Machine Learning Defense Jobs in Santa Maria, CA

We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

QinetiQ US’s dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.

Why Join QinetiQ US?

If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems.  In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.

Join us in supporting the United States Space Command (USSPACECOM), one of the nation’s eleven unified combatant commands responsible for space operations critical to joint warfighting. We are seeking an experienced Special Operations Planner Team Lead to serve as the senior contractor lead embedded within U.S. Space Forces (S4S) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. In this role, you will direct a team of planners supporting USSPACECOM’s most sensitive operational planning requirements, serv e as the primary contractor interface with government leadership, and own the quality and delivery of all planning products. The ideal candidate combines deep operational and STO/SAP planning expertise with demonstrated team leadership in a high-visibility, fast-paced combatant command environment.

Team Leadership & Program Management

• Serve as the senior contractor point of contact for all planning support activities, interfacing directly with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and government leadership on performance, staffing, and priorities
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of Special Operations Planners – assigning work, monitoring quality, balancing workload, and ensuring all contract deliverables are met on time and within scope
• Conduct performance evaluations, support professional development, and maintain high team morale and retention in a demanding operational environment
• Identify and escalate staffing gaps, resource constraints, and performance issues; coordinate with QinetiQ program management on hiring and personnel actions

Operational Planning

• Direct and personally contribute to the development of operational and strategic planning products across the Joint Planning Process (JPP), including CONOPs, COAs, contingency plans, campaign plans, and operational orders
• Lead integration of Special Technical Operations (STO) and Special Access Program (SAP) capabilities into USSPACECOM operational plans and CONPLANS
• Serve as the senior planning authority for coordination across USSPACECOM Directorates, interagency partners, allied and partner nations, and other Combatant Commands
• Oversee development and delivery of decision-ready products – briefings, staff packages, operational overlays, risk assessments, and planning summaries – for senior and flag-level leadership
• Lead planning support for real-world operations, exercises, and wargames including scenario design, MSEL development, After Action Reviews (AARs), and observer/trainer support

Space Domain & Sensitive Operations Integration

• Guide the team’s integration of space control capabilities – including Electromagnetic Support (ES) and Electromagnetic Attack (EA) – into operational plans and ensure deconfliction of sensitive activities
• Maintain rigorous OPSEC standards and classification management (TS/SCI, SAP, ACCM) across all team products and activities
• Proactively identify planning gaps, risks, and constraints across the portfolio; propose and implement mitigations; keep leadership informed as the operational environment evolves

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (strategic studies, political science, aerospace/systems engineering, operations research, or related field)
• 15+ years of operational planning experience in a special operations, joint, or Combatant Command headquarters environment
• 3+ years of demonstrated supervisory or team lead experience managing planners or analysts in a DoW or cleared contractor environment
• Proven experience leading planning teams through the full Joint Planning Process (JPP), including delivery of completed CONOPs, COAs, and operational orders to senior leadership
• Direct experience planning or integrating Special Technical Operations (STO) or Special Access Programs (SAP) into operational plans at the combatant command level
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, communicate clearly with government customers, and hold a team accountable to quality standards under tight deadlines
• Strong written and oral communication skills with a track record of producing and presenting high-quality products to flag/general/senior executive service (SES)-level audiences
• Proficiency with classified systems and environments including SIPRNet and JWICS
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance required; #qinetiqclearedjob

• Master’s degree in strategic studies, national security affairs, space policy, or a related field
• Prior direct experience supporting USSPACECOM, another Geographic Combatant Command (GCC), the Joint Staff, or SOCOM at the O-6/GS-15 equivalent level or above
• Familiarity with space operations doctrine including JP 3-14 (Space Operations) and JP 5-0 (Joint Planning)
• Completion of a formal STO Planner course (e.g., USASTOPC) and/or Planning and Decision Aid System (PDAS) training
• Prior military service at the O-5/O-6 level or higher, with experience as a Space Operations Officer (FA40), space operations planner, or senior joint staff officer
• Experience managing contract performance, including COR/COTR relationships, deliverable tracking, and contract reporting
• Background in wargame design, modeling and simulation (M&S) tools, or large-scale exercise planning

The salary range for this role is $130,000 - $180,000 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. QinetiQ US considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Accessibility/Accommodation:

If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to staffing@us.QinetiQ.com or call (540) 658-2720 Opt. 1 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.