Exercise Air Planner (Mission Assurance 5)

HII's Mission Technologies division is a prominent business group within HII, a leading defense contractor known for designing, developing, integrating, and managing advanced sensors, systems, and assets that support integrated Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations and accelerate decision-making capabilities worldwide. Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, this division focuses on providing cutting-edge solutions for the Department of Defense, combatant commands, and the intelligence community, playing a vital role in advancing national security missions with innovative multi-domain operational capabilities and sophisticated mission management technologies. HII Mission Technologies boasts a skilled team of over 7,000 professionals worldwide, delivering expertise across multiple domains including C5ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), artificial intelligence, big data analytics, cyber operations, synthetic training environments, fleet sustainment, and unmanned systems development. The division is a pioneer in accelerating the evolution of national defense through data-centric solutions, supporting both government and commercial customers with advanced technological capabilities in a dynamic and mission-critical environment. Currently, HII Mission Technologies seeks a highly experienced Exercise Air Planner (Mission Assurance 5) to join their team in Colorado Springs. This full-time, salaried, and exempt senior-level role requires an active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance and offers a competitive salary range between $124,397 and $160,000 annually. The role demands up to 25 percent travel as part of its commitment to supporting the logistics and execution of joint and Combatant Command aviation exercises. The Exercise Air Planner will lead the planning and execution of all aspects related to air operations within joint military exercises, ensuring flawless airspace coordination and flight operations management. This position involves the development of comprehensive air operations plans including Airspace Control Plans (ACP), Airspace Control Orders (ACO), and Air Tasking Orders (ATO) tailored to meet complex exercise objectives. The planner will coordinate with multiple agencies such as Airspace Control Authorities, range control, and civilian air traffic management to establish, deconflict, and monitor training airspace efficiently. A key responsibility is managing flight operations across fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned platforms, including scheduling routes, altitude blocks, refueling tracks, and target engagement windows. Moreover, the planner integrates air support functions like close air support, air interdiction, airlift, command and control, and aeromedical evacuation into overall ground and maritime exercise planning. The role also entails scripting realistic Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) threat scenarios and collaborating with modeling and simulation experts to create cohesive Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) training environments that reflect real-world air domain dynamics. Further, the Exercise Air Planner interfaces with intelligence, operations, logistics, and C4ISR directorates, synchronizing target intelligence, airspace management, sustainment, and network connectivity. The planner actively monitors air mission execution, adjusting plans dynamically to ensure success amidst evolving exercise conditions. Synchronizing C-UAS tactics with intelligence, electronic warfare, cyber, and air defense teams enhances cross-domain realism and effectiveness. The duties extend to preparing mission briefs, risk assessments, sortie reports, and dashboards for senior leadership, as well as conducting after-action reviews to capture performance metrics and lessons learned. This senior role also involves mentoring and training junior planners on airspace management, TBMCS/ATO processes, and integrating LVC best practices. The Exercise Air Planner will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the joint and Combatant Command exercises deliver the highest level of realism and operational readiness for next-generation warfighters. HII offers a supportive and inclusive workplace culture emphasizing professional growth, competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision insurance, paid time off, retirement savings plans, educational reimbursements, and wellness resources. Recognized as one of America’s top employers, HII is committed to diversity, ethics, and enabling employees to thrive while contributing to defense missions that safeguard the nation across sea, sky, land, space, and cyber domains. As a member of the HII team, you will be part of innovative projects that build the world’s most capable naval ships and defense technology solutions, making a meaningful impact on national security and global defense operations.

• bachelors degree in related field or higher
• 15 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• active ts sci clearance
• ability to travel up to 25 percent
• strong analytical and communication skills
• proficiency in air operations planning tools and software
• demonstrated leadership ability in joint military exercise environments
• knowledge of counter unmanned aircraft systems policies and tactics
• experience coordinating with multiple agencies for airspace management
• capability to integrate live virtual and constructive training environments
• ability to prepare detailed mission briefs and after action reports