Established by the FY2020 NDAA within the Department of the Air Force, the United States Space Force (USSF) organizes, trains, and equips forces to secure space operations, support national leadership, and enhance joint force lethality through offensive and defensive capabilities. Within this framework, the Assistant Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Cyber and Data provides executive leadership and oversight to advance USSF cyber operations, cybersecurity, and data initiatives.
Summary
Established by the FY2020 NDAA within the Department of the Air Force, the United States Space Force (USSF) organizes, trains, and equips forces to secure space operations, support national leadership, and enhance joint force lethality through offensive and defensive capabilities. Within this framework, the Assistant Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Cyber and Data provides executive leadership and oversight to advance USSF cyber operations, cybersecurity, and data initiatives.
As the Assistant Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Cyber and Data, the incumbent provides high-level executive leadership, managerial direction, and strategic oversight to advance the United States Space Force (USSF) and Department of the Air Force (DAF) cyber, data, and digital capabilities. The primary responsibilities of this role span across several critical domains:
Executive Leadership & Strategic Planning. The incumbent directs the formulation and execution of long-range strategic plans for SF/S6 programs. This includes forecasting resources and technology capabilities to build, sustain, and enhance cyberspace operational forces, cyber-enabled space forces, and warfighter communications. By leveraging DAF authorities, the leader integrates cyberspace capabilities into space systems and oversees electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO) support, cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and enterprise-wide data management and governance.
Program Direction & Resource Management. Serving as the Planning, Programming, Budget, and Execution (PPBE) champion for cyber and data, the incumbent oversees SF/S6 functions. This involves defining policies, standards, and metrics for data, artificial intelligence (AI), and software innovation, and integrating these elements into USSF warfighting, business, and intelligence operations. The leader prioritizes organizational objectives, manages documentation workflows, and ensures clear communication channels are maintained between senior leadership and subordinate staff to keep personnel aligned with critical decisions.
Professional, Technical, & Liaison Representation. The incumbent provides top-tier technical leadership, identifying complex issues, directing special studies, and maintaining deep situational awareness of Joint Cyberspace Operations, Combatant Commander plans, and performance metrics. To build support for Directorate requirements, the leader collaborates closely with high-level officials across the Department of Defense, federal and foreign government agencies, and major international corporations. In the supervisor's absence, the incumbent represents the directorate across key boards, corporate reviews, and steering groups, collaborating with the Joint Staff, OSD, Congress, the Intelligence Community, industry partners, and academia.
Supervisory & Personnel Management. The position is responsible for monitoring organizational progress and directing a diverse team of executive leaders, military personnel, and senior civilian employees (NH-04 equivalents). The incumbent dynamically adjusts work plans, schedules, and resources to meet mission goals while ensuring strict compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Additionally, the leader is vital to talent acquisition and workforce development, shaping career field management, education, and specialized training programs in cyberspace, data, and AI for the entire USSF workforce.
Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
Disclosure of Political Appointments.
Mobility is a condition of employment and appointment for SES members will be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligations Agreement.
Selected candidate must file a Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 278) in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
Position has been designated Special-Sensitive and the selectee must have or be able to obtain a Top Secret clearance.
Drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to random testing for drug use IAW Exec. Order 12564, dated 14 Sep 86. Position requires that the incumbent sign a Drug Testing letter and pass urinalysis testing prior to appointment.
Position requires travel under conditions specified in the DoW Joint Travel Regulations. Incumbent is expected to travel on short notice to attend high-level meetings.
Position may require incumbent to be available for other than normal duty hours to include weekends to support exercises and crisis planning.
An initial SES career appointment becomes final only after the individual successfully completes a 1-year probationary period.
Position may be subject to the post-government employment restrictions of Sections 207(a) and (f) of Title 18, United States Code.
Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoW Policy on The Employment of Annuitants.
Attendance to the Air Force's Senior Leader Orientation Course (SLOC) is generally required within 12 months of appointment, subject to course availability.
Qualifications
Eligibility will be based upon a clear showing the applicant has education, training, and experience of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry-out the duties of the position. Candidates must exemplify the corporate perspective, leadership vision, broad experience and character needed in the SES corps not only to satisfy the immediate vacancy, but future vacancies which will occur in a variety of organizations, functions and locations. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
In accordance with new OPM requirements to streamline Senior Executive Service (SES) hiring, applicants are no longer required to submit lengthy narrative essays, including those for Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or Mandatory Technical Qualifications (TQs), when applying. Instead, the initial application will be resume-only, capped at two pages. This change streamlines the application process and more closely aligns with private industry practices. Applicants identified for potential selection will have their ECQs assessed by undergoing a structured interview with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB).
To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the education, Technical Qualifications (TQ), and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) related to this position within your resume (not to exceed 2 pages). Resumes over the 2-page limit will be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position.
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that satisfy the technical qualifications.
