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Chief Engineer, MD6

Department of the Air Force
United States Space Force Forces
United States Space Force / Space Systems Command / Mission Delta 6

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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Accepting applications
This job will close when we have received 75 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
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
$129,096 - $197,200 per year
Pay scale & grade
NH 4
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
Yes
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
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
Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
SF-FY26-6F-NH-0855-4-SPLASH
Control number
881757100

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Duties

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The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) Mission Delta 6 (MD6) at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado is searching for a Chief Engineer, MD6 (NH-0855-04, GS 14/15 equivalent).

Description:
Are you ready to lead the charge in securing the final frontier? As the Senior Chief Engineer and Division Head for the 6th Sustainment Squadron, you won't just be maintaining legacy systems-you will be architecting the future of Defensive Cyber Operations for space (DCO-S). We are looking for a visionary leader to pioneer next-generation technical capabilities, championing the integration of cutting-edge AI/ML and Big Data technologies across our entire space infrastructure. In this highly autonomous role, you will operate at the highest levels of strategic policy development, validating complex operational requirements and defining the resilient cyber architectures needed to outpace evolving adversary threats.

If you are a proven leader who thrives on solving highly complex problems and delivering authoritative impact, this is your chance to shape national security on a massive scale. Beyond driving technical innovation from prototype to operational reality, you will mentor, build, and guide a world-class team of engineers, ensuring they have the resources, culture, and direction to succeed. Step into a role where your expertise directly safeguards our most critical space assets and empowers the warfighter. Come lead the team that defends our domain in the stars.

Ideal Candidate:
The employee at this level is an expert within their functional area, serving as the head of a branch or division, or as a key program administrator. The incumbent conducts or directs activities and assists higher levels on challenging and innovative program development with only general guidance on policy, resources, and planning. They develop solutions to highly complex problems requiring various disciplines and are responsible for fulfilling overarching program objectives. Their results are authoritative and directly impact major programs and the well-being of substantial numbers of personnel.

Key Skills and Abilities:
1: Expert knowledge of systems engineering, technical architecture, and Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO), particularly as they apply to the integration and sustainment of complex space and ground mission systems.
2: Mastery of the strategic coordination and policy development processes within the USSF, USAF, and broader DoW, with proven skill in representing organizational equities and influencing outcomes with external bodies like SSIO and PEOs.
3: Ability to lead and direct highly complex, enterprise-level technical programs, including translating strategic and operational requirements into technical specifications and managing integration life cycles in a multi-stakeholder environment.
4: Skill in providing authoritative technical and operational justification to diverse audiences, including senior military leadership and engineering counterparts, to overcome resistance and ensure successful adoption of technical solutions.
5: In-depth knowledge of requirements validation processes and the ability to lead working groups to prioritize technical investments that maximize mission resilience against emerging cyber threats.
6: Ability to serve as a senior technical advisor, providing decisive judgments and clear recommendations to leadership on innovation, strategic planning, and the operational application of emerging technologies such as AI/ML and Big Data Platforms.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Employee must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance with SCI and SAP access.
  • This position has been designated for drug testing. Incumbent is subject to random urinalysis testing as a condition of employment.
  • Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
  • Employee must within 30-days of assuming this position and by 31 October annually, thereafter, file an OGE-450, “Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.
  • This position is designated as a CRITICAL APDP position.
  • Employee may work extended or other than normal duty hours to include evenings/weekends and may be subject to recall.
  • Incumbent may be required to report to work during base exercises, contingencies, or emergency situations and overtime/comp time/credit hours may be required to accomplish assigned duties.
  • An engineering degree at the bachelor’s level from an institution with an ABET accredited program in electronics engineering or a closely related field is highly desired.
  • Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 30 days per year.
  • Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed "Unscheduled Telework.
  • Position will close in 5 business days or 75 applications (whichever comes first).
  • This is a Centrally Managed Position and relocation may be authorized.

Qualifications

The 0855 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.

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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