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Chief Engineer, SYD 89/OW

Department of the Air Force
Space Systems Command
United States Space Force / Space Systems Command / Systems Delta 89

Summary

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For additional information on other USSF direct hire opportunities visit the
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Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
01/22/2026 to 01/29/2026
Salary
$146,632 to - $197,200 per year

Salary is dependent upon duty location, grade, step and locality pay. Equivalent to GS-14/15.

Pay scale & grade
NH 4
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Los Angeles County, 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
Yes
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
Yes
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
SF-FY26-6S-NH-0801-4-SPLASH
Control number
855193800

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Duties

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The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) at Los Angeles AFB CA is searching for a Chief Engineer to support SYD 89/OW (NH-0801-04, GS-14/15 Equivalent).

Description:
Are you looking for a high-impact job where you are empowered to find creative solutions to tough engineering problems? SYD 89/OW is a fast-paced, empowered, and warfighter-focused Directorate that specializes in the expedient delivery of cutting-edge technology to meet the current and future demands of the USSF. To achieve this form of acquisition, we rely upon small, driven teams of highly skilled individuals who work closely with stakeholders to deliver innovative and timely solutions. As a team member, you'll join at an exciting time with the ability to introduce new ideas, expand your technical leadership abilities, and inspire a culture of innovation and excellence. If you're ready to deliver cutting-edge technology to meet the nation's defense needs, join our team today.

The Chief Engineer is responsible for all technical and program management aspects of delivering novel capabilities and technologies to meet the unique missions of the Space Systems Command (SSC). This position oversees the major technical elements of various programs that support the Orbital Warfare Directorate, ensuring the delivery of unique capabilities both now and in the future. The successful candidate will lead groups across the Space Force and the entire government to prove and communicate technology readiness. This role involves frequent interaction with leadership from the SSC, U.S. Space Force (USSF), and Combatant Commands (COCOMs) at all levels. Additionally, the Chief Engineer will collaborate with multiple Department of Defense (DoD) organizations, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), and the contractors who are building and integrating these capabilities.

Ideal Candidate:
Candidate must have a current/be able to maintain a Top-Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility, as well as have direct technical experience in developing/designing, delivering, and operating space systems. Candidate should also possess a Bachelor's degree or higher in science or engineering and have supervisory/leadership experience. Lastly, the candidate should be knowledgeable with DoD acquisition processes and development methodologies. Special Access Program (SAP) experience is desired.

To be successful in this position, a candidate should be a technical expert with the ability to communicate technical information clearly and succinctly, lead technical and highly educated teams, have a strong background and familiarity with engineering products, tools, and methodologies, and be able to interface with acquisitions leadership to guide and inform space system development and delivery. The person will need to be able to lead a team of 20-30 engineering and acquisition professionals that consist of government, military, and contractor personnel. The person should be able to creatively navigate DoD acquisition regulations, collaborate with peer mission area leads, and keep Senior Leadership informed on the delivery of space system capabilities. The individual needs to ensure the team consistently executes day-to-day tasks in order to realize space system on-orbit performance objectives while optimizing team performance by completing urgent, near-term actions without jeopardizing system delivery schedule. It is essential to have the confidence to challenge Senior Leaders and the ability to advise them on appropriate technical and funding decisions. Critical to success will be the individual's ability to develop a network of cross-functional colleagues to navigate unique and complex engineering challenges. Finally, the person should be a self-starter and driven leader, championing new ways to do business that drive clarity and efficiency into system development and sustainment.




Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S Citizen.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret / SCI security clearance.
  • Safeguards classified or sensitive budget-related information and/or files.
  • May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis.
  • Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed “Unscheduled Telework”.
  • This position will close after 5 business days or 75 applications, whichever comes first.
  • Employee may be required to perform travel by military or commercial passenger aircraft in the performance of temporary duty assignments.
  • PCS funding is authorized.
  • The employee must meet the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.
  • Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): 15 days a year.
  • This position has been designated as an acquisition position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP).
  • A bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program is required. An advanced technical background with a focus on launch vehicle systems is highly desirable.
  • This is a Critical Acquisition Position (CAP).
  • This is a drug testing designated position (TDP). The incumbent is subject to random testing for drug use, IAW AFI 90-508.
  • The employee is required to submit an initial and annual SF-450 (Financial Disclosure).

Qualifications

The 0801 series has an individual occupational requirement that must be met and can be viewed here. In 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.

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.

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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