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Special Operations Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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How much do special operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for special operations in Colorado is $25.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $29.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is special operations?

A Special Operations job typically involves highly trained personnel conducting specialized missions that require advanced skills, strategy, and precision. These roles exist in military, law enforcement, and private security sectors and can include counterterrorism, reconnaissance, hostage rescue, and unconventional warfare. Operators undergo rigorous training to develop expertise in combat tactics, survival, intelligence gathering, and strategic planning. Due to the high-risk nature of these missions, personnel must demonstrate exceptional physical and mental resilience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in special operations?

To thrive in Special Operations, you need advanced problem-solving abilities, physical and mental resilience, and specialized training—often supported by relevant military or law enforcement certifications. Familiarity with tactical equipment, surveillance technology, and mission-planning software is commonly required. Outstanding teamwork, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills in this demanding role. These skills ensure successful completion of complex operations while maintaining safety and effective coordination with the team.

What is the typical work environment like for someone in special operations?

Special Operations professionals often work in highly dynamic and challenging environments, which may include both office-based planning and field deployments in a variety of geographic locations. The role typically requires flexibility, as assignments can change quickly and may involve travel, long hours, or operating in high-risk situations. Teamwork is central; you’ll collaborate closely with other special operations personnel and support units to achieve mission objectives. While demanding, this environment fosters strong camaraderie and provides opportunities to develop advanced technical and leadership skills.

Do Navy SEALs do special operations?

Navy SEALs are a specialized unit within the U.S. Navy that conduct a wide range of special operations, including direct action, reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, and hostage rescue. They undergo rigorous training such as BUD/S and operate in challenging environments worldwide. These missions require advanced skills, physical fitness, and specialized equipment.

How can I become a special operations?

To become a special operations professional, candidates typically need to meet specific military or law enforcement requirements, including physical fitness, specialized training, and security clearances. They often undergo rigorous selection processes such as assessments, interviews, and training programs like Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) or equivalent. Developing skills in leadership, endurance, and tactical operations is essential for success in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Special Operations jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Special Operations jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Special Operations jobs in Colorado?

For Special Operations jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Special Operations jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Special Operations jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Special Operations jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Special Operations job openings:

Special Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Operations job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,827 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Special Operations Planner - J8

QinetiQ

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
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.
Position Overview
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 Force Structure and Resource Analyst to serve as an embedded contractor supporting USSPACECOM headquarters in Colorado Springs, CO. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in defense resource management, force structure analysis, and the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process - including familiarity with space domain capability requirements and investment analysis - and can produce decision-ready products for senior leadership under dynamic, time-sensitive conditions.
Responsibilities
  • Support and lead force structure and resource management efforts across USSPACECOM's J8 directorate, including analysis of capability requirements, investment priorities, and programmatic tradeoffs in support of USSPACECOM's Integrated Priority List (IPL) and operational objectives
  • Develop, coordinate, and staff USSPACECOM inputs to the Defense Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process, including Program Objective Memorandum (POM) submissions, budget exhibits, and Program Review documentation across USSPACECOM-aligned programs and space warfighting capabilities
  • Conduct force structure assessments and capability gap analyses to identify resourcing shortfalls, redundancies, and investment opportunities across the space domain; translate operational requirements into defensible resource requests and acquisition recommendations
  • Coordinate resource and force structure planning across USSPACECOM Directorates, Service Components, the Office of the Security of War (OSW), the Joint Staff J8, and other Combatant Commands to synchronize investment strategies and resolve programmatic conflicts
  • Develop and present decision-ready resource products - including briefings, staff packages, cost-benefit analyses, force structure assessments, and program summaries - for senior and flag-level leadership and external stakeholders including Congress and OSW
  • Support the development of USSPACECOM's Requirements Generation process, including staffing of Joint Capability Technology Demonstrations (JCTDs), Joint Urgent Operational Needs (JUONs), and Joint Emergent Operational Needs (JEONs) with appropriate cost and force structure analysis
  • Integrate financial management and execution data into resource planning products, monitoring obligations and expenditures against program plans and identifying adjustments needed to maintain program health and mission alignment
  • Maintain strict operational security (OPSEC), manage classification levels (TS/SCI), and ensure all resource management and force structure products simply with applicable legal, policy, and regulatory frameworks including DoW Financial Management Regulation (FMR)
  • Identify programmatic risks, unfunded requirements, and force structure gaps; propose mitigations and resource alternatives; and adapt planning products as USSPACECOM's mission priorities and the competitive space environment evolve
  • Utilize classified and unclassified resource management systems and planning tools (e.g., PBIS, OUSW(C) data systems, SIPRNet, JWICS) to manage and disseminate force structure and budget planning materials

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (finance, economics, public administration, systems engineering, operations research, or related field)
  • 10+ years of experience in defense resource management, force structure analysis, or financial management at a joint headquarters, Combatant Command, Service Secretariat, or OSW level
  • Demonstrated experience with the DoW Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process, including POM development, Program Review, and budget justification documentation
  • Experience conducting capability gap analyses, requirements generation, and investment tradeoff studies in support of joint or Combatant Command operational priorities
  • Strong written and oral communication skills with demonstrated ability to produce high-quality briefings, analytical assessments, and staff packages under high-pressure, short-suspense conditions
  • Proficiency with classified systems and tools including SIPRNet and JWICS, as well as DoW resource management and financial systems
  • Active Top Secret/SCI clearance required; #qinetiqclearedjob

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in finance, business administration, public policy, national security affairs, systems engineering, or a related field
  • Prior direct experience supporting USSPACECOM, another Functional Combatant Command (FCC), the Joint Staff J8, or OSW Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE)
  • Familiarity with space operations doctrine and space warfighting investment priorities, including programs supporting space domain awareness, satellite communications, missile warning, and space control
  • Experience with the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development Systems (JCIDS), Defense Acquisition System (DAS), and requirements-to-resource linkage in support of Major Defense Acquisitions Programs (MDAPs)
  • Proficiency with DoW resource management tools such as the Program Budget Information System (PBIS), Comptroller Information System (CIS), or equivalent budget execution and visibility platforms
  • Background in cost estimating, independent cost assessment, or earned value management (EVM) in support of space or national security programs
  • Prior military service with experience as a Comptroller/Financial Manager (65W/FI/6FOX1 or equivalent) or in a resource management billet at a major joint or Service headquarters

Pay Transparency
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.
Company EEO Statement
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.

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