Senior Exercise Planner
Position Summary
The Exercise Planner serves as an operational and strategic resource on the Headquarters staff, supporting the conceptualization, planning, execution, and assessment of joint and service-level exercises. This critical role provides subject matter expertise on DoD Joint Exercise Planning processes and ensures exercises are designed and executed to sharpen force readiness, coalition interoperability, and alignment with Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and joint command objectives. The Planner leverages deep understanding of military doctrine, tactics, and command relationships, supporting Higher HQ and subordinate commands as they address complex operational challenges in multi-domain environments.
Clearance Requirements:
Active Secret clearance required; TS/SCI preferred.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Lead development, coordination, and execution of realistic, high-fidelity joint and service-level exercises that test operational concepts, contingency plans, and warfighting readiness.
- Apply expertise in joint and Marine Corps doctrine to integrate MAGTF and combined/joint force elements throughout exercise design, execution, and assessment.
- Manage all phases of the Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC): requirements analysis, concept and scenario development, event design, scripting, execution, after-action assessment, and lessons learned integration.
- Develop complex, realistic exercise scenarios incorporating multi-domain operations, cyber, logistics, and coalition/interagency play.
- Gather and analyze data throughout the exercise (including observer/controller reports and participant feedback) to produce actionable recommendations and after-action reports that inform future planning and drive operational improvement.
- Serve as a key interface between Higher and subordinate HQs, other service components, and external partners-including allied and coalition forces-to ensure exercise alignment and interoperability.
- Ensure all exercises reflect current U.S. military policy, established doctrine, command guidance, and current operational priorities.
- Prepare and deliver briefings for leadership, distilling complex exercise objectives, outcomes, and recommendations in clear, actionable formats.
Required Education, Skills, and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in national security, military studies, operations research, or closely related field.
- 5 years' experience supporting joint or service-level exercises within Marine higher headquarters, with hands-on involvement in planning, execution, and after-action review.
- Demonstrated understanding of the Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC) and DoD/Service-level exercise regulations and processes.
- Familiarity with Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) structure, roles, command relationships, and operational doctrine.
- Experience developing and managing complex exercise scenarios and delivering post-exercise analysis/lessons learned integration.
- Proficiency with standard DoD planning tools, Microsoft Office suite, and classified/secure communications systems.
Preferred Qualifications
- 5-8 years supporting joint, combined, or service-level exercises at a Marine higher headquarters (e.g., MARFORPAC, MEF, Division, or equivalent command).
- Direct involvement with multi-component, international, or combined exercises a strong plus.
- Master's degree in strategic studies, defense analysis, or related field.
Completion of Joint Professional Military Education (JPME I/II), Command and Staff College, or Marine Corps equivalent. - Success in roles requiring coordination with interagency, coalition, or partner-nation military forces.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, with experience delivering executive-level briefings and producing high-impact reports.
- Formal certification in Joint Exercise Planning or related DoD training highly valued.
Physical Demands and Expectations:
- Travel will be required to support this task (up to 25% travel)
- Regular physical activity to include walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting (up to 30 pounds), and standing; occasional prolonged sitting
- Ability to speak, read, hear and write, with or without assistance
- Ability to use phone and computer systems, copier, fax and other office equipment
This position description represents a summary of the major components and requirements of the outlined job. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned or required as business needs dictate. Questions regarding this description should immediately be addressed to the department manager or to Human Resources.
LIFE CYCLE ENGINEERING
Life Cycle Engineering (LCE) is a privately held, employee-owned company with an emphasis on "doing the right thing the right way", which applies to the way we treat our customers and employees. We are proud to have been recognized as a "Best Place to Work" in Engineering and in many states and local communities in which we work! Learn more below and at www.lce.com.
Mission
Our mission is to enable people and organizations to achieve their full potential.
As a professional services organization, our mission is focused on our clients' people and organizations. It is our company's cornerstone belief that we will not lead the industry in assisting our clients unless we excel at helping our own people and teams reach their full potential.
Culture
Our corporate culture encourages personal and professional growth because LCE's success depends on the talent, innovation, professionalism, and commitment of its employees. LCE is a strengths-based organization focused on turning individual talents into strengths and then turning individual strengths into organizational performance that supports our clients' success.
Benefits
- Affordable Medical/Dental/Vision Plans for employees and their families
- Free Employee Life and Disability Insurance, with supplemental coverage options available
- Health Savings Account and Flexible Savings Account options
- Company matched 401(k) & company-funded Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
- Paid Vacation, Holiday, Sick Leave
- Continuing Education and Professional Development programs at all levels
- Flexible Schedules and Relaxed Dress Code
- Employer-sponsored events, social collaboration, and open communication
- Free access to an extensive online training library, including certification prep
- Bonus Program for outstanding contributions, Employee Referral Program, numerous Recognition Opportunities, and more...
*Benefits may vary by business unit and location.
Life Cycle Engineering is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, application for or service in the military or status as a disabled veteran or veteran, because of or on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation, and any other status protected by applicable state or federal law.
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Life Cycle Engineering
sick time, 401(k)
Feb 12, 2026