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. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted. The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity. We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense. Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.! The Space Systems Group (SSG), part of SPA's Space and Intelligence Division, provides timely and objective assessments and recommendations integrating technical, operational, programmatic, policy and business analysis. We focus on our key clients in the Space community including the US Space Force's Space Systems Command (USSF/SSC), one of the three designated Field Commands under USSF. We work tirelessly to provide integrated solutions based on information and communications throughout the chain of command. We provide clear and consistent analysis and recommendations which are aligned to strategic and leadership goals while balancing the ability to execute on time and on budget within the technical communities. Come join an organization responsible for being a key enabler of Spacepower! SPA has an immediate need for a Senior Platform Strategist. Qualifications About the Must Haves • Active DoD Secret clearance • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, STEM, Information Systems, or a related technical field • Minimum 10 years of experience in software engineering, platform engineering, cloud architecture, or technical strategy roles, including at least 2 years in business development/acquisitions in the Defense Sector • One of the following certifications: • AWS Certified Solutions Architect • Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert • Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect • Strong understanding of modern cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP) and how they're applied in enterprise-scale solutions • Demonstrated success in business development, client engagement, or technical sales • Excellent writing and communication skills; able to translate technical detail into persuasive narrative • Analytical, detail-oriented, and comfortable working across multiple workstreams At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain the 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. Salary pay range: 195k • 250k Responsibilities About the Position SPA is looking for a Senior Platform Strategist to serve as the connective tissue between our engineering excellence and business growth. This isn't a behind-the-scenes role - it's front and center, where deep technical insight meets strategic influence. In this position, you'll represent the platform with fluency and confidence - internally, to customers, and in the market. You'll stay ahead of the curve on cloud and platform trends, bring forward insights that shape what we build next, and work across business development, proposals, and marketing to ensure we're telling the right story to the right people. This role is ideal for someone who's part architect, part strategist, and all-in on making platforms work for our clients, for our engineers, and for the mission. Key Responsibilities include: Platform Engineering & Architecture • 25% • Deeply in tune with our platform's architecture, roadmap, features, and future plans, you'll be one of the most informed voices on the platform, even without building it directly. • Trusted spokesperson for the platform, capable of clearly explaining its value and design to both technical and non-technical audiences. • Keeping a pulse on emerging technologies and evolving trends across cloud platforms and enterprise services. Curating ideas for the architecture team to evaluate and potentially integrate. • Maintain working knowledge of comparable offerings in the market to ensure our platform remains competitive, differentiated, and compelling. • Write with clarity about our platform, including white papers, summaries, strategy decks, and technical overviews - making complex systems understandable and impactful. Business Development & Account Management • 30% • Identify, qualify, and pursue strategic growth opportunities that align with customer needs and platform strengths. • Build and sustain relationships with key clients and stakeholders, acting as a knowledgeable partner and trusted advisor. • Collaborate with leadership to position platform offerings in ways that resonate with users and decision-makers. • Support contract and opportunity development from early conversations through close. Proposal Writing & Marketing • 45% • Lead the development of high-impact proposals that clearly convey the platform's technical strengths and mission value. • Develop customer-facing content, including case studies, one-pagers, and technical blogs that highlights how our platform solves real-world problems. • Represent the platform at conferences, industry events, and customer engagements with clarity, presence, and credibility. This is a hybrid position. You will be expected to work on-site 1 • 2 times per week in El Segundo, CA due to the fast pace, quick-turn nature of the job and the persistent need to access secure networks. Thus, residing in comfortable driving distance of El Segundo, CA should be considered.