Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.
The primary purpose of this position is to provide executive direction in managing all SOF acquisition programs with responsibility to the
Under Secretary of Defense for AT&L on any ACAT-I programs directly managed by USSOCOM.
Summary
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.
The primary purpose of this position is to provide executive direction in managing all SOF acquisition programs with responsibility to the
Under Secretary of Defense for AT&L on any ACAT-I programs directly managed by USSOCOM.
The Deputy Director for Acquisition for SOF AT&L serves as the principal advisor to the Acquisition Executive (AE) , spearheading the comprehensive management, direction, and oversight of SOF AT&L's extensive acquisition enterprise. This encompasses critical science and technology, development, procurement, services, and sustainment efforts. SOF AT&L is charged with acquiring and delivering current and future state-of-the-art capabilities - including maritime, airborne, space, cyber, tactical communications, IT, weapon systems, and advanced intelligence/surveillance tools - to SOF warfighters and USSOCOM forces globally. The role is central to the programming, budgeting, and resourcing of all SOF acquisition programs, providing vital analysis for a wide variety of complex ACAT II and III level programs crucial to national interest.
The Deputy Director actively contributes to the strategic management of significant entities, including PEO SOF Support Activity (SOFSA), a critical $9B depot-level maintenance facility responsible for SO-peculiar equipment and services. Uniquely, SOF AT&L integrates Acquisition Logistics directly into its structure, ensuring AE visibility and comprehensive lifecycle support. This position also directs and advises on the SOF AT&L workforce and numerous strategic initiatives, such as the Acquisition Demonstration Program, Small Business Programs, Information Technology (e.g., Game Changer Development Team), Pathfinders, SOFWERX, and the Joint Acquisition Task Force.
Directly supervising four NH-IV civilians (GS-14/15 equivalent), the Deputy Director actively collaborates with the AE in planning and directing work for five Directorates (e.g., Science and Technology, Procurement, Logistics) and eight Program Executive Offices (e.g., Rotary Wing, Maritime, Digital Applications, SOFSA). These activities command a combined staff of 1,000 military, civilian, and contractor personnel and manage an annual budget exceeding $7 billion. This leadership oversees management of special operations technology, and functional support across engineering, management, logistics, finance, contracting, and testing.
As a key representative of the AE, the Deputy Director engages at the highest levels, both within and outside DoD, to shape acquisition policies, procedures, and philosophies. This includes serving on and leading executive-level DoD and industry working groups, task forces, and strategy review panels that resolve complex acquisition issues and approve critical strategies for USSOCOM readiness. The role involves extensive interaction and negotiation with top officials across the U.S. Government (Congress, OSD, JCS, Service Secretaries), USSOCOM component commanders, national labs, other government agencies, global partners, and foreign government officials on material acquisition issues and programs.
Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
Disclosure of Political Appointments
Mobility is a condition of employment and appointment for SES members will be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligations Agreement
Selected candidate must file a Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 278) in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978
Position has been designated Special-Sensitive and the selectee must have or be able to obtain a Top Secret clearance
Drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to random testing for drug use IAW Exec. Order 12564, dated 14 Sep 86. Position requires that the incumbent sign a Drug Testing letter and pass urinalysis testing prior to appointment.
Position requires travel under conditions specified in the DoD Joint Travel Regulations. Incumbent is expected to travel on short notice to attend high-level meetings.
Position may require incumbent to be available for other than normal duty hours to include weekends to support exercises and crisis planning.
An initial SES career appointment becomes final only after the individual successfully completes a 1-year probationary period.
Attendance to the Air Force's Senior Leader Orientation Course (SLOC) is generally required within 12 months of appointment, subject to course availability.
Position may be subject to the post-government employment restrictions of Sections 207(a) and (f) of Title 18, United States Code.
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.
Qualifications
Under the new process, at the initial application stage for Senior Executive Service (SES) positions, applicants are no longer required to submit lengthy narrative essays, including those for Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). Instead, the initial application will be resume-only, capped at two pages, streamlining the process to align with private industry practices. However, candidates who are identified for potential selection will later undergo a structured interview assessment with OPM's Qualifications Review Board (QRB). This interview, based on the new Executive Core Qualifications, will replace the previous narrative essay requirement at this subsequent stage of the hiring process.
