Junior Targeting Officer

Location: Sterling, VA

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

Nightwing is seeking a cleared Junior Targeting Officer in the Northern Virginia area. This position requires work in a secure, mission-focused operations environment. Rotating shift work may include nights, weekends, holidays, and surge support based on mission requirements. This position may require travel as determined by the Customer.

Position Summary

The Junior Targeting Officer supports the execution of collection operations against high-priority national security threats and helps integrate multi-INT information into a coherent intelligence picture. Working under the direction of senior targeting officers in a fast-paced 24/7 intelligence operations center, this role conducts research and analysis, drafts written products, and monitors operational activity to help generate leads and close information gaps.

The successful candidate will bring a foundation in intelligence analysis or operations, strong critical thinking, and the ability to perform reliably under pressure. This role requires the ability to process all-source reporting, follow established targeting procedures, learn tools and customer tradecraft quickly, and communicate clearly in writing and in briefings to colleagues and mission leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Support the execution and monitoring of collection operations supporting defined intelligence requirements.

Research and analyze multi-INT data sets under the direction of senior targeting officers to help generate leads.

Read and process daily all-source intelligence reporting and implement directives as assigned.

Identify potential information and collection gaps and raise them to mission leadership.

Draft requests for information, written summaries, and inputs to targeting support products for senior review.

Help maintain information flow and track taskings across supporting organizations.

Deliver briefings and operational updates to colleagues and mission leadership on assigned topics.

Develop working knowledge of targeting tools, databases, all-source targeting methodologies, and relevant legal and policy guidance.

Build operational understanding of assigned target sets, areas of responsibility, and customer tradecraft.

Maintain shift logs, turnover materials, and operational records.

Complete assigned training and qualification requirements and participate in team readiness activities.

Support domestic and international travel, exercises, or short-duration deployments as required.

Perform other targeting or operational support duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph, or ability to obtain and maintain required clearance and polygraph eligibility based on contract requirements.

2+ years of relevant professional experience, or equivalent combination of education, training, military, law enforcement, intelligence, or operational experience.

Familiarity with all-source intelligence and at least one intelligence discipline, such as SIGINT, GEOINT, HUMINT, or OSINT.

Ability to research, analyze, and organize complex information from multiple sources.

Ability to think critically and communicate complex information accurately and clearly, both in writing and verbally.

Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment under high stress.

Ability to work rotating shifts in a 24/7 operations center, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

High school diploma or GED.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in intelligence studies, national security, international affairs, political science, regional studies, or a related field.

Master's degree in a relevant discipline with limited professional experience.

Experience with targeting, operational case management, or collection support.

Experience supporting HUMINT operations or familiarity with the Intelligence Community.

Experience drafting and disseminating written reports or requests for information.

Prior watch-floor or operations center experience.

Experience supporting domestic or international deployments, exercises, or field-based mission requirements.

Valid driver's license and REAL ID, if required for site access or mission travel.

Work Environment

This role operates in a mission-critical 24/7 environment requiring rotating shift work, analytic rigor, sound judgment, and the ability to perform under pressure. Candidates may support nights, weekends, holidays, surge operations, domestic travel, international travel, exercises, or short-duration deployments depending on mission requirements.

Salary & Benefits

The salary associated with this position ($77,000–$163,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.

Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.

Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.