Senior Exercise Planner

Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light company, is recognized as a premier provider of modeling and simulation (M&S) training solutions to the Federal Government and industry. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training and other support in live, virtual, constructive, and gaming (LVCG) domains. CESI also designs, builds and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications and processes that enable cyber training for the integrated multi-domain force. Our vision is to become a worldwide full spectrum LVCG and cyber training/analysis developer, integrator and services provider.

Cole Engineering Services, Inc. (CESI) is seeking a highly skilled Senior Exercise Planner to support the Joint Cyber Training Enterprise (JCTE). This role is critical in developing, integrating, and executing complex joint cyber training exercises that prepare USCYBERCOM and CNMF forces to meet mission requirements. The ideal candidate is a seasoned planner with deep expertise in the Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC), scenario development, and post-exercise assessment, with a passion for driving operational readiness across the cyber domain.

Position location is Annapolis Junction, MD and full time on-site.

Lead the development and sustainment of training programs aligned with mission-essential tasks (METs) using the Joint Training System (JTS).
• Ensure training activities directly support validated operational requirements and enhance mission readiness.
• Partner with mission stakeholders to integrate operational priorities, emerging threats, and lessons learned into training objectives and outcomes.
• Support readiness reporting by providing exercise participation metrics and integrating training data into enterprise reporting systems.

• Serve as the lead planner for exercises across the Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC), managing scenario development, exercise control, and evaluation activities.
• Develop comprehensive Master Scenario Event Lists (MSELs) reflecting realistic operational conditions, including cyber defense, contingency operations, and mission execution.
• Lead White Cell operations, directing exercise control teams and ensuring seamless coordination among mission partners and stakeholders.
• Provide expert guidance on integrating cyber operations, interagency coordination, and operational assurance into full-spectrum training events.

• Direct post-exercise reviews, produce after-action reports, and deliver in-depth analysis to inform future training and operational strategies.
• Translate exercise results and senior leader guidance into actionable improvements for training programs and policies.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and readiness across the enterprise

• 8+ years of experience in joint training, military exercise planning, or operational readiness programs.
• Proven expertise in the Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC), including MSEL development, White Cell operations, and exercise control.
• Demonstrated ability to align training objectives with real-world operational requirements and strategic goals.
• Proficiency with the Joint Training System (JTS) and deep understanding of Mission Essential Task (MET) development and validation.
• Strong knowledge of cyber operations and mission assurance.
• Current DoD 8570 IAT or IAM Level I certification.

• Prior experience supporting Combatant Commands (CCMDs), USCYBERCOM, or other joint force headquarters in a training or exercise capacity.
• Familiarity with Defense Readiness Reporting System (DRRS) and other readiness assessment tools.
• Expertise in scenario design, interagency coordination, and senior-level exercise planning.
• PMP, Joint Exercise Planner (JEP), or similar certifications in exercise planning or program management.

Please note that pursuant to a government contract, this specific position requires U. S. Citizenship status and a TS/SCI, security clearance and CI polygraph if requested by customer.

CESI is committed to principles of inclusion and equal employment opportunity. We foster a non-discriminatory, professional work environment for all our teams. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status.

Salary Minimum: $145,000, Salary Maximum: $185,000.00

The annual base salary provided is a guideline for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. When extending an offer, CESI also considers other variables such as (but not limited to) work experience, education, training, skill set, internal peer equity, clearance level, and market conditions. In addition, CESI provides an extensive selection of benefits and offerings to our employees.

CESI recognizes that our strength is our people. We support every employee as an individual to build strong teams across the enterprise. Our benefit package includes:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
• Wellness Program
• 401(k) Matching
• Disability (Short Term & Long Term)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Education & Training
• Generous Leave Policy (11 Federal Holidays, PTO, Military Leave, Bereavement and Jury Duty)