Senior Tactical Operations Lead

MANTECH seeks a career and customer-oriented Senior Tactical Operations Lead in Lexington Park, MD. This is a hybrid position with 4 days onsite and 1 day remote.

This role will provide operational subject matter expertise for a critical Department of Defense Modeling & Simulation (M&S) initiative. This role is integral to bridging operational reality with advanced software systems, guiding development efforts that ensure tactical relevance and mission effectiveness. You will advise government stakeholders as a Trusted Operational Advisor, leveraging extensive military experience to shape digital simulation environments that accurately reflect modern combat scenarios.

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Providing subject matter expertise in the tactical employment of military systems - including USN and USAF aviation platforms, advanced weapons systems, electronic warfare, and command and control - to inform technical design decisions and prioritization of development efforts
• Evaluating Government Off-The-Shelf (GOTS) and Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) solutions to recommend tools that balance delivery schedules, fidelity, and mission alignment
• Leading requirements development and refinement to ensure simulation systems support validated operational use cases and mission-critical outcomes
• Championing the integration of Agile development practices and digital engineering workflows within operational testing and evaluation processes
• Designing and overseeing the creation of realistic, high-fidelity tactical scenarios for use in synthetic training and evaluation environments
• Leading test and evaluation (T&E) activities, including flight and ground event support, with expert interpretation of simulation and stimulation system performance
• Directing the development and delivery of user-focused training materials to ensure effective employment of simulation capabilities by operational personnel
• Leading operational SME teams to resolve complex issues, ensure alignment with operational goals, and manage task execution across the contract lifecycle. Leading engagements with key program stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• 12+ years of experience supporting military tactical operations and tactical aviation system development
• Prior military service as a commissioned officer with demonstrated expertise in operational employment of tactical aviation platforms
• Previously qualified strike lead (USN or USAF)
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and solving mission-critical problems in operational or technical environments
• Demonstrated ability to present complex tactical trade-offs and solution recommendations to senior government stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience supporting system development and testing of defense technologies
• Experience supporting Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) or distributed battlespace modeling initiatives (NCTE, DMON)
• Developmental or Operational Test experience in a tactical aviation platform
• Experience with 5th Generation fighter tactical employment
• Familiarity with incorporating operational SME feedback into Agile software development sprints and DevSecOps pipelines
• Weapons School or Test Pilot School Graduate

Clearance Requirements:

• Must possess an active Top Secret clearance with current SCI eligibility

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position approximately 50% of the time
• Occasionally required to move throughout office spaces to access equipment, files, or interact with co-workers
• Must be able to enter and exit simulator cockpits and fly simulated missions
• Must be able to effectively communicate with team members, leadership, and customers, including in presentation settings, and convey accurate technical information