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Emerging Technology Branch Chief, SSC

Department of the Air Force
Space Systems Command
United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command
This job announcement has closed

Summary

To submit your resume for this Direct Hire opportunity click here.

For additional information on other USSF direct hire opportunities visit the
Air Force Civilian Careers Space Force website and follow USSF on LinkedIn.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
06/03/2025 to 06/10/2025
Salary
$103,316 to - $159,716 per year

Salary is dependent upon duty location, grade, step and locality pay. Equivalent to GS-12/13

Pay scale & grade
NH 3
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Los Angeles, CA
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
AF-FY25-6S-NH-1550-3-SPLASH
Control number
838043700

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Duties

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The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command at Los Angeles Air Force Base is searching for an Emerging Technology Branch Chief (NH-1550-03, GS-12/13 equivalent).

Description:
The Space Systems Command Communications Office's (SSC/S6) is a Command-level organization responsible for and influences the evolution of technology, information, information technology, cyber, security, and cyber security across the command. The Emerging Technologies Branch Chief will lead a multifaceted team comprised of civilian, contractor, and military personnel responsible for advancing the Space Systems Command's software capabilities by: 1) Establishing and enforcing policies and guidelines to foster the creation of high-quality software products, promoting security, efficiency, and scalability across the command's software ecosystem, 2) Providing expert advice and guidance to the Command on all software-related matters, including but not limited to architecture, development methodologies, and technology selection, to optimize operational effectiveness, 3) Conducting thorough research on emerging software technologies to ensure alignment with the dynamic needs of the warfighter, fostering innovation, and maintaining technological superiority, 4) Spearheading the integration of Agile and DevSecOps practices into the Command's acquisition processes to streamline development timelines and enhance the responsiveness to evolving mission requirements, 5) Championing innovation in software development within the Command, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and creative problem-solving to address operational challenges effectively.

Ideal candidate will possess a strong background in software policy, acquisition, and engineering and a comprehensive understanding of architecting, managing, modernizing, and securing software systems. Member should be able to understand and interpret Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of the Air Force (DAF) policy and guidance to help create Space Systems Command (SSC) strategic direction for software acquisition and development. They should also have proven experience in applying DevSecOps best practices and agile methodologies. In-depth understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) methodologies and tool will be beneficial. Familiarity with the SSC, United States Space Force (USSF), DAF, Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), and DoD-level S6 Communications, Chief Data Office (CDO), and Space Force Chief Technology & Innovation Office (CTIO) will be highly beneficial. The candidate should have a deep understanding of the software development lifecycle, including requirements generation, architecture development, and software testing. Knowledge of the space domain and space systems will be advantageous in this role. They should possess strong leadership and collaboration skills to effectively work with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. The ability to foster a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and agile software development practices will be essential. While prior experience as a supervisor is not required, experience in mentoring and providing guidance to software engineers and development teams would be beneficial.

Key Skills and Abilities:
1. Knowledge of a wide range of IT and cybersecurity principles and systems analysis concepts and techniques, new and emerging information technologies, and security methods and principles.
2. Knowledge of customers' business processes and operations to anticipate and refine functional requirements.
3. Knowledge of concepts and principles of sequencing actions, procurement techniques and requirements, and coordination requirements involved in project controls.
4. Knowledge of design tools, methods, and techniques as well as life cycle management concepts, cost benefit analysis, system architecture, integration techniques, and testing methods.
5. Knowledge of customary approaches, techniques, and requirements appropriate to analyze requirements, develop acquisition strategies, and implement systems enhancements.
6. Ability to maintain an up-to-date awareness of technological advances, to apply internet technologies to analyze networks and the related security aspects, and predict how management can meet future requirements.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Eligible for Regular and Recurring Telework
  • PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
  • PCS and Incentives are authorized.
  • A certification in accordance with DoDI 8410 (previously DoD 8570) IAM Level I is required within first year of employment.
  • This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to pre-employment drug testing as a condition of employment, and participation in random drug testing.
  • Employee must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret w/SCI clearance.
  • Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise; must obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance for the position.
  • May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours. The employee may be recalled to duty and required to work overtime during other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends and/or holidays on an emergency basis.
  • May be required to travel by military or commercial aircraft in the performance of TDY assignments.
  • Resumes are to be limited to no more than 5 pages. Position will be closed after 5 business days or after 75 applications are received (whichever comes first).

Qualifications

The 1550 series has an individual occupational requirement that must be met and can be viewed here.

n addition to the above requirements you can view the experience level requirements here. Please scroll down to the 4th section titled Professional and Scientific Positions.

Additional information

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies as related to the series and grade of the position being filled. Final qualifications determinations will be assessed based on OPM's General Schedule Qualifications Standards found here:

Interviews: You will be contacted by e-mail and/or telephone if your application is identified as qualifying for a position being filled. An interview may be conducted. If interviewed, you will be asked to address the same knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies used to initially qualify your application for the position.

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