Associate Chief Operations Officer (ACOO) Job in Arlington, VA

Vacancy No. MRL2025-30156 Department Department of the Air Force - Agency Wide
Salary $207,500.00 to $217,000.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/9/2025 Close Date 5/27/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Arlington, VA


Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.

The primary purpose of the position is to provide executive leadership and managerial direction for the United States Space Force (USSF) as the ACOO. The incumbent reports to the COO, a Lieutenant General, and fully shares responsibility across the entire portfolio of operations, assessment and response.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

**Opened to all DoD Senior Executives (SES)**

Duties

Maintains effective awareness and understanding of USSF missions, systems, activities, and events, threats, and conditions that affect them. Provides in-depth performance assessment of all USSF elements from missions and systems to personnel and processes. Provides contingency plans, develop COAs and issues policy, guidance and directives to govern operations, mitigate operational shortfalls and exploit opportunities. Gathers and disseminates operationally relevant data, reports, information, and intelligence to ensure a timely and accurate sight picture of key activities, conditions, events, and operations that affect or could affect Department of Defense (DoD), USSF, and national security interests.

Validates requirements, sets priorities and resourcing for USSF logistics and weapons system sustainment and serves as the USSF Lead for Department of the Air Force installation support agreements. Ensures reporting for mission-essential systems and equipment, as delegated to the SecAF pursuant to DoD Instruction (DoDI) 3110.05, Readiness- based Materiel Condition Reporting for Mission-Essential Systems and Equipment, not to include aircraft. Ensures management, control, property accountability, and disposal of government property (excluding real property) in the possession of contractors, as delegated to the SecAF pursuant to DoDI 4161.02, Accountability and Management of Government Contract Property. Interfaces with Air Staff to advocate for installation and mission support activities, resolves issues as appropriate, and supports the COO on relevant issues that must be raised to that level and as the USSF Lead for world-wide Military Construction prioritization and budgeting.

Provides direction, guidance, integration and advocacy regarding the nuclear deterrence mission of the USSF and engages with joint and interagency partners for nuclear enterprise solutions. Leads and manages all activities required to perform nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) operations, deterrence, integration, cyber surety, policy, and compliance for all nuclear matters of the USSF to meet all organization and mission objectives.

Leads cyber integration and information operations in support of USSF space operations. Serves as focal point for all cyber operations, EMS, and mission network related issues and formulates, manages and oversees USSF cybersecurity policy supporting USSF global space operations. Develops policies, program requirements, communications architectures, and support for the acquisition lifecycle for space communications systems and satellite operations systems, both space and terrestrial components.

Responsible for the management of a classified portfolio of space programs and activities. Coordinates and manages extremely sensitive activities within the Department and collaborates with interagency and mission partners to ensure mission success. Evaluates the impact of new technologies on current systems, policies, and operational doctrine.

USSF Headquarters Lead for consolidating and coordinating Service position on Joint and Interagency issues for the National Security Council (NSC) and Joint Staff.

Oversees the process of providing operationally relevant assessment based upon measures of effectiveness and measures of performance specifically designed and measured to maximize current and future force effectiveness and lethality. Oversees preparation of operational concepts for employing space power and provides advice on USSF operational activities during contingencies and responses to domestic events. Guides development of testimony to Congress on operational readiness and other issues as requested and prepares the COO for Congressional hearings and inquiries. Oversees formulation of USSF position on matters under consideration by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the NSC.

The incumbent oversees policy and strategy development on the nuclear deterrence mission of the USSF, and the development of USSF policy and guidance to ensure compliance with international laws and existing and planned treaties and agreements. Oversees planning and management for USSF test and training ranges and USSF representation and policy development on matters relating to civil space. Directs resource management activities and provides guidance on the planning and execution of COO's annual budget of $18M.

Oversees the COO executive support staff consisting of two field grade officers, one civilian and one enlisted member. Leads all military and civilian personnel actions on behalf of the COO to include making recommendations and decisions on new hires, advancements, awards and administrative actions.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. citizenship is required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • 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 DoD 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.
  • Attendance to the Air Force's Senior Leader Orientation Course (SLOC) is generally required within 12 months of appointment, subject to course availability.
  • Position may be subject to the post-government employment restrictions of Sections 207(a) and (f) of Title 18, United States Code.

Qualifications

Eligibility will be based upon a clear showing the applicant has training, education 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.

A. MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (MTQ - NTE 2 Pages Total): A supplemental statement must be submitted separately addressing each TQ. TQs must provide specific examples that address relevant experience and accomplishments. Applicants should focus on recent experience, education, and training, as some Recruitment Panel and Executive Resources Board members may consider experience that's over 10 years old to be outdated. Applicants must reflect superior technical qualifications demonstrated through leadership and management in the following:

1. Extensive knowledge, skill, and breadth of experience in enterprise-level logistics and weapon system sustainment, as well as installation and mission support functions, driving efficiency, resiliency, and long-term capability across complex organizational environments.

