Targeteers at USPACOM work from target development through effects pairing with authority they cannot hand to software. An AI recommendation that is hard to read, hard to question, or hard to overrule makes that work slower and harder to trust, however good the model behind it is. Target Effect Pairing (TEP), built on the Maven Smart System for USPACOM Joint Fires, has to do the opposite.

You lead user research and design for TEP. You run requirements elicitation and task analysis with government targeteers, JFE and JTCB staff, and J32 operators across the capabilities analysis and the commander's decision and force assignment workflows. You turn what you learn into functional requirements, workflow specifications, and interface designs that engineers implement, and you co-author user requirements with the Product Manager/Fires SMEs. You also design the approval gates and human-in-the-loop constraints the technical team builds against.

Your users are experts with little time to spare, they work in secure facilities, and access to them will be limited. Each session has to count.

What Success Looks Like

Objective 1: In the first 90 days, produce a task analysis of the current workflow that operators recognize as their own

Objective 2: Turn research into requirements and designs that engineers build as designed

Objective 3: Design human-in-the-loop controls that keep every governmental decision with a person

Objective 4: By the end of year one, show that the product reduces operator workload and earns trust

What You Bring

Required Skills

Preferred Skills

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions

Work is primarily performed in professional office, Government, and technical development environments. This position requires regular on-site collaboration in the San Diego area, including work with Government and development stakeholders at or in support of NIWC-Pacific. Periodic travel may be required to support operational stakeholders and other mission activities. Work may occur in secure facilities with restrictions on personal electronic devices and remote connectivity.

Strength Demands

Sedentary to light physical demands associated with professional office and technical work environments. Occasional movement or transport of laptops, documents, and other standard work materials may be required.

Physical Requirements

Regular use of computers and standard office equipment; ability to participate in meetings, technical working sessions, and collaborative development activities for extended periods; ability to communicate effectively in person and through approved electronic means; and ability to travel as required.