Operations Planning and Engagements Lead

General Dynamics Information Technology

4d • $119,000 - $161,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Contribute to the strategic direction of the business and support impactful mission outcomes as an Operations Planning and Engagements Lead at GDIT. MEANINGFUL WORK AND PERSONAL IMPACT As an Operations Planning and Engagements Lead, the work you’ll do at GDIT will be impactful to the mission of USCENTCOM. You will play a crucial role in driving Future Operations (FUOPS) planning, interoperability initiatives, and strategic engagements to support Cybersecurity and Defensive Cyber Operations for the USCENTCOM Information Technology Services (CITS) Program based in Tampa, FL. The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader and collaborative team player, ready to address complex challenges and deliver impactful solutions

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in communication, computer science, engineering, or a related field
• Certification: Must possess DoD 8570.01-M IAT Level II Certification (e.g., Security +CE) prior to hire
• Experience: 10+ years of related experience
• Technical skills: Proven experience in planning, installing, integrating, operating, and maintaining complex tactical and garrison communications and IT systems within large network enterprises (PMP or similar certification preferred).
• Familiarity with U.S. Department of Defense, Service, and Joint Task Force communications policies and procedures.
• Strong background in Cybersecurity, Communications Operations, Planning, and/or Intelligence.
• Demonstrated ability to brief senior military and government leaders effectively.
• Significant background in USCENTCOM operations and staff functions.
• Ability to perform as both task lead and action officer, adapting to dynamic mission requirements.
• Proficiency with information platforms such as Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, OneBrief, PCTE, Joint Training Program, and/or Advana.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree in a related field
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

Responsibilities

• Leadership and Coordination: Serve as the primary liaison between CITS contractors and military/government leadership within USCENTCOM and its Service Components, supporting J63 Plans & Exercises and Interoperability & Engagements branches.
• Lead and mentor assigned planning teams to ensure achievement of service level agreements and key performance indicators.
• Prepare and present comprehensive reports on team performance, productivity metrics, and operational indicators to senior leadership.
• Proactively address and resolve operational challenges, escalating complex issues to management as appropriate.
• Develop and manage work schedules to optimize team productivity and ensure continuous operational coverage.
• Future Operations Planning: Oversee planning and coordination for Command, Control, Communications, and Computers operations across the theater.
• Collaborate in operational planning teams, drafting and reviewing annexes for command orders and operational directives.
• Plan and support integration of operational communications systems and personnel for USCENTCOM theater requirements.
• Provide subject matter expertise for the Theater Campaign Plan (TCP), including coalition partner planning support.
• Ensure CCJ6 representation during Operational Planning Teams (OPTs), conferences, and working groups across the USCENTCOM AOR.
• Contribute to command exercise programs and develop cybersecurity components for all training exercises.
• Offer technical expertise and recommendations on USCENTCOM plans, operational orders, and related directives.
• Cybersecurity Operations and Compliance: Distribute and update cybersecurity guidance to USCENTCOM Components, ensuring compliance and operational clarity.
• Review and refine existing cybersecurity orders and procedures to meet evolving operational requirements.
• Analyze, interpret, and execute cybersecurity directives across the theater of operations.
• Coordinate theater cybersecurity risk assessments and participate in mission-critical security evaluations.
• Monitor current intelligence for potential threats and develop appropriate response strategies.
• Document and maintain cybersecurity orders, policies, and procedures for organizational compliance.
• Interoperability and Engagements: Facilitate coalition interoperability and engagement activities related to cybersecurity operations.
• Coordinate with Foreign Military Sales (FMS) technicians to support CENTCOM Partner Network (CPN) requirements.
• Facilitate theater-wide collaboration on cybersecurity orders, policies, and procedures through multiple communication channels.
• Engage in command mission assurance working groups, conducting analyses for J6 networks and mission systems.
• Strategic Technology and Innovation: Recommend technology deployments to enhance defensive cyber operations capabilities.
• Develop comprehensive technology strategies, providing evaluations and decision points for J6 leadership.
• Provide cybersecurity support to USCENTCOM AOR Network Operations (NETOPS) Centers as required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages
• 401K with company match
• competitive pay and paid time off
• full flex work weeks where possible
• paid time off plans, including vacation, sick and personal time, holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement and jury duty leave
• short and long-term disability benefits
• life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness and business travel and accident insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level