The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado is searching for an Emerging Technology Branch Chief (NH-1550-03, GS 12/13 equivalent).

Description:
The Space Systems Command Communications Office (SSC/S6) is a Command-level organization responsible for influencing the evolution of technology, information systems, and cybersecurity across command. The Emerging Technologies Branch Chief will lead a multifaceted team of civilian, contractor, and military personnel to advance the Space Systems Command's software capabilities.

This leader will be responsible for establishing and enforcing policies and guidelines to foster the creation of high-quality, secure, and scalable software products. They will provide expert advice to the Command on all software-related matters, including architecture and technology selection, to optimize operational effectiveness. Furthermore, the chief will conduct thorough research on emerging software technologies to ensure alignment with the dynamic needs of the warfighter, maintain technological superiority, and spearhead the integration of Agile and DevSecOps practices into the Command's acquisition processes. By championing innovation and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, they will enhance responsiveness to evolving mission requirements and effectively address operational challenges.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in software policy, acquisition, and engineering, with a comprehensive understanding of how to architect, manage, modernize, and secure software systems. This individual must be able to interpret Department of War (DoW) and Department of the Air Force (DAF) policy to help create the strategic direction for Space Systems Command (SSC) software acquisition and development. Proven experience in applying DevSecOps best practices, agile methodologies, and a deep understanding of the entire software development lifecycle-from requirements generation to testing-is essential.

Strong leadership and collaboration skills are required to work effectively with cross-functional teams and foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning. While direct supervisory experience is not required, a history of mentoring software engineers and development teams would be beneficial. Additionally, familiarity with the SSC, United States Space Force (USSF), DAF, and other DoW-level communications offices, along with knowledge of the space domain, will be highly advantageous in this role. An in-depth understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) methodologies would also be a significant asset.

Key Skills and Abilities:
1. Knowledge of a wide range of IT and cybersecurity principles and systems analysis concepts and techniques, new and emerging information technologies, and security methods and principles.
2. Knowledge of customers' business processes and operations to anticipate and refine functional requirements.
3. Knowledge of concepts and principles of sequencing actions, procurement techniques and requirements, and coordination requirements involved in project controls.
4. Knowledge of design tools, methods, and techniques as well as life cycle management concepts, cost benefit analysis, system architecture, integration techniques, and testing methods.
5. Knowledge of customary approaches, techniques, and requirements appropriate to analyze requirements, develop acquisition strategies, and implement systems enhancements.
6. Ability to maintain an up-to-date awareness of technological advances, to apply internet technologies to analyze networks and the related security aspects, and predict how management can meet future requirements

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/
• Employee must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance.
• Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
• This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to pre-employment drug testing as a condition of employment and participate in random drug testing.
• May be required to travel by military or commercial aircraft in the performance of TDY assignments.
• May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours.
• A certification in accordance with DoDI 8410 (previously DoD 8570) IAM Level I is required within first year of employment.
• Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 20 days per year.
• 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.
• Incentive is not authorized.
• This position will close after 5 business days or 75 applications, whichever comes first.

Qualifications

The 1550 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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