Scientist, Systems Engineering

Job Title: Scientist, Systems Engineering – Exercise & Wargame Planner

Job Code: 30834

Job Location: Vandenberg SFB, CA (100% On-site)

Job Description:  

L3Harris Technologies has an opening for a Exercise & Wargame Planner that will support the U.S. Space Forces – Space (S4S) by developing and executing exercises that validate operational readiness, refine tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), and integrate S4S equities into joint, interagency, and coalition space events. The planner will work closely with S4S mission partners, the National Space Defense Center, and various Combatant Commands to design realistic scenarios that stress capabilities and improve the resilience of national space systems.

This position requires expertise in exercise planning, operational integration, and SDA mission awareness, with the ability to align S4S objectives to the broader space enterprise training and exercise cycle.

Essential Functions: 

• Demonstrated experience with Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC), Joint Planning Process (JPP), or similar frameworks.
• Design and coordinate SDA-related scenarios in accordance with S4S priorities, Combatant Command directives, and JELC processes.
• Integrate S4S mission threads (e.g., protection of highly sensitive satellites, RPO detection, custody management, launch characterization, anomaly resolution, and commercial SDA data integration).
• Develop injects and storylines that simulate adversary counterspace threats and space operating environment complexities.
• Serve as the SDA representative during exercise planning conferences and working groups.
• Coordinate with Combatant Commands, and interagency partners to ensure S4S equities are incorporated.
• Align exercises with S4S internal training, certification events, and operational rehearsals.
• Participate as White Cell or Control Cell lead for SDA/S4S vignettes.
• Manage real-time injects, scenario pacing, and exercise adjudication during execution.
• Support senior leader engagement by developing tailored briefs, updates, and assessments during events.
• Develop measures of performance and effectiveness for S4S-specific injects and objectives.
• Produce After Action Reports (AARs) and document lessons learned in JLLIS or S4S repositories.
• Provide recommendations to refine SDA doctrine, CONOPS, and TTPs based on exercise outcomes.
• Responsible for Customer interfacing to ensure inputs and needs are communicated to the program managers on programmatic and technical deliverables.
• Leads technical exchanges and interactions with customers.
• Performs additional leadership duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree and minimum 12 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 16 years of prior related experience.
• Active Top Secret/SCI required.
• 11 – 14 years of experience in space operations, intelligence operations, or military/government exercise planning.
• Excellent analytical and attention to detail abilities.
• Willingness to travel 20%.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Proficiency with planning tools (e.g., JTIMS, JLLIS) and space modeling/simulation tools (STK, ODTK, or similar).
• Manages experienced professionals, or team(s) led by lower level supervisors or managers.

•   Communicates with parties within and outside of the organization.

•   Experience leading one or more teams or a department.

• Strong MS Office skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Project)

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California, 
Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, and the Greater D.C, Denver, or NYC areas is $150,000 -
$278,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.