Blue Sky Innovators Strategic Planner / Subject Matter Expert (SME) – SAF/OC, TS/SCI Arlington, VA · Reston, VA · Full time

Blue Sky Innovators is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Strategic Planner / SME to support the newly created Secretary of the Air Force Office of Competitive Activities (SAF/OC). This role will focus on analyzing and developing future warfighting capabilities, engaging in technical discussions, and providing expert-level guidance to senior Department of Defense (DoD) decision-makers. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in defense and military technologies and a proven track record of leading strategic initiatives that align technological investments with warfighter priorities.

Description

Key Responsibilities:


  • Support SAF/OC in the analysis, development, and prioritization of future warfighting capabilities.
  • Lead technical discussions and collaborate with experts across the Department of Defense.
  • Provide in-depth technical expertise on advanced long-range kill chains, guidance, navigation, and control systems, state-of-the-art weapon systems, Low Observables (LO) and Counter-Low Observables (CLO) technologies, air-launched munitions, and electronic warfare.
  • Offer strategic insights and recommendations to align technology investments with operational needs.
  • Work closely with high-level DoD decision-makers, delivering comprehensive assessments and support for strategic initiatives.
  • Maintain working knowledge of military space and cyber systems and capabilities.
  • Lead and contribute to meetings, briefings, and other engagements with senior military leaders, ensuring strategic alignment with SAF/OC objectives.

Required Qualifications:


  • Master’s Degree in National Security Strategy or a related field.
  • Graduate of the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS) is highly desired.
  • Minimum of 13 years of USAF experience, with demonstrated expertise in defense and military technologies.
  • Deep knowledge and expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  • Advanced long-range kill chains
  • Guidance, navigation, and control
  • State-of-the-art weapon systems
  • Low Observables (LO) and Counter-Low Observables (CLO) capabilities
  • Air-launched munitions
  • Electronic warfare
  • Working knowledge of military space and cyber systems & capabilities.
  • Ability to work independently while engaging with senior DoD officials and stakeholders as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:


  • Proven track record of supporting high-level decision-making within the DoD or other defense agencies.
  • Experience in technical leadership, strategy development, and future capabilities planning.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information to senior military and civilian leadership.

Location and Travel Requirements:


  • This position is based at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., and Reston, VA.
  • Occasional travel to various DoD and military locations may be required.


Blue Sky Innovators, Inc. is an EEO/AA employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. If you are a qualified job seeker with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access http://www.blueskyinnovators.com as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, please email us at [email protected] and provide your name and contact information. Please note: this is only for job seekers with disabilities requesting an accommodation.