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Operational Planner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking an experienced Military Air Operations Planner (pilot, weapons officer, or flight officer) to provide realistic training as Air Operations Center (AOC), Combat ...

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking an experienced Military Air Operations Planner (pilot, weapons officer, or flight officer) to provide realistic training as Air Operations Center (AOC), Combat ...

Description SAIC is seeking an experienced Military Air Operations Planner (pilot, weapons officer, or flight officer) to provide realistic training as Air Operations Center (AOC), Combat Plans ...

Demand Planner

Livermore, CA · On-site

$90K - $118K/yr

Summary We are seeking a data-driven Demand Planner with strong Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) experience to manage, optimize, and execute product forecasting processes. This role will serve as a ...

Demand Planner

Livermore, CA · On-site

$90K - $118K/yr

Summary We are seeking a data-driven Demand Planner with strong Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) experience to manage, optimize, and execute product forecasting processes. This role will serve as a ...

Demand Planner

Irvine, CA · On-site

$83K - $87K/yr

This position reports to the Sr. S ales and Operations Manager and is based in Irvine, CA. As the Category Planner, you will have an opportunity to: * Demand forecasting - Create the 18-month rolling ...

Demand Planner

Irvine, CA · On-site

$83.40 - $90/hr

This position reports to the Sales and Operations Manager. It is expected to work in the office a ... Demand planning: Support the annual financial plan and budgeting process, providing risks and ...

Showing results 21-40

Operational Planner information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$68.7K

$111.5K

How much do operational planner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for operational planner in California is $68,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,300.00 and $79,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operational planner?

Operational Planners are professionals who develop, coordinate, and oversee plans that ensure an organization’s daily operations run smoothly and efficiently. They analyze resources, anticipate potential challenges, and create strategies to optimize workflow and productivity. Operational Planners often work closely with different departments to align activities, manage schedules, and support organizational goals. Their work is critical in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and the military, where precise planning and resource allocation are essential for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operational planner?

To thrive as an Operational Planner, you need strong analytical skills, project management expertise, and a background in operations, business, or logistics, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with planning software (such as SAP, Oracle, or advanced Excel), data analysis tools, and sometimes certifications like PMP are typically required. Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating cross-functional teams and managing complex workflows. These abilities ensure that resources are optimized, timelines are met, and strategic objectives are achieved efficiently.

How does an operational planner typically interact with cross-functional teams to ensure project success?

Operational Planners regularly collaborate with teams such as logistics, production, procurement, and sales to coordinate resources and align schedules. They facilitate communication between departments to identify and resolve bottlenecks, ensuring that project milestones are met on time. This role requires strong interpersonal skills, as Operational Planners often lead meetings, gather input from various stakeholders, and adjust plans based on real-time feedback to optimize operational efficiency.

What is the difference between Operational Planner vs Supply Chain Coordinator?

AspectOperational PlannerSupply Chain Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Business, Logistics, or related field; certifications like APICS CPIMBachelor's in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or related; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, logistics, or service industries; office settingWarehousing, distribution centers, logistics firms; office and warehouse
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, logistics companies, government agenciesRetail, distribution, manufacturing sectors
Common Search & ComparisonOperational Planner vs Supply Chain Coordinator

The Operational Planner and Supply Chain Coordinator roles share similar credentials and work environments, often collaborating within logistics and manufacturing sectors. While the Operational Planner focuses on scheduling and resource allocation to ensure smooth operations, the Supply Chain Coordinator manages overall supply chain activities, including procurement and inventory. Both roles are vital for efficient operations but differ in scope and specific responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Operational Planner jobs in California?

For Operational Planner jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operational Planner jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Operational Planner jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Operational Planner job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,680 per year, or $33 per hour.

Military Air Operations Planner

SAIC

San Diego, CA • On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate as a white cell Air Operations Center (AOC) Combat Plans Division (CPD) during Distributed Training Exercises to coordinate air planning with USAF, naval units, and Strike Groups.

  • Produce exercise Master Air Attack Plans (MAAPs), Exercise Special Instructions (SPINS), and create the overall Air Tasking Order (ATO) and Airspace Control Order (ACO) using Theater Battle Management Core Systems (TBMCS).

  • Provide classroom instruction on TBMCS, weapon and aircraft capabilities, limitations, employment considerations, airspace descriptions, and dynamic targeting fires processes.


SAIC rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 226 rated it services


Job description

Job ID: 2615552

Location: San Diego, CA, US

Date Posted: 2026-08-13

Category: Defense/Intel

Subcategory: Military Operations

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC is seeking an experienced Military Air Operations Planner (pilot, weapons officer, or flight officer) to provide realistic training as Air Operations Center (AOC), Combat Plans Division (CPD) planner during Fleet Synthetic Trainer (FST) events for Carrier Strike Groups and other Naval forces. This position is for someone who is passionate about tactical training and ensuring our Naval and Joint Forces are fully trained and ready for deployment. Place of performance is San Diego, CA, with occasional travel to Fleet Concentration Areas.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Work is in support of complex tactical war games and integrated fleet training.

Specific responsibilities include:

  • Operating as a white cell Air Operations Center (AOC) Combat Plans Division (CPD) during Distributed Training Exercises, to include coordinating with USAF, naval units and Strike Groups for required exercise air planning.
  • Responsible for producing exercise Master Air Attack Plans (MAAPs), Exercise Special Instructions (SPINS), and creating the overall Air Tasking Order (ATO) and Airspace Control Order (ACO) using Theater Battle Management Core Systems (TBMCS).
  • Provide classroom instruction on subjects ranging from TBMCS, to Weapon and Aircraft capabilities, limitations, employment considerations, Airspace descriptions, and Dynamic Targeting Fires processes.
  • Liaison with Navy and Joint centers of excellence to provide Subject Matter Expertise in support of the latest USN doctrine, tactics, techniques and procedures for TACAIR employment

Qualifications

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND CLEARANCE:

  • Bachelor’s degree and 10 or more years of military aviation experience
  • Thorough knowledge of U.S. military aircraft capabilities, limitations, systems, and tactical employment
  • Thorough understanding of employment, force planning, C2 and coordination requirements between aircraft, TACAIR components, warfare commanders, naval units, and joint components
  • Good understanding of US military weapons inventory, weapon to target pairing, and employment considerations
  • Strong understanding of how a USAF AOC executes an Air Tasking Cycle, with knowledge of the SPINS, MAAP, ACO, and ATO products.
  • Experience briefing to audiences ranging from E-4 through O-6
  • Candidate must be a US Citizen
  • Active Secret clearance required

DESIRED EXPERIENCE

  • Experience with the Theater Battle Management Core System (TBMCS) or MAAPTK system experience. TBMCS is heavily used in this position. 
  • Experience with C2Core Air, the USAF replacement for TBMCS.

Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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