Chief Engineer, Space-based Weather Systems Branch

The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) System Delta 810 (SYD 810) at Los Angeles Air Force Base, California is searching for a Chief Engineer, Space-based Weather Systems Branch (NH-0801-04, GS 14/15 equivalent).

Description:
If you are ready to shape the future of environmental intelligence from orbit, come join us-space starts here! As the Chief Engineer for the Space-Based Weather Systems branch, you will serve as the chief technical authority driving the design, development, and fielding of next-generation Space-Based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM) capabilities through two high-stakes, ACAT-I research and development programs: the $948M Weather System Follow-on (WSF) and the $958M EO/IR Weather System (EWS). In this critical leadership role, you will direct end-to-end systems planning-spanning design, manufacturing, and sustainment of cutting-edge microwave operational and EO/IR prototype systems-while providing authoritative technical guidance and strategic briefings directly to Government program managers. By actively interfacing with diverse organizations across SYD 810 and the broader Space Systems Command (SSC), you will champion system performance, reliability, and maintainability, steering these vital national security assets successfully into the 2030s.


The ideal candidate is a highly motivated, self-starting Guardian holding at least a Bachelor's degree in Engineering (with a Master's highly desired) and a DAWIA Level III certification in Systems Engineering, backed by a deep knowledge of space satellite systems engineering processes, Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) processes, Middle Tier Acquisitions, and current DoD, USSF, and SSC engineering regulations and technical standards. This highly collaborative professional will possess the technical acumen to critically assess contractor progress toward system build, integration, and test completion, while seamlessly interfacing with directorate engineering staff and prime contractor technical teams. Furthermore, they must excel at advising leadership on the latest technical standards, synthesizing complex contractor data into comprehensive progress reports, and independently drafting high-level, authoritative technical documents-including Systems Engineering Plans (SEP), Test and Evaluation Master Plans (TEMP), and cybersecurity reports-on behalf of the branch chief and materiel leader.

Key Skills and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of a wide range of advanced multidisciplinary professional engineering concepts, principles, practices, standards, methods, and techniques to apply experimental theories and new developments to problems not susceptible to treatment by accepted methods, and to plan and execute specialized programs of marked difficulty, responsibility, and significance.
2. Knowledge of the mission, roles, functions, organizational structure, and operation of the DoW, Air Force, and organizations that govern, interface with, and/or influence systems acquisition, development, and/or sustainment, and knowledge of planning, programming, and budgeting cycles, financial systems, and restrictions on expenditure of funds.
3. Knowledge of and skill in evaluating state-of-the-art and advancements in theory, application, technology, and policy affecting systems being developed, and in planning, organizing, and directing the functions and staff in critical aspects of development, production, and/or support of systems, subsystems, or equipment.
4. Knowledge of safety, security, personnel management, and EEO regulations, practices, and procedures.
5. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective relationships, building consensus and coalitions, negotiating, and resolving conflicts with a variety of individuals and organizations as well as communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.
6. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the functions and staff of a small to medium sized organization.
7. Ability to expertly and effectively communicate, verbal, and written, formally (to include briefing) and informally across a broad spectrum of technical engineering disciplines
8. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the functions of an organization, and mentor, motivate, and appraise the staff through subordinate supervisors as well as analyze, plan, and adjust work operations of one or more organizational segments to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources.

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance with SCI 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.
• A professional engineering degree at the bachelor’s level from an ABET accredited institution is required.
• Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
• Employee must within 30-days of assuming this position and by 31 October annually thereafter, file an OGE-450, “Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.
• This is a Critical Acquisition Position (CAP). Unless specifically waived by the appropriate Component Official or if the employee is “grandfathered” under 10 USC 1736.
• This position is designated a CRITICAL APDP position.
• Employee must obtain Information Assurance Management (IAM) levels III certification, as described in DoD8570.01M within 12 months.
• Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
• Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
• PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/.
• Employee must meet or be capable to meeting Defense Acquisition Work Improvement requirements applicable to position.
• Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 15 days per year.
• Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed “Unscheduled Telework”.
• Incentive is not authorized.
• This position will close after 5 business days or 75 applications (whichever comes first).

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.

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.

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.

Next steps