Lead / Senior Controller

Position: Lead / Senior ControllerPosted: 01/14/2026Lead / Senior Controller1099 - ConsultantVarious locations within the Commonwealth of VirginiaPosition Summary:Applied Training Solutions, LLC is seeking an experienced Lead / Senior Controller to support HSEEP-compliant state exercises. The Lead / Senior Controller is responsible for overseeing and coordinating exercise control activities to ensure accurate, realistic, and consistent exercise play in accordance with the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP). This role manages controller teams, oversees scenario execution and inject delivery, and works closely with exercise planners, facilitators, evaluators, and leadership to maintain exercise safety, tempo, and integrity.Responsibilities:Serve as the Lead / Senior Controller for seminars, workshops, tabletop, functional, and full-scale exercises conducted in accordance with HSEEP doctrineOversee and coordinate all exercise control activities to ensure scenario flow aligns with exercise design and objectivesLead and manage controller teams, including assignment of roles, responsibilities, and areas of controlEnsure accurate, timely, and consistent delivery of scenario information, injects, and simulation inputsCoordinate closely with the Exercise Director, Lead Facilitator, and Lead Evaluator to synchronize exercise play, facilitation, and evaluationMonitor participant actions and decisions to ensure exercise play remains within scope and objectivesManage exercise tempo, transitions, and pacing to support effective exercise outcomesAddress and resolve exercise issues, disruptions, or safety concerns in coordination with exercise leadershipEnsure adherence to exercise rules, assumptions, artificialities, and control guidanceParticipate in exercise planning meetings and provide technical input to control and scenario developmentSupport hot washes, controller debriefs, and after-action discussions as requiredMaintain accurate control logs, notes, and records to support after-action reporting and future planningMaintain professionalism, objectivity, and confidentiality throughout the exercise processBasic Qualifications:Demonstrated experience serving as a controller or senior controller for HSEEP-compliant exercisesStrong knowledge of exercise design, conduct, and control principlesAbility to manage complex scenarios and multiple controller inputs in dynamic environmentsStrong communication, coordination, and decision-making skillsAbility to remain calm and adaptable in high-tempo exercise environmentsFamiliarity with Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)Must be a U.S. citizenPreferred Qualifications:5+ years of experience in emergency management, preparedness, or planning rolesFEMA HSEEP training (e.g., IS-120, IS-130, IS-139, or equivalent)Experience serving as Lead Controller or Senior Controller for state or multi-agency exercisesIncident Command System training (ICS-300, ICS-400 preferred)Experience with Emergency Operations Center (EOC) operations or field-based exercisesKnowledge of FEMA, EMAC, and interagency coordination processesMEPP qualified (Master Exercise Practitioner Program) or demonstrated equivalent experience supporting complex, multi-agency HSEEP-compliant exercisesOther Requirements:U.S. Citizenship Required: YesPerformance Location: On-site while on assignment (various locations within the Commonwealth of Virginia)Relocation Assistance: Not applicableClearance Required: NoneTravel Required: Yes - up to 100% while on assignmentWorking Environment:The work environment will include Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), field exercise sites, training venues, or office locations depending on assignment. The position may require extended work hours beyond 12 hours per day, working under high operational tempo, and travel to locations throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.About Applied Training Solutions, LLC:Applied Training Solutions, LLC is a leading simulations company providing innovative systems, products, and solutions to government and commercial customers.We are committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. U.S. citizenship is required for most positions.