The United States Space Force (USSF) at Peterson Space Force Base is searching for a Lead Analyst for Space Data Networks Division (NH-0801-03, GS-12/13).

Description:
As a Space Data Networks Analyst within the Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC), this position plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the U.S. Space Force's operational architecture. Serving as the senior technical authority, the analyst leads a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists in conducting advanced modeling, simulation, and wargaming to deliver cost-informed Force Design recommendations. These efforts directly influence strategic decisions on requirements, resources, and investments across the Space and Joint Forces, with a focus on satellite communications, global mission data transport, and contested communications environments that underpin ISR, C2, targeting, and engagement operations.

The analyst drives complex, high-impact analyses that span multiple mission areas-including SATCOM, PNT, Missile Warning, and Space Control-ensuring integrated, self-consistent force designs. Collaborating with operational units, acquisition teams, research labs, and industry partners, the role demands technical mastery in systems engineering and analytic methodologies. From defining project objectives and milestones to briefing senior DoD and USSF leadership, the analyst transforms intricate data into actionable insights that shape national security space strategy and policy.


Key Skills and Abilities:
1. Mastery of a wide range of multidisciplinary professional engineering concepts, principles, practices, standards, methods, techniques, materials, and equipment to effectively apply advanced engineering theories, principles, and concepts to project development, execution, and advisory services.
2. Mastery of development engineering methodologies sufficient to apply experimental theories and/or new applications to issues and provide technical advice and direction in support of weapon systems, subsystems, and/or support equipment.
3. Expert knowledge of systems engineering practices and procedures as they pertain to sustainment, modification, logistics, and production management principles, concepts, policies, and systems to execute significant projects which represent an important segment of the agency's operating program.
4. Knowledge of the principles of planning/program management; of standard acquisition regulations, practices, and procedures; and of engineering disciplines used in support of sustainment, modification, and maintenance programs.
5. Ability to devise and evaluate criteria, parameters, characteristics, and interrelationships for design approaches; to assess the impact of new technology on current systems and processes; and to gather, assemble, and analyze facts, form conclusions, and devise and recommend solutions to problems.
6. Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy, both orally and in writing, as well as work in a professional manner with peers, management, contractors, academia, and other agencies.
7. Ability to lead and manage a team of military, civilian, and contractors contributing to assigned projects.
8. Experience with space system design, operations, and space communications is desired

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Employee must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret/ SCI clearance.
• Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
• 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 and/or shift work may be required which may include overtime and/or irregular hours.
• PCS / Incentive funding is authorized.
• Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed "unscheduled telework"
• Position will close in 5 business days or 75 applications (whichever comes first).
• Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 20 days per year.
• A professional engineering degree at the bachelor’s level from an ABET accredited institution is required.
• This position has been designated as an acquisition position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP).
• The employee must meet the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.
• This position has been designated for drug testing. Incumbent is subject to random urinalysis testing as a condition of employment.

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