Qualification Requirements: Your 2-page resume must demonstrate the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) listed below. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments to the qualifications. If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position. At this time, only a resume (capped at 2 pages) is required. A panel may assess whether you possess the required ECQs and MTQs through resume review, assessments, and/or interview later.
A. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Education Requirement: An Advanced Degree in an appropriate technical/business field or equivalent is highly desired.
2. Certification Requirements:
a. This position requires Level Ill APDP Certification in Program Management, substantial and demonstrated experience in the management of a large, complex, technically and industrially oriented activity, and previous large system Acquisition and international program experience.
b. This is a Critical Acquisition Position. Unless specifically waived by the appropriate Component official (i.e. the Director of Acquisition Career Management for the Component, the Service Acquisition Executive, or the Service Secretary), or the employee is "grandfathered" under 10 U.S.C. 1736 c(I), the following are statutorily mandated requirements (Reference 10 USC 1733 and 1737);(I) Selectee must be a member of an Acquisition Corps at the time of appointment,(2) Selectee must execute, as a condition of appointment, a written agreement to remain in Federal Service in this position for at least three years. In signing such an agreement, the employee does not forfeit any employment rights, nor does such agreement alter any other terms or conditions of employment.
B. MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs):Applicants must reflect superior technical qualifications demonstrated through leadership and management in the following:
1. Expert knowledge of all phases of acquisition and procurement, and all pertinent legislation; must possess the ability to develop or adapt policy as warranted.
2. Broad and diverse senior-level knowledge of the technology associated with the development and production of SOF-peculiar systems and equipment, and a working knowledge of the DoD Planning Programming and Budget process.
In addition, DoD requires an Enterprise Perspective. The individual must possess a broad point of view and an awareness and understanding of individual or organizational responsibilities in relation to DoD or government-wide strategic priorities. Executives should demonstrate ability to work with internal and external partners to support national security objectives. This perspective is typically gained through a variety of diverse work experiences. A separate narrative statement is not required--this information should be embedded within the resume.
Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certificate of Completion of SESCDP) of your eligibility for appointment to the SES.
Education
Education: A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is desired. A master's or advanced degree from an accredited institution is highly desired. An undergraduate technical degree or an advanced degree in either a technical or management field is highly desired.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight and win...airpower anytime, anywhere. To achieve that mission, the Air Force has a vision of Global Vigilance, Reach and Power. That vision orbits around three core competencies: Developing Airmen, Technology-to-Warfighting and Integrating Operations. Core competencies and distinctive capabilities are based on a shared commitment to three core values -- integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.
SALARY: $162,326.00 - $207,500.00 per annum. (Air Force Tier 1) SES members are eligible for bonuses and/or ranks and stipends in addition to annual salary.
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Applications will be accepted from all qualified persons.
SES members are eligible for Performance-Based Salary increases and/or bonuses. This is a SES Career Reserved position and is assigned a precedence priority code of DV-6/ Brig Gen, Tier 1 for protocol purposes.
MOBILITY: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES and DISES leaders and generally is a key to advancement. Therefore, mobility is a condition of employment and appointed SES and DISES members will be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.
Additional information
Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES.
Relocation Authorized: Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).
Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: May be offered.
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.
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit GSA Bulletin FTR 20-04 here for additional information.
If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
A Resume-based Senior Executive Service (SES) Hiring Method will be used for this recruitment. This method provides an alternative to traditional submissions that requires applicants to submit a resume and seek OPM Qualifications Review Board (QRB) approval of their ECQs. A well-written resume for this announcement should demonstrate to Senior Hiring Officials that you possess the essential ECQs with supporting accomplishments. Applicants should incorporate ECQs as they write their resumes and can refer to the following OPM Link for additional guidance on SES Executive Qualifications: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/reference-materials/guidetosesquals_2012.pdf. In addition, the Department of the Air Force highly encourages applicants to seek mentoring assistance from a current SES member in preparing and/or reviewing their package.
PLEASE NOTE: This position will be filled under the FY2024 NDAA Section 1118, "Pilot Program for Initial Appointments to Senior Executive Service Positions in the Department of Defense (DoD)." This authority allows us to appoint qualified individuals to initial career appointments into the Senior Executive Service of the DoD without regard to 5 U.S.C. 3393(c).
