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Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Mission Capabilities

Department of Defense
Office of the Secretary of Defense
Office of the USW for Research and Engineering

Summary

The Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Mission Capabilities (PDASW(MC)) operates under the authority, direction, and control of the Assistant Secretary of War for Mission Capabilities (ASW(MC)) to identify and transition concepts that close high-priority time-critical gaps in multicomponent missions to warfighting capabilities. The ASW(MC) is a Presidential Appointee with Senate Confirmation.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted today · Apply by 07/01/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 1, 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
No
Salary
$186,207 - $228,000 per year

This is a Tier 3 position with a salary range of $186,207 to $228,000.

Pay scale & grade
ES 00
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Supervisory status
Yes
Federal service type
This job is in the Senior Executive 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
Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
SES -12977742-26-RR
Control number
873382400

Duties

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Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • The PDASW(MC) serves as the principal back-up to the ASW(MC) in providing policy guidance and technical direction to the Service, Agency and OSW component staffs engaged in mission integration and prototyping and experimentation. The PDASW(MC) shares with the ASW(MC) and, when necessary, acts for the ASW(MC) on mission engineering, prototyping/experimentation. PDASW(MC) takes executive action on internal management matters to include human capital and financial management. Represents the ASW(MC) in the presentation and justification of programs to Congressional committees, to various departmental and inter-departmental committees and at conferences.
  • The PDASW(MC), will: (1) work with the ASW(MC) to establish Department capability for Joint Mission Engineering that analyzes and recommends technologies that eliminate or disrupt adversary kill chains or, alternatively, that deliver superior Blue Force kill chains; and (2) implement new methods, policies and alternate acquisition pathways that rapidly move innovative technologies and prototypes that prove their ability to meet the warfighter's needs from the lab to the field.
  • The PDASW(MC) assists with the conduct of Mission Engineering Analysis in collaboration with his/her counterpart and the Assistant Secretary of War for Acquisition (ASD (A)), to establish mission portfolios and inform the USW(R&E) and USW (A&S) of disruptive technologies that improve U.S. Kill/Effects Chains or degrade an adversary's kill/effects chains. The PDASW(MC) will review and develop policy and issue guidance at the direction of the ASW(MC) for DoW Mission and Enterprise Architectures, establishment of Open Architecture Standards, and pilots alternate rapid acquisition approaches.
  • The PDASW(MC) works with the Service/joint level (specifically BA4 prototyping), engages with the Services, Combatant Commands CCMDs, and the Joint Staff to prioritize/select prototype activities that introduce game-changing technology to the Services/requirements community. PDASW(MC) works to leverage mission engineering analysis and prototyping/experimentation events to develop new capabilities based on emerging technologies. The PDASW(MC) conducts red teaming in conjunction with prototyping/experimentation to improve operational use, sustainment, training, supportability, robustness to enemy threats focused on joint orphaned capabilities.
  • The PDASW(MC) serves as a member of the Personnel Policy Board, a director level forum focused on ensuring workforce development, training opportunities, and identification of candidate award recipients. Serves as the ASW(MC) sub-pay pool manager.
  • The PDASW(MC) participates in boards, committees, and other groups pertaining to the ASW(MC) functional areas, and represents the Secretary of War, the Deputy Secretary of War, and the USW(R&E) on ASW(MC) matters outside the DoW. Carries out such other functions and responsibilities as the ASW(MC) may direct.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for this position.
  • All newly appointed Career SES leaders must sign the Reassignment Rights Obligations Agreement as a condition of appointment into the SES.
  • You must submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test before you can be appointed into this position. Designated and/or Random Drug Testing required.
  • In order to qualify for this position, you must be able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance and access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI).
  • Submit resume and all other required documents online by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on 07/01/2026
  • The individual selected will be required to file an 'Executive Branch Personnel Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-278) in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
  • You will serve a one-year probationary period unless you have previously completed the probationary period in the SES.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration).

Qualifications

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. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ), and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit will be disqualified. Please see "Required Documents" section below for all resume formatting requirements.

Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.

Do NOT submit a separate narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs).


TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications:

TQ 1: Demonstrated knowledge of research and development and acquisition processes, including the budget and acquisition processes in accordance with the established guidelines and processes of the Military Departments and War Agencies, a large federal entity, or the organizational equivalent within industry.

TQ 2: Demonstrated experience leading collaborative technical studies involving cost, schedule, risk, and performance of complex architectures against threat capabilities evolving over time with demonstrated experience building consensus within DoW, the Intelligence Community, Services, Combatant Commands or organizational equivalent within industry to solve problems of common interest.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position.

