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Senior Advisor - AUKUS Sovereign Ready

Systems Planning and Analysis (SPA) · Alexandria, Virginia

Secret clearance preferred

Posted 2026-09-15 · Verified live 2026-10-27

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About this role

Overview

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. Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The AUKUS, Submarines, and Industrial Base Group (ASIG), within the Sea, Land, Air Division, provides timely, objective, analytic assessments that integrate technical, operational, programmatic, policy and business analysis to Director Submarine Program directorates and key stakeholders surrounding submarine platform construction.  Director Submarine Program unifies submarine platform procurement activities, which includes the Columbia-class SSBN program (a Major Defense Acquisition Program and the Navy’s top acquisition priority), the Virginia-class SSN program, the new SSN-X program (developing the next generation attack submarine), and the AUKUS Integration and Acquisition Office, to bring improved capabilities to our undersea forces.  Analysts and Engineers supporting Director Submarine Program will continue SPA’s decades of support to the SSBN force, as well as supporting oversight of cutting-edge attack submarine construction, assisting in developing the design requirements for the SSN platform of the future, and helping plan and execute new and innovative strategies to strengthen the critical submarine shipbuilding industrial base. These are high-profile, major acquisition and manufacturing programs of significant importance to the future capabilities of the US Navy in an era of renewed strategic competition.

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Responsibilities

Serves as the Senior Advisor to AUKUS Integration and Acquisition Office providing advisory and analytic support to the Executive Director, DPM, and program leadership. The primary objective is to integrate currently distinct efforts across the program, ensuring workstream efforts in one area inform and support similar efforts under other leaders. Additional responsibilities include:

S

erve as the principal advisor for expansion of AUKUS Phase 2 efforts within AUKUS I&A

Advise senior leaders directly and handle special projects on their behalf

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P

rovide expert counsel on the future structure of the AUKUS Phase 2 workstreams

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A

ssess and advise on the readiness of Australia to meet Sovereign Ready Milestones and propose mitigation plans as needed.

This role may be remote on a case by case basis

Qualifications

Required Experience:

Demonstrated success working with foreign partners on FMS programs

Expert knowledge of the AUKUS program and plan of record

Proven experience advising senior DoD leaders

Experience with nuclear powered submarine programs

15+ years experience in program management within DoD

Active Secret clearance and the ability to maintain it throughout employment

Desired Experience:

Experience within Team Submarine or AUKUS I&A

Prior service in a leadership role as a government civilian or military officer

Expert knowledge in FMS and foreign military student training

Pay Range Information

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $170,000.00/Yr. - USD $190,000.00/Yr.

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