Deputy Chief of Platform Operations

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity. We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense. Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.!

The Space Systems Group (SSG), part of SPA’s Space and Intelligence Division, provides timely and objective assessments and recommendations integrating technical, operational, programmatic, policy and business analysis. We focus on our key clients in the Space community including the US Space Force’s Space Systems Command (USSF/SSC), one of the three designated Field Commands under USSF. We work tirelessly to provide integrated solutions based on information and communications throughout the chain of command. We provide clear and consistent analysis and recommendations which are aligned to strategic and leadership goals while balancing the ability to execute on time and on budget within the technical communities. Come join an organization responsible for being a key enabler of Spacepower!

SPA has an immediate need for a Deputy Chief of Platform Operations.

Responsibilities

The Deputy Chief of Platform Operations serves as the second‑in‑command for all operational aspects of the KM Platform across environments and classifications. Acting as the senior integrator within the Platform Operations division, this role supports the Chief of Platform Operations in driving reliability, performance, and mission readiness while ensuring seamless coordination across branches, environment leads, and the Systems Engineering division.

Reporting directly to the Chief of Platform Operations, the Deputy leads assigned high‑priority technical initiatives, enforces operational standards, and provides hands-on expertise during critical mission events or skills-gap scenarios. This role functions as the designated backup incident commander, maintaining full operational authority whenever the Chief is unavailable and ensuring continuity of leadership during outages or mission‑impacting events.

The Deputy Chief of Platform Operations strengthens cross-functional integration with the Systems Engineering division – particularly across governance, compliance, architecture, cybersecurity, QA, and change management – to ensure unified execution of platform strategy, adherence to policy, and alignment of operational workflows with system design. This role reinforces operational discipline, drives continuous improvement, and ensures the platform consistently meets mission requirements at scale.

Core Responsibilities

• Serve as second‑in‑command of Platform Operations, supporting division-wide leadership, execution, and operational readiness.

• Act as designated backup incident commander, assuming full operational authority during outages or mission-critical events when the Chief is unavailable.

• Lead high‑priority, high‑technical initiatives delegated by the Chief, including platform enhancements, automation efforts, reliability improvements, and cross-environment integration projects.

• Enforce...