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Orbital Analyst

Department of the Air Force
United States Space Force Forces
22nd Space Operations Squadron
This job announcement has closed

Summary

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Overview

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Job closed
Posted 03/18/26
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
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
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Position sensitivity and risk
Special-Sensitive (SS)/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-FY26-6F-NH-0301-3-SPLASH
Control number
861603400

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Duties

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The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Operations Command (SpOC) at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado is searching for an Orbital Analyst (NH-0301-03, GS 12/13 equivalent).

Description:
As an Orbital Analyst with the 22nd Space Operations Squadron, you will be the designated expert for all responsibilities related to SCN Orbital analysis. Your primary function will be to support the SCN Orbital Analysis (OA) Element section in planning, directing, and managing all activities crucial for providing accurate SCN satellite user visibilities, Remote Tracking Station (RTS) Azimuth/Elevation Antenna pointing angles, and Radio Frequency/Electromagnetic Interference (RFI/EMI) analysis. Serving as the main SCN interface between satellite users and SCN Space Access Satellite Scheduling, you will provide essential support for launch and early orbit SCN missions and interface with multiple agencies.

This hands-on role requires you to work directly with the SCN MIDAS Automated Resource Scheduler (MARS) System and the Orbital Analysis System (OAS) Graphic User Interface (GUI) Orbit software applications. You will be expected to define, direct, and lead challenging projects that are vital to national security. Furthermore, you will serve as a technical authority, responsible for guiding and mentoring colleagues in solving highly complex problems, leveraging your extensive knowledge of DoW, USSF, national, and commercial satellite systems to provide critical insights.

The ideal candidate for the Orbital Analysis Operations Specialist position will have experience with the U.S. Space Force (USSF) Satellite Control Network (SCN) and knowledge of orbital mechanics, including various orbit types. While experience with Systems Tool Kit (STK) software is beneficial, it is not required.

This role requires a self-motivated individual with strong attention to detail who can operate with a high degree of independence once certified and proficient in their tasks. The candidate must blend technical expertise with analytical skills and leadership, capably following established procedures while also thinking creatively to troubleshoot complex challenges within the SCN Orbital Analysis System (OAS) database.

Key Skills and Abilities:
1. Knowledge of DoD, national, commercial, and international satellite requirements and ground equipment capabilities; ability to use technical knowledge in the fields of space systems, satellite ground support systems, data processing/reduction systems, and satellite-to-ground communications systems. Working knowledge of the SCN and the Space Surveillance Network.
2. Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing using tact and diplomacy to include making presentations and reports that provide technical information clearly and effectively. Ability to logically assess and analyze situations and develop innovative solutions where policies and directives are scarce or non-existent.
3. Knowledge of concepts, principles, and practices in: orbital mechanics; satellite vehicle design; computer science technical fields as they relate to Orbital Analysis; satellite communication systems; and a working knowledge of computer operations and data management.
4. Knowledge of and ability to work with the Electronic Schedule Dissemination system, the Orbital Analysis Subsystem, and the Command and Control Segment mainframe.
5. Knowledge and ability to apply policies, procedures, memorandums of understanding and agreements with respect to the Orbital Analysis Section; ability to research, analyze, interpret and apply rules, regulations and procedures in a variety of situations and recommend timely, accurate and economical solutions.
6. Knowledge and ability to insure that engineering and analysis are accomplished in accordance with established procedures within the section.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance with SCI access.
  • PCS is not authorized. Incentive is not authorized.
  • May be required to participate in readiness exercises.
  • May be required to perform TDY in accordance with JTR Vol II and applicable directives which may include government furnished transport, private auto, rental car, or military and commercial aircraft.
  • 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.
  • Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 15 days per year.
  • May be required to work non-standard hours on short notice including weekends, nights, and/or holidays.
  • May be required to perform additional duties within the squadron as required.
  • This is a “key” position. Unless an alternate can be designated to perform the duties of this position during wartime, the incumbent of the “key” position must be screened from military recall status.
  • 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.
  • This position will close after 5 business days or 75 applications, whichever comes first.

Qualifications

The 0301 series does not have an individual occupational requirement that must be met. You can view the experience level requirements here. Please scroll down to the 3rd section titled Administrative and Management 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.

United States Space Force Forces

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 - United States Space Force Forces
1670 Space Force Pentagon
Washington, DC 20330
US

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https://spaceforce.com

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