Overview:
Systems Planning and Analysis Australia Pty Ltd (SPA Australia) delivers a range of high quality, high impact, analytical products and services to the Australian Department of Defence. Our highly qualified, security-cleared workforce provides advanced modelling and simulations expertise, objective analysis, and decision support to empower government decision-makers in complex domains.
SPA Australia is seeking a skilled Military Operations Analyst to join a growing team of Space professionals providing objective advice and operational insight across Defence. This position will support the development, integration, and employment of space capabilities within the broader joint and multi-domain force.
At SPA Australia, you will work on challenging, mission-critical projects that shape the future of Australia’s space and Defence capabilities. We offer a supportive team culture, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for career development in a growing and dynamic sector.
Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will provide evidence-based analysis and operational context to inform capability development, force design, and mission planning activities related to Australia’s space domain. This role involves close collaboration with Defence stakeholders and demands exceptional written communication skills, as a significant portion of the work will involve producing high-quality, defensible reports, briefs, and technical documentation for senior decision-makers.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience in military operations or operational planning, preferably with experience in joint operations, space operations, electronic warfare, ISR, communications, or command and control.
• Demonstrated ability to apply military knowledge to operational planning, capability development, or mission design.
• Understanding of joint force integration, space operations, or multi-domain operational concepts.
• Ability to work independently, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Proven ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely in written products.
• Ability to think critically, synthesize large amounts of information, and communicate recommendations clearly for military and government audiences.
• Australian citizenship and an active NV1 security clearance or higher. More information on eligibility for an Australian security clearance can be found at: https://www.defence.gov.au/security/clearances/about/vetting-assessment#eligibility.
  Note: International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) are applicable to this role and as such, the position will or is likely to require access to material controlled by ITAR and EAR (Controlled Material). Therefore, any person occupying the position must be able to satisfy ITAR and EAR controls, which may require specific authorisation to access Controlled Materials. Accordingly, your citizenship, previous citizenships, race or nationality, or substantive contacts where such contacts are affiliated with proscribed countries under ITAR may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role. Further information on this requirement can be found at: https://spa.com/about/compliance-statements/. If you are concerned about whether you will satisfy the requirements of the role insofar as they relate to ITAR and EAR, you should contact Talent@spa.com, who will be able to provide you with relevant information.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Qualifications in engineering, physics, defence studies, strategic studies, or a related field.
• Background in systems engineering, operations research, or mission analysis.
• Familiarity with space systems or effects integration (e.g., C4ISR, EW, SATCOM, SDA, sensors, orbital operations).
• Experience with software design, modelling and simulation, and tools such as MATLAB, Systems Tool Kit (STK), Python, or other mission analysis platforms.
• Active PV Australian Government security clearance.

• Conduct operational analysis of space capabilities (e.g., SATCOM, ISR, SDA, PNT, space control) in support of force design and capability acquisition.
• Produce clear, concise, and well-structured written reports, briefs, and technical documentation for Defence clients and senior decision-makers.
• Translate complex operational or technical issues into actionable recommendations.
• Support the development of concepts of operations (CONOPS), campaign plans, and mission threads for space and multi-domain missions.
• Provide subject matter expertise in operational planning, mission assurance, and joint integration of space effects.
• Participate in simulation, red-teaming, and war-gaming to test space capability options and operational employment.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, and analysts to ensure mission relevance and practicality.
  Qualifications:
  We are looking for a motivated and mission-focused professional with the following attributes: