ORBITAL ANALYST

The primary purpose of this position is to accomplish the space situational domain awareness (SDA) mission for impact on DoD, AF, USSF, USSPACECOM, Intelligence Communities (IC), and other entities, providing war-fighters and government organizations with timely and accurate satellite positional data on all man-made earth orbiting space objects.

DUTIES:

• Independently performs orbital analysis and conjunction assessment functions using the high accuracy catalog of space objects by using Special Perturbations (SP) theory and modeling, and evaluates operational activities regarding on-orbit space protection.
• Develops new and innovative methods, procedures, and training for performing SDA and orbital analysis in support of the space defense mission across multiple organizations
• Contributes critical subject matter expertise during NSDC crisis action and deliberate planning
• Participates in and supports all units', command, and theaters' exercises (i.e., Space Thunder, Space Lightning, Global Thunder, Global Lightning) and experiments (SACT, ZK, etc.) with Joint Planning Process (JPP), COA development, war-gaming, and orders development
• Attends and participates in briefings, meetings, committees, boards, conferences, etc. May be required to represent the NSDC at such events

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
• If authorized, 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/
• This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• 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 position is centrally managed in Operations career field and duties / the unit may pay for relocation expenses
• 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
• The employee may be required to carry a cell phone/pager and be “on-call” approximately 50% of each month
• Experience in DoD Space Enterprise, Intelligence Community, National Reconnaissance, and commercial Space Enterprise is highly desired
• This position is considered Key Essential

Qualifications

(CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Cont'd)

- Position is designated special-sensitive and requires the employee obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET (TS) security clearance with eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in Top Secret Special Access Programs (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. A non-disclosure agreement must be signed
- This position has been designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, USSPACECOM, national security, and public safety. Therefore, incumbent is required to: (a) refrain from the use of illegal drugs and misuse of prescription medication, and (b) if requested, submit to urinalysis testing on short notice
- This is a Mission Essential (ME) position performing a Mission Critical Function (MCF) which must continue uninterrupted after the occurrence of an emergency and continued through full resumption of all functions. IAW, DoDI 3020-42, Defense Continuity Programs
- Incumbent is subject to uncommon tour of duty hours to include proficiency shifts, rotating shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays on an infrequent basis. Extended shift work (12 hours), and off-duty hours on-call, particularly during Command exercises, special events, and emergencies should be expected
- A Bachelor's Degree with a concentration in Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM) or other related fields is highly desired; higher level studies such as a Master's degree or Ph.D. in appropriate Liberal Arts or similar fields is preferred
- Employee is in a designated position that requires consent and thereafter be subject to and successfully complete, an initial, periodic, and random counterintelligence (CI)-scope polygraph examination as a condition of employment. The employee must successfully take and pass a Counterintelligence Polygraph (CIP) Examination

This is an acquisition demonstration project position, NH-0301-03, equivalent to the GS-12/GS-13, with a typical salary range of $91,870.00 to $142,022.00 Per Year.

For more information on Acq Demo please go to the following links:
DoD AcqDemo Homepage: http://acqdemo.hci.mil/
Fact Sheet: http://acqdemo.hci.mil/faq.html

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-02, equivalent to the next to lower grade GS-11 or equivalent in the Federal Service. Specialized experience includes advanced knowledge and ability to perform satellite conjunction assessment screenings and thoroughly analyze associated SDA observations, orbital parameters, owner/operator ephemeris data, trajectory accuracy, and special perturbations (SP) vector quality including precision orbit determination updates containing manual differential corrections and other statistical estimation techniques, advanced knowledge of current SDA systems to access, retrieve, and display satellite catalog and observation catalog database information.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Advanced knowledge and ability to perform satellite conjunction assessment screenings and thoroughly analyze associated SDA observations, orbital parameters, owner/operator ephemeris data, trajectory accuracy, and special perturbations (SP) vector quality including precision orbit determination updates containing manual differential corrections and other statistical estimation techniques.
2. Advanced knowledge of current SDA systems to access, retrieve, and display satellite catalog and observation catalog database information.
3. Thorough knowledge of accepted SDA procedures and policies. Experience with AF, USSF, USSF, USSPACECOM and NSDC procedures and policies.
4. Highly skilled in orbital analysis on earth-orbiting objects; ability to research, analyze, interpret, and present data and supporting analyses to management by manipulating extremely large amounts of data in the emerging SDA operating system environment.
5. Ability to develop and implement innovative approaches to resolve unusual/difficult issues significantly impacting space domain policies or programs.
6. Advanced skill sufficient to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; negotiate complex issues; and maintain good working relationships with diverse groups and executive-level command management.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

BASIS OF RATING:
Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable.

Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements
Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements.
Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements.

The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming.

1. Online Application: Questionnaire
2. Resume: Your resume 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 is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply".
3. Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license.
4. Veterans: If claiming VEOA, VRA or 30% Disabled Veteran - Submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD-Form 214, which must include the character of service (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2, 4, or 7 of the DD-Form 214. If claiming 30% Disabled Veteran, you must also submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces. NOTE: All veterans claiming 10-point preference must also submit a SF-15.
5. Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees): You must submit a legible copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, AND a SF-50 reflecting the highest grade held if different from your recent SF-50. The SF-50, block 24 must contain "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a "1". Employees eligible under an OPM approved interchange agreement, block 34 may contain a "1" or "2".
6. Promotion Consideration: If you wish to be considered as a promotion candidate and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirements. You will need to provide additional SF-50s which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-Grade, Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old).

ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD-Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD-Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following:

• Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
• Branch of Armed Forces
• Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s)
• Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
• Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
• Expected character of service (honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
• Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
• Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.
  Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form-214 must be submitted upon receipt.

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:
Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable.
Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.
Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s).

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