioning and help clients achieve their performance goals.

Is a PhD needed for cognitive science jobs?

A PhD is often required for advanced roles such as Cognitive Performance Specialist, especially those involving research, data analysis, or developing new theories. However, some positions may accept master's degrees or relevant certifications, depending on the level of responsibility and specialization involved.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cognitive Performance Specialist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cognitive Performance Specialist, you need expertise in cognitive science, psychology, and human performance, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications such as Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). Familiarity with assessment tools like cognitive testing software, biofeedback systems, and data analysis platforms is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, motivational coaching abilities, and adaptability help you connect with clients and tailor programs to individual needs. These competencies are crucial for accurately assessing cognitive abilities, developing effective strategies, and supporting optimal mental functioning in high-performance environments.

What is a Cognitive Performance Specialist job?

A Cognitive Performance Specialist helps individuals improve their mental agility, focus, decision-making, and overall cognitive performance. They often work with athletes, military personnel, or professionals in high-stress environments to enhance mental resilience and optimize brain function. Using techniques from psychology, neuroscience, and performance coaching, they develop personalized strategies for stress management, concentration, and problem-solving. This role may involve assessments, training programs, and ongoing support to ensure sustained cognitive improvements.

What does a cognitive performance specialist do?

A cognitive performance specialist assesses and improves individuals' mental functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving through techniques like cognitive training, neurofeedback, and behavioral strategies. They often work in clinical, sports, or corporate settings and may require knowledge of neuroscience, psychology, or related fields, along with relevant certifications. Their goal is to enhance mental efficiency and overall cognitive health.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Cognitive Performance Specialist can potentially earn $10,000 or more per month through private consulting, coaching, or working with high-profile clients, especially if they have specialized skills in mental training, neurofeedback, or performance optimization. Success in this field often depends on experience, reputation, and certifications rather than formal degrees, and many professionals work independently or in niche markets with flexible schedules.

What jobs can I get with a CMPC?

A Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) can work in sports psychology, performance coaching, or mental skills training for athletes, teams, or organizations. They often work in settings such as sports teams, clinics, or corporate environments, utilizing psychological techniques to enhance performance and focus. Certification typically requires a background in psychology or related fields and knowledge of mental training tools.
More about Cognitive Performance Specialist jobs
What cities are hiring for Cognitive Performance Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Cognitive Performance Specialist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cognitive Performance Specialist jobs? The most popular types of Cognitive Performance Specialist jobs are:
What states have the most Cognitive Performance Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Cognitive Performance Specialist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cognitive Performance Specialist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,249 per year, or $32.8 per hour.
Cognitive Performance Specialist

Cognitive Performance Specialist

General Dynamics Information Technology

Fayetteville, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


General Dynamics Information Technology rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 204 rated it services


Job description

REQ#: RQ204500Public Trust: None Requisition Type: Pipeline Your Impact

Own your opportunity to work alongside federal civilian agencies. Make an impact by providing services that help the government ensure the well being and support of U.S. citizens.

Job Description

Seize your opportunity to make a personal impact as a Cognitive Performance Specialist supporting mission critical work on an exciting program. GDIT is your place to make meaningful contributions to challenging projects, build your skills, and grow a rewarding career.

At GDIT, people are our differentiator. As a Cognitive Performance Specialist supporting our customer, you will help ensure today is safe and tomorrow is smarter. Our work depends on a Cognitive Performance Specialist joining our team.

The Cognitive Performance Specialist shall train and educate agency personnel, in individual and group settings, in specific cognitive, mental, behavioral, psychosocial, perceptual, learning, adaptive thinking, human engagements, and emotional control skills, strategies including understanding, acquisition, and retention performance improvement and maintenance with documentation of work performed, implemented, and provided to personnel.