TQ1: Demonstrated executive leadership directing enterprise-wide cyberspace operations, cyber-enabled space capabilities, electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO), cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and data management for a large, complex organization. Proven ability to lead highly technical and geographically dispersed teams. Skilled at integrating advanced technologies including cloud, zero-trust, data and AI/ML to transform digital operations and deliver resilient, mission-aligned capabilities. Experience synchronizing efforts across diverse teams the Department of the Air Force, Joint Staff, Combatant Commands, and interagency partners to ensure unity of effort and enterprise readiness.
TQ2: Demonstrated expertise shaping enterprise direction through long-range strategic planning, policy development, governance, metrics, and standards for cyber forces, IT modernization, and data/AI. Proven ability to establish and oversee enterprise governance for cyber/IT, data, and AI to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and integration into warfighting and enterprise missions. Mastery of the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process, including leading resource strategy, budget formulation, and execution, and communicating strategic requirements, risks, and trade-offs to leaders across the Department of War, Congress, and the Executive Branch to drive enterprise-level decisions.
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): All new appointees to the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the five mandatory ECQs:
ECQ 1. Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: 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.
ECQ 2. Driving Efficiency: Demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
ECQ 3. Merit and Competence: Demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
ECQ 4. Leading People: 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.
ECQ 5. Achieving Results: Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.
Please note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program, or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you must attach proof (e.g., SF-50 or Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.
Education
Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / Information Technology / Cybersecurity / STEM is highly desired.
Additional information
In addition, DoW requires an Enterprise Perspective. The individual must possess a broad point of view and an awareness and understanding of individual or organizational responsibilities in relation to DoW or government-wide strategic priorities. Executives must demonstrate an 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.
Tiering: The Department of the Air Force 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.
Salary: $151,662.00 - $219,000.00 per annum. (Air Force Tier 2) SES members are eligible for bonuses and/or ranks and stipends in addition to annual salary. SES members are eligible for Performance-Based Salary increases and/or bonuses.
Area of Consideration: Applications will be accepted from all qualified persons.
Mobility: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders and generally is a key to advancement. Therefore, mobility is a condition of employment and appointed SES members will be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.
Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES.
Relocation Authorized: Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).
Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: May be offered.
Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoW Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit GSA Bulletin FTR 20-04 here for additional 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.
If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties, 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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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 the education, eligibility, and minimum qualifications requirements, your Application Package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) listed above. ECQs and TQs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. Applicants will be evaluated against the qualifications requirements by a screening panel composed of senior executives and/or general officers selected for organizational and/or functional backgrounds relevant to this position. Highly Qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration. Final selection is contingent on approval by the Secretary of the Air Force.
Upon selection, if not already a member of the SES serving under a career appointment, the selected candidate must have their executive qualifications certified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB) prior to appointment. The selected candidate's application will be forwarded to OPM for review and certification by the QRB, unless the selectee provides evidence of their noncompetitive status (i.e., a current SES, OPM QRB certified SESCDP graduate, or SES reinstatement eligible). Once QRB certified, the selected candidates will be required to serve a one-year probationary period.For more information regarding the SES, please visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
A complete application includes the items specified below. If you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible.
APPLICATION DOCUMENTS: Some documents may not apply to all applicants. Please carefully review for applicability. Do not combine documents. Upload documents in pdf format.
1. Resume (Required):PLEASEDO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER. Your resume must be 2 pages in length (or less), type written, and formatted using 1-inch margins, no smaller than 10-font, and uploaded as a pdf. Do not include borders, photos, or your social security number.
2. Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50 (As applicable):
Current/Former SES Members: Must provide SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
Current Federal Civil Service Employees: Must provide a copy of SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting status as a current Federal Civil Service employee.
3. Statement of Service/DD-214 (As applicable): Active Duty/Retired Service Members must submit a DD-214 or statement of service printed on command letterhead and signed by the command. The statement of service must provide the branch of service, rate/rank, all dates of service, the expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.).
4. SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP) Verification (As applicable): Graduates must provide verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification.
5. Performance Appraisal (Optional): Applicants are encouraged to provide their most recent performance appraisal or equivalent performance evaluation document.
6. College transcript(s) (As applicable): Applicants must provide transcript(s) which demonstrate the acceptable combinations of education and experience as noted by OPM (if applicable). A copy is acceptable.
7. License(s) or certification(s) (As applicable): Applicants must provide copies of any licenses, certifications, or professional credentials required by the position (e.g. Bar membership, medical license, CPA certification, DAWIA certification, etc.) with their application.
*Applicants are responsible forproviding documentation that supports the eligibility and qualification claims made in their resume and/or assessment questionnaire. Applicants must submit the applicable documents listed here and those listed with the eligibilities selected in the announcement questionnaire with the application package. Applicants who do not provide supporting documentation that fully support their claims will not be referred to the hiring manager.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please follow the below instructions to submit applications. Any applications received that do not include all of the required documents or do not meet format requirements will not be forwarded for consideration.
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 7-Jul-2026.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.
PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.