A career SES appointment made under this authority does not guarantee that you will be eligible to transfer to another career SES appointment outside of the DoD without the need for you to compete. Other Federal agencies may require you to submit ECQs to OPM's QRB prior to your appointment in that agency.
Your 2-page resume must demonstrate the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (TQs) provided in the qualification section. It should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments relative to the TQs. If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position. A panel may assess whether you possess the required ECQs and TQs through resume review, assessments, and/or interview.
Applications will be evaluated against the qualifications requirements. Failure to meet the qualifications standards will eliminate a candidate from further consideration. Candidates will be evaluated for this position by a screening panel composed of senior executives and/or general officers selected for organizational and/or functional backgrounds relevant to this position. The panel discusses each application and reaches consensus on the resume packages demonstrating a high degree of the executive core qualifications and technical competencies. Only those applicants whose packages demonstrate a mastery of ECQs and technical competencies are selected for interviews. Post interview, the panel will then make a recommendation of those Best Qualified candidates who should be referred to the selecting official, in priority order. Final selection is contingent upon the Air Force Executive Resources Board and the Under Secretary of the Air Force.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To receive full consideration, each applicant must submit the MANDATORY documents in the format as designated. Packages that do not include all of the required documents or meet format requirements will not be forwarded for consideration.
**************ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE UPLOADED IN PDF FORMAT*******************
The Qualifications Documents must be formatted using Times New Roman, size 12 font, with 1-inch margins. Do not use borders, provide photos, or list a Social Security Number on any of the Qualifications Documents. DO NOT COMBINE DOCUMENTS.
A. (Mandatory) Resume in the preferred format (Limit 2 Pages Total).Upload in PDF format. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
B. Most recent completed Performance Appraisal (current and/or former federal employees) or Performance Report (OPR or EPR). For applicants in the private sector, please provide a copy of your equivalent Evaluation Report.
C. Most recent Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50, noting your current position, grade level and salary level (applies only to current or former civilian government employee).
D. College transcript(s) (copy is acceptable) which demonstrates the acceptable combinations of education and experience as noted by OPM.
E. (Mandatory) Military: Retired - a copy of your DD214 and/or Retirement orders; Active Duty - Are you an active duty service member with a statement of service showing that you expect to be honorably discharged or released from the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after submitting your application? PLEASE NOTE: you will be ineligible for consideration if your statement of service is not submitted with your application or it shows an expected discharge or release date greater than 120 days from the date of the submission of the certification. Documents are required.
F. (Optional): Ethnicity and Race Identification, SF-181 -- Form available at: https://www.opm.gov
G. (Optional): Self-Identification of Disability, SF-256 -- Form available at: https://www.opm.gov
Please follow the below instructions to submit applications. Any applications received that do not include all of the required documents or do not meet format requirements will not be forwarded for consideration.
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 08/04/2025.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.
PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.
PREFERRED RESUME FORMAT: (Limit 2 pages/Times New Roman 12-font) (Do Not Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder) - Please submit a typewritten resume (upload as a PDF), including the following information:
Job Information: Announcement number (MRL2025-00801) and title of the position to which you are applying.
Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), day and evening phone numbers (with area code) and complete e-mail address where you would like to receive correspondence regarding your application. **PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER**
Active-Duty/Retired Military: State highest rank held, date of promotion and date eligible to retire or date of retirement, (e.g., Colonel/June 2006/December 2014). NOTE:IAW 5 U.S.C. 3326, a 180-day waiver will be required for retired or retiring members of the armed forces during the period of 180 days immediately after retirement. Please note: you will be ineligible for consideration if your statement of service is not submitted with your application or it shows an expected discharge or release date greater than 120 days from the date of the submission of the certification.
Education: Educational information, including the name, city and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degree received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html
Work Experience: Give the following information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying: (Do not send job descriptions).
- Starting and ending dates (month and year)
- Job title (for government position, include civilian series and grade or military rank)
- Employer's name and address
- Supervisor's name and phone number, please indicate if we may contact your current supervisor
- Salary (current)
HELPFUL HINTS FOR YOUR RESUME:
- Reflect on the TQs/ECQs and think about how your past experiences and education relate to each. - Read the vacancy announcement carefully.
- Adhere to the page limitations (in PDF format and 12 point font)
- Quantify your accomplishments. * Applicants should focus on recency of experience - Recruitment Panels, Executive Resources Boards, and Hiring Officials may consider experience over 10 years outdated. * Seek mentoring assistance from a current SES or equivalent to review your package before submission.