HOW A COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE SPECIALIST WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

  • Based on evidence-based peer-reviewed literature train and educate agency personnel, in individual and group settings, in specific cognitive, mental, behavioral, psychosocial, perceptual, learning, adaptive thinking, human engagements, and emotional control skills, strategies including understanding, acquisition, and retention performance improvement and maintenance with documentation of work performed, implemented, and provided to agency personnel.
  • Assists and advise the HP Program Manager and/or Coordinator in matters relating to mental performance, exercise and sports psychology.
  • Provides information about cognitive performance, exercise and sports psychology factors in sports, exercise, and physical activity.
  • Trains and educates on goal setting, performance profiling, visualization, performance development, and planning.
  • Participates in periodic meetings to review human performance training provided to patients and identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Attend and participate in meetings with other staff members and medical personnel as requested and/or required.
  • Collaborates with the HP staff to enhance the quality and effectiveness of mental and human performance development and expertise delivered.
  • Conducts periodic literature reviews to ensure HP stays current with the provision of care.
  • Supports research conducted under supervision of the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator.
  • Assists the HP Program Manager and/or Coordinator in developing and maintaining practice guidelines to ensure consistency of service across all Human Performance Training Centers (HPTCs).
  • Proficiently utilize computers, software, and technologies as required and requested by the HP program manager and/or coordinator and required by headquarters agency staff.
  • Maintains 100% compliance with local mandatory command training requirements.
  • Attends required training in accordance with guiding instructions. Commands will allow for attendance at necessary conferences or courses to complete continuing education units required to maintain certification.
  • Documents work performed, utilization, referrals, and all other information in the HP Enterprise- wide database (i.e., Smartbase), as directed by HP program Manager and/or Coordinator and required by headquarters and staff.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Must have aminimum of3 yearsor more post-graduate degree of demonstrable accumulated experience (continuous and sustained experience preferred) as a cognitive performance practitioner or Sport Psychologist with military members, athletes, groups of athletes at the levels of NCAA Collegiate, Olympic, professional sports, tactical setting, or with individuals or groups requiring high levels of mental and physical performance (experience with Special Operations personnel preferred).
  • U.S. Citizenship.
  • Must be capable of properly lifting and manipulating loads or weights up to 25 kilograms and capable of meeting physical demands of training with agency personnel including the ability to hike over rough terrain, function in austere environments and on various fixed or rotary wing aircraft, waterborne craft, or ground transport to observe agency personnel training evolutions and to conduct training and education.

WHAT YOULL NEED TO SUCCEED:

EDUCATION: Masters degree (Doctoral degree preferred) in Human Performance, Kinesiology, or Exercise Science, and/or Sport Sciences with a specialization in Sport Psychology.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

  • Must have a certificate of completion of training for heart rate variability (HRV) through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) or a relevant certification through BCIA. Or, at least 1 year of demonstrable experience delivering HRV training in a high-performance setting and be willing to obtain the BCIA HRV certificate of completion for HRV within 12 months of hire.
  • May be required to receive and maintain cognitive enhancement certification as required by hiring unit, such as BCIA biofeedback certification.

PREFFERRED EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

  • Prior military experience is desired

CLEARANCE: Must possess a Top-Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain a SCI

LOCATION: Various OCONUS & CONUS SITES

This is a contingent posting, expected to start in 2026.

GDIT IS YOUR PLACE:

  • 401K with company match
  • Comprehensive health and wellness packages
  • Internal mobility team dedicated to helping you own your career
  • Professional growth opportunities including paid education and certifications
  • Cutting-edge technology you can learn from
  • Rest and recharge with paid vacation and holidays

#MilitaryHealthGDITJobs

Work Requirements
Years of Experience

3 + years of related experience

* may vary based on technical training, certification(s), or degree

Certification
Travel Required

Less than 10%

Citizenship

U.S. Citizenship Required

Salary and Benefit Information

The likely salary range for this position is $83,927 - $113,549. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.
View information about benefits and our total rewards program.

About Our Work

We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers technology and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across over 50 countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, cloud, cyber and application development. Together with our customers, we strive to create a safer, smarter world by harnessing the power of deep expertise and advanced technology.

Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at gdit.com/tc.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans


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About General Dynamics Information Technology

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GDIT is a global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense, and intelligence community. Its 30,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. The company operates across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, cloud, cyber, and application development.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US