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Mission Planner Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Vantor

Mission Planner (Secret Clearance)

Longmont, CO · On-site

$62K - $83K/yr

We are hiring for a Mission Planner, to work in the Longmont, CO office. * Monitor and execute tactical near-term collection strategies, supporting project and service level agreements. * Monitor ...

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Mission Planner information

See Colorado salary details

$57.3K

$96.3K

$147.2K

How much do mission planner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for mission planner in Colorado is $96,257.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,900.00 and $129,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mission planner?

A mission planner helps plan missions for an organization or military entity. Job duties vary, but they may include preparing an autopilot route for aircraft or deciding what vehicle is necessary to complete a mission. Career qualifications often include a bachelor’s or master’s degree, experience in logistics, software skills, and knowledge of FAA regulations. As a mission planner, you need to use vehicle information to make critical decisions in real time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mission planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mission Planner, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in fields such as aerospace engineering, military science, or logistics. Familiarity with mission planning software, GIS mapping tools, and relevant certifications like PMP or military planning courses are commonly required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and teamwork are essential soft skills for coordinating complex missions and responding to changing circumstances. These competencies ensure missions are executed efficiently, safely, and in alignment with organizational objectives.

How does a mission planner typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful mission execution?

Mission Planners play a central role in coordinating efforts between various departments, such as operations, logistics, engineering, and communications. They frequently participate in multidisciplinary meetings to gather input, review mission objectives, and address potential obstacles. Effective communication and a collaborative mindset are crucial, as Mission Planners must integrate diverse perspectives and ensure all teams are aligned with the mission plan. This collaborative approach helps identify risks early and facilitates smooth execution, often under tight deadlines or dynamic conditions.

What is the difference between Mission Planner vs Drone Pilot?

AspectMission PlannerDrone Pilot
CredentialsTypically requires UAV-specific certifications and knowledge of flight planning softwareRequires FAA Part 107 certification or equivalent, with piloting skills
Work EnvironmentPrimarily desktop-based, planning missions and analyzing dataField-based, operating drones during missions
Industry UsageUsed by UAV operators, surveyors, and researchers for mission planningUsed by licensed pilots for executing drone flights

Mission Planner focuses on creating flight plans and managing UAV missions, often working behind the scenes. Drone Pilots execute these plans in the field, operating drones during missions. Both roles are essential in the drone industry but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

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Mission Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mission Planner job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,257 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

Exercise Air Planner (Mission Assurance 4) - 29608

HII's Mission Technologies division

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$106K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Requisition Number: 29608 

Required Travel: 0 - 10%

Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt

Anticipated Salary Range: $106,124.00 - $160,000.00 

Security Clearance: TS/SCI  

Level of Experience: Senior 

This opportunity resides with Global Security (GS). Mission Technologies' Global Security (GS) group comprises live, virtual, constructive (LVC) solutions; fleet sustainment; nuclear and environmental; and Australia business.
As a trusted partner to our military customers, HII designs, develops and operates the largest LVC enterprise that prepares warfighters for cross-domain battle. With advanced technologies to enable mission readiness, HII understands that preparation requires full coordination-not readiness in piece-parts.
For more than 40 years, the U.S. Navy has entrusted HII to maintain and modernize the vast majority of its fleet. With a holistic approach to life-cycle maritime defense systems-from small watercraft to submarines, surface combatants and aircraft carriers-HII ensures a high state of readiness.
HII supports the Department of Energy's national security mission through the management and operation of its sites, as well as the safe cleanup of legacy waste across the country. HII meets clients' toughest nuclear and environmental challenges.

Leadership Mindset at HII - Mission Technologies

Leadership at HII is a mindset, not a title. Through our Leadership Capability Framework, we define how every employee grows, leads, and contributes-regardless of role. It sets the standard for how you can develop yourself and what you can expect from leaders across our organization. We look for candidates who want to grow in alignment with these capabilities:

  • Know & Grow Your People - Commit to learning and supporting team success.
  • Build Relationships - Communicate openly, collaborate well, and build trust.
  • Take Ownership - Deliver on commitments and take pride in your work.
  • Customer First - Focus on the mission and those we serve.
  • Shape the Future - Bring ideas, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
  • Act with Urgency - Take initiative and follow through with purpose.

These capabilities guide how all employees contribute to our shared success across Mission Technologies.

Summary

Join our HII Mission Technologies team in Colorado Springs, CO as an Exercise Air Planner (Mission Assurance 5). In this pivotal role, you will lead the planning and execution of all aviation-related aspects of joint and Combatant Command exercises. You'll ensure airspace coordination, flight operations, and seamless integration of air assets into the broader scenario. Collaborating with modeling and simulation experts, you'll weave Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) training environments into a cohesive and realistic air domain.

Ready to shape the air domain for next-generation warfighter training? Apply now to join HII Mission Technologies in Colorado Springs and bring unparalleled realism to our joint exercise environment.

What You Will Do

   Develop comprehensive air operations plans, including Airspace Control Plans (ACP), Airspace Control Orders (ACO), and Air Tasking Orders (ATO) that support exercise objectives.
   Coordinate with Airspace Control Authorities, range control agencies, and civilian air traffic control to establish, deconflict, and monitor training airspace.
   Schedule and manage flight operations: assign routes, altitude blocks, refueling tracks, and target engagement windows for fixed-wing, rotary, and unmanned platforms.
   Integrate air support functions-close air support (CAS), air interdiction, airlift, airborne command and control, and aeromedical evacuation-into ground and maritime planning cells.
   Collaborate with modeling and simulation SMEs to design and execute LVC scenarios; ensure live aircraft feeds, virtual simulators, and constructive models interoperate seamlessly.
   Liaise with J2 (Intelligence), J3 (Operations), J4 (Logistics), and J6 (C4ISR) directorates to synchronize target intelligence, airspace management, sustainment, and network connectivity.
   Monitor execution of air missions in real time; adjust ATOs, flight schedules, and airspace allocations to respond to unfolding exercise dynamics.
   Prepare mission briefs, risk assessments, sortie status reports, and air operations dashboards for senior leadership.
   Conduct after-action reviews (AAR) capturing air domain performance metrics, lessons learned, and recommendations for future exercises.

What You Must Have

   9 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 7 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; 4 years relevant experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 13 years relevant experience.
   Proven expertise in Air Tasking Order (ATO) processes and Theater Battle Management Core System (TBMCS).
   Hands-on experience with airspace management tools and coordination at the joint or Combatant Command level.
   Familiarity with Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) simulation frameworks and data-link integration.
   Solid understanding of air-ground integration tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
   Excellent analytical skills and the ability to translate complex air operations data into concise, actionable recommendations.
   Strong communication and coordination skills for interfacing with multiple staff directorates and external agencies.
   Active TS/SCI clearance required.

Preferred Requirements

   Prior service as an Air Component Planner or Airspace Manager at a Combatant Command or Joint Staff Logistics directorate.
   Completion of TBMCS functional course, Joint ATO Production Course, or equivalent.
   Certification as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) or similar terminal effects qualification.
   Experience with LVC federation tools and constructive environments.
   Military background in J3 (Operations) or J6 (C4ISR) air operations and networked C2 environments.


The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.
Meet HII's Mission Technologies Division
Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense - the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that's right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you.
To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video: https://vimeo.com/732533072
HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.
Why HII
We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Do You Need Assistance? 
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.

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