Chief Engineer, SYD 89/OW Job in Los Angeles County, CA

Vacancy No. SF-FY26-6S-NH-0801-4-SPLASH Department Space Systems Command
Salary $146,632.00 to $197,200.00 Grade 4 to 4
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/22/2026 Close Date 1/29/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Los Angeles County, CA


Summary

To submit your resume for this Direct Hire opportunity click here.

For additional information on other USSF direct hire opportunities visit the
Air Force Civilian Careers Space Force website and follow USSF on LinkedIn.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) at Los Angeles AFB CA is searching for a Chief Engineer to support SYD 89/OW (NH-0801-04, GS-14/15 Equivalent).

Description:
Are you looking for a high-impact job where you are empowered to find creative solutions to tough engineering problems? SYD 89/OW is a fast-paced, empowered, and warfighter-focused Directorate that specializes in the expedient delivery of cutting-edge technology to meet the current and future demands of the USSF. To achieve this form of acquisition, we rely upon small, driven teams of highly skilled individuals who work closely with stakeholders to deliver innovative and timely solutions. As a team member, you'll join at an exciting time with the ability to introduce new ideas, expand your technical leadership abilities, and inspire a culture of innovation and excellence. If you're ready to deliver cutting-edge technology to meet the nation's defense needs, join our team today.

The Chief Engineer is responsible for all technical and program management aspects of delivering novel capabilities and technologies to meet the unique missions of the Space Systems Command (SSC). This position oversees the major technical elements of various programs that support the Orbital Warfare Directorate, ensuring the delivery of unique capabilities both now and in the future. The successful candidate will lead groups across the Space Force and the entire government to prove and communicate technology readiness. This role involves frequent interaction with leadership from the SSC, U.S. Space Force (USSF), and Combatant Commands (COCOMs) at all levels. Additionally, the Chief Engineer will collaborate with multiple Department of Defense (DoD) organizations, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), and the contractors who are building and integrating these capabilities.

Ideal Candidate:
Candidate must have a current/be able to maintain a Top-Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility, as well as have direct technical experience in developing/designing, delivering, and operating space systems. Candidate should also possess a Bachelor's degree or higher in science or engineering and have supervisory/leadership experience. Lastly, the candidate should be knowledgeable with DoD acquisition processes and development methodologies. Special Access Program (SAP) experience is desired.

To be successful in this position, a candidate should be a technical expert with the ability to communicate technical information clearly and succinctly, lead technical and highly educated teams, have a strong background and familiarity with engineering products, tools, and methodologies, and be able to interface with acquisitions leadership to guide and inform space system development and delivery. The person will need to be able to lead a team of 20-30 engineering and acquisition professionals that consist of government, military, and contractor personnel. The person should be able to creatively navigate DoD acquisition regulations, collaborate with peer mission area leads, and keep Senior Leadership informed on the delivery of space system capabilities. The individual needs to ensure the team consistently executes day-to-day tasks in order to realize space system on-orbit performance objectives while optimizing team performance by completing urgent, near-term actions without jeopardizing system delivery schedule. It is essential to have the confidence to challenge Senior Leaders and the ability to advise them on appropriate technical and funding decisions. Critical to success will be the individual's ability to develop a network of cross-functional colleagues to navigate unique and complex engineering challenges. Finally, the person should be a self-starter and driven leader, championing new ways to do business that drive clarity and efficiency into system development and sustainment.




Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S Citizen.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret / SCI security clearance.
  • Safeguards classified or sensitive budget-related information and/or files.
  • May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis.
  • Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed “Unscheduled Telework”.
  • This position will close after 5 business days or 75 applications, whichever comes first.
  • Employee may be required to perform travel by military or commercial passenger aircraft in the performance of temporary duty assignments.
  • PCS funding is authorized.
  • The employee must meet the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.
  • Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): 15 days a year.
  • This position has been designated as an acquisition position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP).
  • A bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program is required. An advanced technical background with a focus on launch vehicle systems is highly desirable.
  • This is a Critical Acquisition Position (CAP).
  • This is a drug testing designated position (TDP). The incumbent is subject to random testing for drug use, IAW AFI 90-508.
  • The employee is required to submit an initial and annual SF-450 (Financial Disclosure).

Qualifications

The 0801 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.

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.

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.

Required Documents

Resume:You must submit a resume that may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume exceeds two pages or is illegible/unreadable. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your resume must provide:

  1. Personal information - your full name, email and mailing addresses, phone number
  2. Education information - the name of the school and the dates you attended
  3. Work experience - paid and unpaid work with the following information:
    • Job title
    • Detailed duties and accomplishments
    • Employer's name and address
    • Supervisor's name and phone number
    • Starting and ending dates (If actual dates are not known, provide your best-estimated timeframes.)
    • Hours per week
    • Salary, if applicable
  4. Other qualifications - skills, certifications/licenses, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and job-related training courses

College Transcripts (if applicable): Please see the Education section of this announcement for detailed information about transcripts.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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.

How to Apply

Do not email applications. To submit your resume for this Direct Hire opportunity click here.

Agency contact information

US Space Force Enterprise Talent Management
Email
HQ.USSF.TalentAcquisition@spaceforce.mil
Address
USSF - Space Systems Command
1670 Space Force Pentagon
Washington, DC 20330
US

Next steps

For additional information on other USSF direct hire opportunities visit the Air Force Civilian Careers Space Force website and follow USSF on LinkedIn.


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