References: Provide the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three individuals who can comment on your qualifications for this position. Please do not list supervisors already listed above.
This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify this office. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis.
SAF/MRL CONTACT INFORMATION: Questions regarding this announcement may be directed to Mr. Charles Andrews; charles.andrews.14@us.af.mil
AF Senior Executive Management
1040 Air Force Pentagon Room 4D
Washington, DC 20330
US
Next steps
Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent.
If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To receive full consideration, each applicant must submit the MANDATORY documents in the format as designated. Packages that do not include all of the required documents or meet format requirements will not be forwarded for consideration.
**************ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE UPLOADED IN PDF FORMAT*******************
The Qualifications Documents must be formatted using Times New Roman, size 12 font, with 1-inch margins. Do not use borders, provide photos, or list a Social Security Number on any of the Qualifications Documents. DO NOT COMBINE DOCUMENTS.
A. (Mandatory) Resume in the preferred format (Limit 2 Pages Total).Upload in PDF format. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
B. Most recent completed Performance Appraisal (current and/or former federal employees) or Performance Report (OPR or EPR). For applicants in the private sector, please provide a copy of your equivalent Evaluation Report.
C. Most recent Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50, noting your current position, grade level and salary level (applies only to current or former civilian government employee).
D. College transcript(s) (copy is acceptable) which demonstrates the acceptable combinations of education and experience as noted by OPM.
E. (Mandatory) Military: Retired - a copy of your DD214 and/or Retirement orders; Active Duty - Are you an active duty service member with a statement of service showing that you expect to be honorably discharged or released from the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after submitting your application? PLEASE NOTE: you will be ineligible for consideration if your statement of service is not submitted with your application or it shows an expected discharge or release date greater than 120 days from the date of the submission of the certification. Documents are required.
F. (Optional): Ethnicity and Race Identification, SF-181 -- Form available at: https://www.opm.gov
G. (Optional): Self-Identification of Disability, SF-256 -- Form available at: https://www.opm.gov
Please follow the below instructions to submit applications. Any applications received that do not include all of the required documents or do not meet format requirements will not be forwarded for consideration.
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 08/04/2025.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.
PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.
PREFERRED RESUME FORMAT: (Limit 2 pages/Times New Roman 12-font) (Do Not Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder) - Please submit a typewritten resume (upload as a PDF), including the following information:
Job Information: Announcement number (MRL2025-00801) and title of the position to which you are applying.
Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), day and evening phone numbers (with area code) and complete e-mail address where you would like to receive correspondence regarding your application. **PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER**
Active-Duty/Retired Military: State highest rank held, date of promotion and date eligible to retire or date of retirement, (e.g., Colonel/June 2006/December 2014). NOTE:IAW 5 U.S.C. 3326, a 180-day waiver will be required for retired or retiring members of the armed forces during the period of 180 days immediately after retirement. Please note: you will be ineligible for consideration if your statement of service is not submitted with your application or it shows an expected discharge or release date greater than 120 days from the date of the submission of the certification.
Education: Educational information, including the name, city and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degree received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html
Work Experience: Give the following information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying: (Do not send job descriptions).
- Starting and ending dates (month and year)
- Job title (for government position, include civilian series and grade or military rank)
- Employer's name and address
- Supervisor's name and phone number, please indicate if we may contact your current supervisor
- Salary (current)
HELPFUL HINTS FOR YOUR RESUME:
- Reflect on the TQs/ECQs and think about how your past experiences and education relate to each. - Read the vacancy announcement carefully.
- Adhere to the page limitations (in PDF format and 12 point font)
- Quantify your accomplishments. * Applicants should focus on recency of experience - Recruitment Panels, Executive Resources Boards, and Hiring Officials may consider experience over 10 years outdated. * Seek mentoring assistance from a current SES or equivalent to review your package before submission.
References: Provide the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three individuals who can comment on your qualifications for this position. Please do not list supervisors already listed above.
This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify this office. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis.
SAF/MRL CONTACT INFORMATION: Questions regarding this announcement may be directed to Mr. Charles Andrews; charles.andrews.14@us.af.mil
AF Senior Executive Management
1040 Air Force Pentagon Room 4D
Washington, DC 20330
US
Next steps
Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent.
If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
