The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado is searching for a Deputy Cost Chief (NH-1515-04, GS 14/15 equivalent).

Description:
Are you ready to serve as the senior technical expert whose analysis forms the basis for multi-billion-dollar decisions in space acquisition? We are seeking a Deputy Cost Chief to lead a team of elite operations research analysts in conducting complex cost and economic studies for our nation's most critical space programs.

As the analytical authority for the team, you will be responsible for independently framing complex problems and developing the sophisticated mathematical, statistical, and econometric models needed to defend vital program budgets. This is more than a management position; you are the lead expert who will present and defend your team's findings to the highest levels of leadership, including senior management, OSD, and Congress, directly influencing major program and investment decisions.

As a leader, you will mentor a team of analysts by planning, assigning, and reviewing their work, setting performance standards, and providing the technical direction needed to deliver authoritative results. Your mission will involve directing the preparation of cost estimates, evaluating complex contractor proposals, and making data-driven recommendations on cost-effective alternatives.

The ideal candidate is an expert in developing and presenting cost estimates, financial metrics, and budget analyses for large-scale acquisition programs. This individual excels at working collaboratively with program managers, integrated product teams, engineers, and other functional experts to translate complex technical requirements into defensible cost estimates. A strong candidate is proficient in applying Department of War (DoW), OMB, and service-specific cost policies, methodologies, and tools to support critical decision-making and program planning. Academically, applicants must have a degree in operations research or have completed at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, or a related science requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics, including a minimum of three semester hours in calculus.

Key Skills and Abilities:
1. Knowledge of commonly used financial management and cost analysis methods, practices, procedures, regulations, policies, and processes applicable to all phases of an acquisition program from initial development through sustainment and disposal.
2. Knowledge of safety and security regulations, practices, and procedures.
3. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the functions and staff of a small to medium sized organization.
4. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
5. Skill in the application of analytical methods and techniques (e.g., cost-benefit analysis, amortization, depreciation, regression analysis, and pro-rating revenues and costs among customers). Also applies mathematical and statistical analyses for EVM and various cost estimating techniques to analyze and evaluate the effects of changes in acquisition program plans and funding and conduct economic and cost studies and analyses.
6. Ability to design, build and use models and simulation techniques; ability to use standard-type models to simulate real-world environments.
7. Ability to gather, assemble, and analyze data to prepare budget/financial cost estimates, develop alternatives, funding requirements, and make recommendations to resolve financial/funding problems and provide policy and guidance.
8. Knowledge of Programming, Planning and Budgeting System policies, procedures and required documentation.
9. Knowledge of engineering and technical terminology sufficient to allow an effective interchange of technical information and its cost implications and application.
10. Knowledge of Earned Value Management Systems and how to assess the contractor's application.
11. Skill in formulating, justifying and/or analyzing financial requirements of the assigned program.
12. Knowledge of programs and their financial requirements to provide leadership, guidance, and direction to teams comprised of members with diverse backgrounds and advocating conflicting approaches to the resolution of financial issues.
13. Expert knowledge of the acquisition and funding processes which directly impact the mission

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed “Unscheduled Telework”.
• PCS is authorized and 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/
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance with SCI access.
• Required to handle and safeguard classified or sensitive information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
• This position has been designated for drug testing. Incumbent is subject to random urinalysis testing as a condition of employment.
• This is a Supervisory position being filled.
• Employee may be required to work extended or other than normal duty hours to include evenings and weekends and may be subject to recall.
• Employee 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.
• Employee must within 30-days of assuming this position and by 31 October annually, thereafter, file an OGE-450, “Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.
• 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.
• This is a Financial Management Level 3 Certified position IAW the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2012, Public Law 112-81, Subtitle F-Financial Management, Section 1599d.
• This position is designated a Critical Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position.
• Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 30 days per year.
• Incentive is not authorized.
• This position will close after 5 business days or 75 applications, whichever comes first.

Qualifications

The 1515 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.

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