Skip to main content
U.S. flag
Back to results

Emerging Technology Branch Chief

Department of the Air Force
Space Systems Command

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

Help
Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
02/23/2026 to 03/02/2026
Salary
$91,870 to - $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
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Peterson AFB, CO
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
Top Secret
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
SF-FY26-6S-NH-1550-3-SPLASH
Control number
858535000

Videos

Duties

Help

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

Help

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.

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.