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Cyber Operations Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$99K - $225K/yr

Cyber Operations Planner The Opportunity: As a cyber operations planner, you understand the value of hunt-forward operations, and you know that battles are won in the grey. At Booz Allen, you can use ...

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Cyberspace Operations Planner Location: San Antonio, TX US Citizenship Required: Yes Clearance: TS ... You will serve as a critical bridge between cyber planning, intelligence, and joint force mission ...

This role integrates cyber dependency analysis and risk findings into operational planning, helping translate technical cyber risks into mission impacts and recommended courses of action.

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Cyber Operations Planner information

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How much do cyber operations planner jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for cyber operations planner in the United States is $44.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.58 and $58.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Cyber Operations Planner do?

A Cyber Operations Planner is responsible for developing, coordinating, and executing plans for cyber missions and operations. They analyze threats, identify vulnerabilities, and design strategies to protect networks and information systems. Their role often involves collaborating with technical teams, military personnel, and leadership to ensure the success and security of cyber operations. In addition, they stay updated on the latest cyber threats and technologies to keep their organization resilient against attacks.

How does a Cyber Operations Planner typically collaborate with other teams during mission planning and execution?

Cyber Operations Planners work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including intelligence analysts, network engineers, and incident response units, to develop and coordinate cyber mission plans. Collaboration is essential, as planners must integrate technical capabilities, intelligence findings, and operational objectives to ensure successful outcomes. Regular briefings, joint planning sessions, and real-time communication tools are commonly used to maintain alignment and adapt plans as situations evolve. This collaborative approach helps ensure that cyber operations are effective, synchronized, and compliant with legal and security protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cyber Operations Planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cyber Operations Planner, you need expertise in cybersecurity principles, network defense strategies, and operational planning, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like intrusion detection systems (IDS), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms, and certifications such as CISSP or CEH are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, clear communication, and collaborative problem-solving are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital for designing effective cyber operations and ensuring organizational resilience against evolving digital threats.

What is the difference between Cyber Operations Planner vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectCyber Operations PlannerCybersecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related field; certifications like CISSP, CEHBachelor's in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or related; certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP
Work EnvironmentMilitary, government agencies, defense contractors; strategic planning focusPrivate sector, IT firms, security teams; operational monitoring and incident response
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in defense, intelligence, governmentAcross industries including finance, healthcare, tech
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for strategic roles in cyber defense

While both roles involve cybersecurity, Cyber Operations Planners focus on strategic planning and coordination of cyber defense operations, often within government or military contexts. Cybersecurity Analysts typically handle operational security, monitoring, and incident response in various industries. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus.

More about Cyber Operations Planner jobs
What cities are hiring for Cyber Operations Planner jobs? Cities with the most Cyber Operations Planner job openings:
What states have the most Cyber Operations Planner jobs? States with the most job openings for Cyber Operations Planner jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cyber Operations Planner job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, and 55% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,272 per year, or $44.8 per hour.
Cyberspace Joint Operations Planner (Level III)

Cyberspace Joint Operations Planner (Level III)

Athenix Cyber & SIGINT Solutions, LLC

Annapolis Junction, MD • On-site

$175K - $217K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description

Athenix Solutions group is looking for a Cyberspace Joint Operations Planner to serve as key personnel on a large-scale DoD/DoW cyber training and exercise program in the Annapolis Junction, MD area.  


This role provides senior-level planning expertise supporting cyberspace training, exercises, mission rehearsals, and force development activities. The successful candidate will lead and integrate joint planning efforts across multiple organizations, support event design and execution, and provide analysis and assessment to inform readiness and operational outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Serve as the senior planner supporting cyberspace training, exercise, and mission rehearsal activities
  • Apply Joint Training System (JTS) and joint planning methodologies across the full event life cycle (requirements, planning, execution, assessment)
  • Lead development of exercise concepts, scenarios, objectives, and planning artifacts
  • Support war games, tabletop exercises (TTXs), and large-scale training events
  • Coordinate planning efforts across government organizations, service components, and external partners
  • Provide subject-matter expertise in cyberspace operations planning at the operational and strategic levels
  • Support event execution, observation, and collection of planning and training data
  • Develop after-action reports (AARs), assessments, and recommendations to improve training effectiveness
  • Brief senior stakeholders on planning approach, execution status, risks, and outcomes
  • Mentor junior planners and analysts supporting planning and exercise activities

This position may require some CONUS & OCONUS travel. 

Requirements

  • Active Top Secret / SCI w/Polygraph clearance
  • 8+  years of experience in joint operations planning, cyberspace operations planning, or related operational disciplines
  • 3+ years of experience leading planning teams in a joint or operational environment
  • Demonstrated experience supporting joint, interagency, or combatant-level planning efforts
  • Strong  written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing senior leaders

Desired Qualifications:

  • Joint Operations Planner experience in multiple areas of responsibility (AORs)
  • Experience planning, conducting, or directly supporting cyber operations at the tactical or operational level
  • Familiarity with:
    • Joint Publication 3-12 (Cyberspace Operations)
    • Joint Publication 5-0 (Joint Planning)
    • Joint planning and execution processes
  • Experience supporting training and exercise missions in classified environments
  • Strong customer engagement and collaborative problem-solving skills

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.