There are five ECQs:
  • ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.
    • Sub-Competencies:
      • Knowledge of the American System of Government: Demonstrates understanding and appreciation of the American system of government, including the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, separation of powers, federalism, and the historical development of the American Nation.
      • Commitment to the Rule of Law: Upholds the principles of the American Founding, including equality under the law and democratic self-government. Ensures the law is applied fairly and consistently.
      • Civic-Mindedness: Stays up-to-date on important developments in American government and aligns organizational objectives and practices with presidential and public interests. Demonstrates a commitment to serve the American people.
  • ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
    • Sub-Competencies:
      • Fiscal Responsibility: Strategically manages, allocates and monitors financial resources. Aligns priorities and initiatives to justify budget proposals. Monitors expenditures, cuts unnecessary costs, and uses cost-benefit analysis to set priorities.
      • Managing Resources: Manages resources efficiently and effectively based on current and projected organizational goals, skills, budget considerations, and staffing needs.
      • Leveraging Technology: Explores emerging technology and potential applications. Incorporates technology to enhance efficiency and achieve results. Ensures access to and security of technology systems.
  • ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
    • Sub-Competencies:
      • Technical Skill: Possesses the requisite technical knowledge and subject matter expertise to consistently produce timely, high-quality work. Is considered a strong contributor in his or her domain.
      • Problem Solving: Engages in critical and data-driven thinking when diagnosing root causes and evaluating options. Identifies and promptly addresses the most pressing, high-priority problems.
      • Agility and Resilience: Anticipates and adapts to change, new ideas, new information, and new conditions. Is committed to continuous improvement. Deals effectively with pressure and remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity.
  • ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.
    • Sub-Competencies:
      • Accountability: Ensures that employees are appropriately recruited, selected, appraised, trained, and retained. Takes swift action to address performance- or conduct-based deficiencies in employees supervised. Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.
      • Developing Others: Recognizes and rewards outstanding achievement in others. Develops the ability of others to perform and contribute to the organization by providing opportunities to learn through formal and informal methods. Cultivates a dynamic environment in which employees are not afraid to make mistakes.
      • Executive Judgement: Makes well-reasoned, timely, and effective decisions and considers short- and long-term implications. Communicates effectively with stakeholders across all organizational levels, sharing and guarding information where appropriate.
  • ECQ 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.
    • Sub-Competencies:
      • Operational Mindset: Effectively translates strategies into actionable steps and processes. Partners effectively with stakeholders to drive adoption and addresses blockers to ensure successful implementation.
      • Innovation: Applies creativity to improving products and processes, challenges convention, takes measured risks, and considers ways to simplify and remove unnecessary requirements.
      • Strategic Thinking: Formulates objectives and priorities and implements plans consistent with the long-term interests of the organization by evaluating conditions, resources, capabilities, constraints, and organizational goals and values.

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, you must attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES. See "Required Documents" section for additional information.

Additional information

DoW Joint Enterprise-Wide Experience Statement: In addition, DoW requires an Enterprise Perspective. This individual must have the ability to apply a broad point of view and an awareness and understanding of individual or organizational responsibilities in relation to DoW or government-wide strategic priorities is required. Executives must 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. This information should be embedded within the resume.

Veterans preference is not applicable to the Senior Executive Service.

Mobility: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders. Individuals selected for SES positions members may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines, and may be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.

Tiering: The Office of the Secretary of War structures its SES positions into tiers to determine the pay range for each position. The categories are based on the position scope, breadth, functions, and placement within the structure of organizational levels across the Department.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement: http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/index.cfm

Employment Information Resources - Resource Center: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to

OPM must authorize any employment offers made to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employees in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office.

Submit resume and all other required documents online by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on 07/01/2026

Check your email closely following the closing of this vacancy on 07/01/2026, as the invitation link to complete the USA Hire Assessment should arrive within 7 calendar days of the close date. You will have a four (4) calendar day window to complete the assessment. Please check both your junk and spam email as the assessment will come from a no-reply email.

"ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTINUED IN BENEFITS SECTION"

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.

Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. If you meet minimum qualifications, your Application Package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (MTQ) listed above. ECQs and TQs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. Highly Qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.

External USA Hire Assessment: You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

  • Civic-Mindedness
  • Fiscal Responsibility
  • Managing Resources
  • Leveraging Technology
  • Technical Skill
  • Problem Solving
  • Agility and Resilience
  • Accountability
  • Developing Others
  • Executive Judgement
  • Operational Mindset
  • Innovation
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Customer Service
  • Influencing/Negotiating
  • Conflict Management
  • Team Building
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Continual Learning

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

Upon selection, if not already a member of the SES serving under a career appointment, the individual selected must have his/her executive qualifications certified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB) before appointment to this position. The selected individual's application will be forwarded to the OPM for review and certification by the QRB through a Structured Interview process, unless the selectee provides evidence of their noncompetitive status (i.e., a current SES, OPM QRB certified SESCDP graduate, or SES reinstatement eligible). Upon QRB certification, the selected individual will be required to serve a one-year probationary period. For more information regarding the SES, go to https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/.

Office of the Secretary of Defense

This position is in the Senior Executive Service (SES), a small, elite group of top government leaders. SES members possess a diverse portfolio of experiences including strong skills to lead across organizations. As a Senior Executive, you will influence the direction of innovation and transformation of the federal government and lead the next generation of public servants.

The Office of the Secretary of War (OSW) is the principal staff element of the Secretary of War in the exercise of policy development, planning, resource management, and program evaluation responsibilities. OSW includes the Offices of the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of War, Under Secretaries of War, Assistant Secretaries of War, General Counsel of the DoW; Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation; Inspector General of the DoW; Director of Operational Test and Evaluation; Chief Information Officer of the DoW; Assistant to the Secretary of War for Privacy, Civil Liberties, and Transparency; Assistant to the Secretary of War for Public Affairs; Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer; Director of War Innovation; Director of Net Assessment; and the Director of Administration and Management.

Agency contact information

Senior Executive Services
Email
whs.pentagon.hrd.mbx.semo-job-application-assistant@mail.mil
Address
Office of the USD for Research and Engineering
Human Resources Directorate
4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350
US

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