Exercise Air Planner (Mission Assurance 5) - 25304

Job Description

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, including realistic UAS threat scenarios that challenge warfighters in dynamic, multi-domain environments. 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.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• 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.
• Script and embed C-UAS scenario injects replicating fixed-wing, rotary, micro, and swarm UAS threats
• 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.
• Synchronize C-UAS tactics with intelligence, EW, cyber, and air-defense teams for cross-domain realism
• 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.
• Mentor and train junior air planners on airspace management procedures, TBMCS/ATO processes, and LVC integration best practices.

Minimum Qualifications

15 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 13 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; 10 years relevant experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 19 years relevant experience.

• Proven expertise in Air Tasking Order (ATO) processes and Theater Battle Management Core System (TBMCS).
• 2+ years of C-UAS planning or operational experience
• In-depth knowledge of DoD C-UAS policy and counter-small UAS tactics
• 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).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and specialized scheduling/mission-planning software.
• 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.

#LI-RM1

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 orchestrating live-fly UAS events and managing threat-emitter operations
• Familiarity with integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) networks and layered C-UAS architectures
• Experience with LVC tools and constructive environments such as OneSAF, VBS, or SIMDIS.
• Military background in J3 (Operations) or J6 (C4ISR) air operations and networked C2 environments.

Physical Requirements