The Nakupuna Companies are a Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO)-owned family of companies comprising large and 8(a) small businesses. Our mission is to create and implement elegant solutions to the government’s most challenging problems while increasing economic opportunities for the Native Hawaiian community.  Over the past 10 years, Nakupuna has become a leader among NHOs and through our successes, the Nakupuna Foundation has given over $15MM to the Native Hawaiian community. 

Nakupuna Consulting is seeking a Virtual Neptune Hawk (VNH) Operations Planner to support the planning, preparation, execution, and evaluation of Virtual Neptune Hawk events within high-fidelity simulator environments. This position reports to the NH Team Lead and works closely with the broader NH Team at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The planner will focus on both simulated and live NEPTUNE HAWK exercises, as well as other INDOPACOM or PACAF-directed events, ensuring realism, operational relevance, and effective integration of live, virtual, and constructive elements.

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign additional duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

VNH Event Planning and Execution

• Support the Active Duty NH OCE Lead planners and NH Team Lead throughout the full VNH Joint Exercise Lifecycle.
• Coordinate the development, integration, and execution of realistic simulation scenarios that include intelligence, logistics, and AOC-like functions.
• Design threat presentations, simulated orders of battle, and scenario injects that challenge and engage participants.
• Support after-action review processes to identify and document improvements for future simulated operations.

Technical and Operational Expertise

• Work with high-fidelity combat simulator systems to design and execute realistic virtual scenarios.
• Integrate live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) elements into exercise planning and execution.
• Translate real-world operational concepts into simulation environments, focusing on tactical aircraft, ISR platforms, and Air Battle Management operations.

Security and Compliance

• Maintain strict security protocols and ensure proper handling and accountability of classified materials.
• Adhere to SAP/STO and ACCM eligibility requirements and maintain compliance with all associated security procedures.
• Keep security clearances current and meet requirements for polygraph and indoctrination agreements.

Communication and Liaison

• Prepare and deliver briefings for Senior Officers, partner organizations, and external agencies regarding simulation capabilities, ongoing operations, planning issues, and exercise status.
• Coordinate with national-level agencies, DoD, Combatant Commands, and intelligence organizations to support exercise integration and alignment with operational objectives.

Program Support and Evaluation

• Provide system-specific training to PACAF STO personnel.
• Evaluate SAP capabilities to ensure effective integration and realism in simulation environments.
• Serve as a focal point for STO program documentation, coordination, and activity tracking.

Participate in live-fly NEPTUNE HAWK events as mission and security requirements allow.

Travel 25-50%.

Required:

• SAP/STO and ACCM eligibility.
• Favorable clearance adjudication within the past 12 months.
• Ability to pass CI-scope polygraph examinations.
• Experience performing responsibilities similar to Exercise Planning Officers (per PWS 1.3.2) with a focus on VNH exercises.
• Background in Air Force operational planning or related disciplines.

Preferred:

• More than 10 years of rated experience in fighter, bomber, or ISR aircraft, or Air Battle Management.
• More than 15 years of Air Force experience with several years dedicated to exercise planning.
• Mission commander, pilot, or ground support experience in simulator environments.
• Familiarity with the Virtual Warfare Center (St. Louis) and Joint Simulation Environment (JSE).
• Experience in scenario generation, scripting, database management, and LVC integration.
• Recent tactical aircraft operations or exercise coordination experience in simulator environments within the past 5 years.
• Combined Air Operations Center or operational contingency planning background.
• Specialized knowledge of Special Access Programs (SAP) and STO planning processes.
• Experience submitting SAP/STO documentation and managing simulator-related security.
• Graduate of USAF Weapons Instructor Course or Navy Top Gun.
• Familiarity with military experimentation and Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO).
• Completion of IJSTO Planning and Decision Aide System user course.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to deliver clear, concise briefings and effectively communicate simulation capabilities to senior audiences.

Clearance: This position requires an active Top Secret/SCI security clearance. Must be a U.S. citizen.

Physical Requirements: The ideal candidate must at a minimum be able to meet the following physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation:

• Ability to perform repetitive motions with the hands, wrists, and fingers.
• Ability to engage in and follow audible communications in emergency situations.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and working on a computer.

The Nakupuna Companies use a market-based compensation strategy to ensure that our employees are compensated within applicable market ranges commensurate with multiple factors, including but not limited to the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements, and position location. The projected compensation range for this position is $120,000 to $170,000 annually. The range displayed represents the typical range for this position and is just one component of Nakupuna Companies total compensation package for employees.