PREFERRED RESUME FORMAT:2 pages in length (or less), type written, and formatted using 1-inch margins, no smaller than 10-font, and uploaded as a pdf. (Do Not Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder)
Job Information: Announcement number (MRL2026-30338) and title of the position to which you are applying.
Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), day and evening phone numbers (with area code) and complete e-mail address where you would like to receive correspondence regarding your application. DO NOT INCLUDE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER.
Active-Duty/Retired Military: State highest rank held, date of promotion and date eligible to retire or date of retirement, (e.g., Colonel/June 2006/December 2014). NOTE:IAW 5 U.S.C. 3326, a 180-day waiver will be required for retired or retiring members of the armed forces during the period of 180 days immediately after retirement. Please note: you will be ineligible for consideration if your statement of service is not submitted with your application or it shows an expected discharge or release date greater than 120 days from the date of the submission of the certification.
Education: Include the name, city, and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degree received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html
Work Experience:Provide the following information for paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying: position/job title (include pay plan, series and grade or military rank), employer/company name and address, supervisor's name and contact information (indicate if we may contact), salary, and start/end ending dates (month and year). When supplying work experience, applicants should focus on recency of experience. Recruitment Panels, Executive Resources Boards, and Hiring Officials may consider experience over 10 years outdated.
References:Provide the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three individuals who can comment on your qualifications for this position. Please do not list supervisors already listed above. References may be provided upon request.
This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify this office. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis.
AF Senior Executive Management
1040 Air Force Pentagon Room 4D
Washington, DC 20330
US
Next steps
If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
A complete application includes the items specified below. If you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible.
APPLICATION DOCUMENTS: Some documents may not apply to all applicants. Please carefully review for applicability. Do not combine documents. Upload documents in pdf format.
1. Resume (Required):PLEASEDO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER. Your resume must be 2 pages in length (or less), type written, and formatted using 1-inch margins, no smaller than 10-font, and uploaded as a pdf. Do not include borders, photos, or your social security number.
2. Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50 (As applicable):
Current/Former SES Members: Must provide SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
Current Federal Civil Service Employees: Must provide a copy of SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting status as a current Federal Civil Service employee.
3. Statement of Service/DD-214 (As applicable): Active Duty/Retired Service Members must submit a DD-214 or statement of service printed on command letterhead and signed by the command. The statement of service must provide the branch of service, rate/rank, all dates of service, the expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.).
4. SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP) Verification (As applicable): Graduates must provide verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification.
5. Performance Appraisal (Optional): Applicants are encouraged to provide their most recent performance appraisal or equivalent performance evaluation document.
6. College transcript(s) (As applicable): Applicants must provide transcript(s) which demonstrate the acceptable combinations of education and experience as noted by OPM (if applicable). A copy is acceptable.
7. License(s) or certification(s) (As applicable): Applicants must provide copies of any licenses, certifications, or professional credentials required by the position (e.g. Bar membership, medical license, CPA certification, DAWIA certification, etc.) with their application.
*Applicants are responsible forproviding documentation that supports the eligibility and qualification claims made in their resume and/or assessment questionnaire. Applicants must submit the applicable documents listed here and those listed with the eligibilities selected in the announcement questionnaire with the application package. Applicants who do not provide supporting documentation that fully support their claims will not be referred to the hiring manager.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please follow the below instructions to submit applications. Any applications received that do not include all of the required documents or do not meet format requirements will not be forwarded for consideration.
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 7-Jul-2026.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.
PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.
PREFERRED RESUME FORMAT:2 pages in length (or less), type written, and formatted using 1-inch margins, no smaller than 10-font, and uploaded as a pdf. (Do Not Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder)
Job Information: Announcement number (MRL2026-30338) and title of the position to which you are applying.
Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), day and evening phone numbers (with area code) and complete e-mail address where you would like to receive correspondence regarding your application. DO NOT INCLUDE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER.
Active-Duty/Retired Military: State highest rank held, date of promotion and date eligible to retire or date of retirement, (e.g., Colonel/June 2006/December 2014). NOTE:IAW 5 U.S.C. 3326, a 180-day waiver will be required for retired or retiring members of the armed forces during the period of 180 days immediately after retirement. Please note: you will be ineligible for consideration if your statement of service is not submitted with your application or it shows an expected discharge or release date greater than 120 days from the date of the submission of the certification.
Education: Include the name, city, and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degree received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html
Work Experience:Provide the following information for paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying: position/job title (include pay plan, series and grade or military rank), employer/company name and address, supervisor's name and contact information (indicate if we may contact), salary, and start/end ending dates (month and year). When supplying work experience, applicants should focus on recency of experience. Recruitment Panels, Executive Resources Boards, and Hiring Officials may consider experience over 10 years outdated.
References:Provide the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three individuals who can comment on your qualifications for this position. Please do not list supervisors already listed above. References may be provided upon request.
This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify this office. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis.
AF Senior Executive Management
1040 Air Force Pentagon Room 4D
Washington, DC 20330
US
Next steps
If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