2. In-depth understanding of Military/Defense Strategy, Operational Assessment, the Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution process, operational/contingency planning, and the Joint Requirements process.

In addition, DoD 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 DoD or government-wide strategic priorities. Executives should 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. A separate narrative statement is not required--this information should be embedded within the application package [Resume (not to exceed 5 pages) and Technical Qualifications (not to exceed a combined total of 2 pages].

Education

Education: A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is desired. A master's or advanced degree from an accredited institution is highly desired. An undergraduate technical degree or an advanced degree in either a technical or management field is highly desired.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight and win...airpower anytime, anywhere. To achieve that mission, the Air Force has a vision of Global Vigilance, Reach and Power. That vision orbits around three core competencies: Developing Airmen, Technology-to-Warfighting and Integrating Operations. Core competencies and distinctive capabilities are based on a shared commitment to three core values -- integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.

SALARY: $207,500.00 - $217,000.00 per annum. (Air Force Tier 2) SES members are eligible for bonuses and/or ranks and stipends in addition to annual salary.

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Applications will be accepted from all qualified Senior Executives (SES).

SES members are eligible for Performance-Based Salary increases and/or bonuses. This is a SES Career Reserved position and is assigned a precedence priority code of DV-5/ Maj Gen, Tier 2 for protocol purposes.

MOBILITY: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES and DISES leaders and generally is a key to advancement. Therefore, mobility is a condition of employment and appointed SES and DISES members will be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.

Additional information

Full-timeVeterans' 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 DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

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.

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.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

Benefits

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.

Review our 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.

Applications will be evaluated against the qualifications requirements. Failure to meet any one of the Mandatory Technical or Executive Core Qualifications standards will eliminate a candidate from further consideration.

Candidates will be evaluated for this position by a screening panel composed of senior executives and/or general officers selected for organizational and/or functional backgrounds relevant to this position. The panel discusses each application and reaches consensus as to the Best Qualified, Qualified or Not Qualified candidates. Only the Best Qualified candidates will be interviewed. The panel will then make a recommendation of those Best Qualified candidates who should be referred to the selecting official, in priority order. Final selection is contingent upon the Air Force Executive Resources Board, the Under Secretary of the Air Force.

REMINDER: Before uploading your required PDF documents (Resume, Technical Qualification narrative), please ensure they DO NOT EXCEED the noted page limits.

Required Documents

To receive full consideration, each applicant must submit the MANDATORY documents in the format as designated. Packages that do not include all of the required documents or meet format requirements will not be forwarded for consideration.

**************ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE UPLOADED IN PDF FORMAT*******************

The Qualifications Documents must be formatted using Times New Roman, size 12 font, with 1-inch margins. Do not use borders, provide photos, or list a Social Security Number on any of the Qualifications Documents. DO NOT COMBINE DOCUMENTS.

A. (Mandatory) Resume in the preferred format (Limit 5 Pages Total). Upload in PDF format. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.

B. (Mandatory) Technical Qualifications Statement addressing each of the TQs (Limit 2 Pages Total). Upload in PDF format and include the MTQ statement as indicated in the announcement.

C. Most recent completed Performance Appraisal (current and/or former federal employees) or Performance Report (OPR or EPR). For applicants in the private sector, please provide a copy of your equivalent Evaluation Report.

D. Most recent Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50, noting your current position, grade level and salary level (applies only to current or former civilian government employee).

E. College transcript(s) (copy is acceptable) which demonstrates the acceptable combinations of education and experience as noted by OPM.

How to Apply

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 05/27/2025.

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 (Limit 5 pages/Times New Roman 12-font) (Do Not Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder) - Please submit a typewritten resume (upload as a PDF), including the following information:

Job Information: Announcement number (MRL2025-30156) 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. **PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER**

Education: Educational information, including 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: Give the following information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying: (Do not send job descriptions)
- Starting and ending dates (month and year)
- Job title (for government position, include civilian series and grade or military rank)
- Employer's name and address
- Supervisor's name and phone number, please indicate if we may contact your current supervisor
- Salary (current)

HELPFUL HINTS FOR YOUR RESUME:
- Read the vacancy announcement carefully.
- Adhere to the 5-page limitation (in PDF format and 12 point font)
- Quantify your accomplishments.

* 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.

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.

SAF/MRL CONTACT INFORMATION: Questions regarding this announcement may be directed to Charles Andrews, charles.andrews.14@us.af.mil

Agency contact information

Charles Andrews
Address
AF Senior Executive Management
1040 Air Force Pentagon Room 4D
Washington, DC 20330
US

Next steps

Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent.

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 for consideration. 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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.