Senior Technical Advisor

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 Strategic Division (SD) supports high-reliability organizations including Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, and the Department of Energy (DOE), among others. Our support across our client base is expanding rapidly and encompasses important services, such as data analytics and visualization, threat analysis, risk management, modeling and simulation, cost estimating, earned value management, program management, system engineering, independent evaluation, and High Consequence Event prevention.

SPA's Strategic Division's Strategic Development Group (SDG) supports critical U.S. government programs providing Systems Engineering support, Systems Safety support and Financial Analysis support. The position is in support of the U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) Launcher Branch (SP22), Guidance Branch, (SP23G), and Navigation Branch (SP24).

Systems Planning and Analysis (SPA) is seeking a Senior Technical Advisor to join our Strategic Division's Strategic Development Group (SDG), supporting the U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP). This position provides direct support to the Launcher (SP22), Guidance (SP23G), and Navigation (SP24) branches of SSP. The role is ideal for a highly experienced professional with deep knowledge of Strategic Weapons System (SWS) integration, submarine platform modernization, and Navy acquisition processes. This position will be based in Washington, D.C. Washington D.C. Pay Transparency: $170,000 - $210,000/year.

The Senior Technical Advisor provides expert-level technical and programmatic support to SSP's Launcher (SP22), Guidance (SP23G), and Navigation (SP24) branches. This individual will serve as a cross-functional integrator and senior advisor, supporting the development, integration, and fleet readiness of the Strategic Weapons System (SWS). Responsibilities include reviewing and adjudicating technical documentation, supporting shipboard installation and testing activities for SWS components - particularly on the COLUMBIA and UK DREADNOUGHT class submarines - and advising SSP leadership on system risks, integration challenges, and mitigation strategies. The advisor will prepare and deliver senior-level technical briefings and recommendations, lead coordination across U.S. and allied stakeholders, and contribute to the alignment of system architecture and program execution across the three branches. Additionally, this role includes mentoring junior team members and ensuring consistency and technical rigor across deliverables in support of SSP's mission objectives.

The specific duties and responsibilities outlined above are subject to change based on the evolving needs of the program. Any significant changes will be communicated and discussed prior to the employee's start date.

Required Qualifications:

Active DoD SECRET clearance (TOP SECRET strongly preferred).
• 10+ years of experience Navy submarine systems, SWS integration, or launcher/nav/combat system development and testing.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related technical discipline.
• Ability to work at Maritime Plaza in Washington, D.C. with local travel to Washington Navy Yard.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing senior leader briefings.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Project).

Desired Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a relevant technical field.
• Prior SSP or NAVSEA experience, particularly with SP22, SP23G, or SP24.
• Experience with UK or allied submarine integration efforts.
• Background in strategic policy, nuclear weapons systems, or SWS acquisition planning.
• Submarine-qualified officer or equivalent technical authority in undersea warfare.