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Emerging Technology Branch Chief

Department of the Air Force
Space Systems Command
This job announcement has closed

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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Job closed
Open date: 02/23/2026
Closed date: 03/02/2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Salary
$91,870 - $142,022 per year

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

Pay scale & grade
NH 3
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
Yes
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Top Secret
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
SF-FY26-6S-NH-1550-3-SPLASH
Control number
858535000

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Duties

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

Description:
The Space Systems Command Communications Office (SSC/S6) is a Command-level organization responsible for influencing the evolution of technology, information systems, and cybersecurity across command. The Emerging Technologies Branch Chief will lead a multifaceted team of civilian, contractor, and military personnel to advance the Space Systems Command's software capabilities.

This leader will be responsible for establishing and enforcing policies and guidelines to foster the creation of high-quality, secure, and scalable software products. They will provide expert advice to the Command on all software-related matters, including architecture and technology selection, to optimize operational effectiveness. Furthermore, the chief will conduct thorough research on emerging software technologies to ensure alignment with the dynamic needs of the warfighter, maintain technological superiority, and spearhead the integration of Agile and DevSecOps practices into the Command's acquisition processes. By championing innovation and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, they will enhance responsiveness to evolving mission requirements and effectively address operational challenges.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in software policy, acquisition, and engineering, with a comprehensive understanding of how to architect, manage, modernize, and secure software systems. This individual must be able to interpret Department of War (DoW) and Department of the Air Force (DAF) policy to help create the strategic direction for Space Systems Command (SSC) software acquisition and development. Proven experience in applying DevSecOps best practices, agile methodologies, and a deep understanding of the entire software development lifecycle-from requirements generation to testing-is essential.

Strong leadership and collaboration skills are required to work effectively with cross-functional teams and foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning. While direct supervisory experience is not required, a history of mentoring software engineers and development teams would be beneficial. Additionally, familiarity with the SSC, United States Space Force (USSF), DAF, and other DoW-level communications offices, along with knowledge of the space domain, will be highly advantageous in this role. An in-depth understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) methodologies would also be a significant asset.

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 situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed “Unscheduled Telework”.
  • PCS is authorized and 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/
  • Employee must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance.
  • Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
  • This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to pre-employment drug testing as a condition of employment and participate in random drug testing.
  • May be required to travel by military or commercial aircraft in the performance of TDY assignments.
  • May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours.
  • A certification in accordance with DoDI 8410 (previously DoD 8570) IAM Level I is required within first year of employment.
  • Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 20 days per year.
  • Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
  • Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
  • Incentive is not authorized.
  • This position will close after 5 business days or 75 applications, whichever comes first.

Qualifications

The 1550 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.

Space Systems Command

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This Job Opportunity Announcement (JOA) will be used to form a pool of qualified applicants who will be considered for direct hire vacancies as they become available.

To learn more about the United States Space Force Mission click here

Agency contact information

US Space Force Enterprise Talent Management
Email
HQ.USSF.TalentAcquisition@spaceforce.mil
Address
USSF - Space Systems Command
1670 Space Force Pentagon
Washington, DC 20330
US

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