PROGRAM DIRECTOR MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM GROUND SENSORS Job in Huntsville, AL

Vacancy No. MDA-25-12664744-SES Department Missile Defense Agency
Salary $151,322.00 to $207,500.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/10/2025 Close Date 1/23/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Huntsville, AL


Summary

THIS POSITION WILL BE FILLED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE DOD QRB PILOT PROGRAM.


This is a Senior Executive Service Tier 1 position. This position is in the Senior Executive Service, a small elite group of top government leaders. SES members possess a diverse portfolio of experiences including strong skills to lead across organizations. As an executive, you will influence the direction of innovation and transformation of the federal government and lead the next generation of public servants.

Duties

As the PD MDS SN, manages all assigned programs, resources, and support activities essential to provide SN expertise to the Combatant Commanders; initiates, plans, and directs implementation of complex, varied SN management and program strategies; initiates and oversees technically complex projects for SN and supporting field structures, requiring frequent collaboration and Joint initiatives with Flag Officers and Senior Executive Service (SES) managers who may be internal or external to MDA. Responsible for the policy development, planning and execution of the design, development, integration, test, deployment and operation of SN. Provides leadership, guidance, and direction throughout all program operations that include business operation and technical management.

Provides leadership in setting policy and strategic direction related to assigned program areas, advocating quality, technology delivery, appropriate legislative initiatives, innovation, business and financial management, resource management, outreach, and consultation. Provides key leadership to establish the vision for future SN management philosophy. Ensures there is continuing assessment of SN strategies, goals, and objectives. Directs SN efforts to define and foster success in meeting overall vision elements.

Engages Combatant Commanders in C2 development. Oversees the life cycle management of all sensor elements and systems, including requirements, resource allocation, design, prototype, and development necessary to coordinate and execute contingency MDS deployment plans. Leads SN fielding and facilitates intra-theater and inter-theater Concept of Operations (CONOPS) development. Conveys joint combined/coalition lessons learned to developers.

Solicits and provides Military Service input for ground sensor improvements and new technologies. Incorporates SN capabilities, including experimental models, into Combatant Command demonstrations, experiments, and exercises. Translates SN technical objectives and goals into requirements suitable for operational capability description documents.

Contributes to development of doctrine of MDS curricula to build ground sensor knowledge base with senior war-fighters. Monitors the acquisition, testing, fielding and support of ground sensors, insuring their integration into an operationally effective MDS. Oversees the development of the Information Architecture for SN, insuring integration with Information Architecture of the MDS, and Battle Management, Command Control, and Communications specifications derived from MDS requirements/specifications.

Interprets DOD and MDA guidance and determines the impact on MDS SN programs. Assesses and establishes requirements for command project and programs to eliminate voids and to ensure initiation of programs responsive to current and future MDS SN requirements. Ensures that interfaces between SN and other segments and elements of MDS are effective. Oversees the development of engineering and interface requirements for sensors as part of the MD Global Network System. Ensure the capability to test sensors as functioning components of MDS. Attends conferences, symposia, and other forums as a representative for MDA, and is recognized expert in all aspects of sensor systems as integral to MDS strategies, architectures, and force structure and integration.

Provides daily management and oversees a staff of approximately 190 government, 45 FFRDC/UARC, and 190 A&AS employees. Supports DOD and MDA Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action programs. The incumbent ensures that subordinate supervisors and their staff are award of DOD EEO and affirmative action policies.

The incumbent makes sure equality is a prime consideration in staffing, training, performance appraisal, awards, discipline, and honorary actions, and ensures the affirmative action plan is supported and cooperates fully with EEO officials to set and achieve goals. The incumbent evaluates employee performance and resolves major personnel management issues.

Performs other comparable duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Work Schedule: Full Time
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service (http://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration)
  • Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
  • Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
  • Veteran preference is not applicable to the Senior Executive Service
  • Must be able to obtain/maintain Special Sensitive/Top Secret SCI clearance
  • Designated and/or random drug testing is required
  • Supplemental narrative addressing each Technical Qualification (TQ) - 2 pages each maximum
  • Mobility Agreement: All newly appointed Career SES leaders must sign the Reassignment Rights obligations Agreement as a condition of appointment into the SES.
  • Probationary Period: You will serve a one-year Senior Executive Service (SES) probationary period unless you previously completed the probationary period in the SES.
  • Financial Disclosure: Senior Executives are required to comply with the provisions of the Ethics in Government Act, PL 95-521, which requires the submission of a financial disclosure statement (OGE-278), upon assuming an SES position.
  • Senior Executives are required to complete a "Declaration of Federal Employment," (OF 306), prior to being appointed to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background check.
  • Overtime: None
  • Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
  • Tour of Duty: Set Schedule
  • Telework: Situational telework eligible
  • Travel to national and international locations may be required.

Qualifications

***THIS POSITION IS PART OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PILOT PROGRAM*** Please read this announcement in its entirety before applying.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs):

Under the DoD Pilot Program, there is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). However, to meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the five Executive Core Qualifications within your resume -- not to exceed five pages. Your application must also include a narrative statement specifically addressing the mandatory technical qualifications not to exceed a total of two pages.
http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/guidetoSESQuals_2012.pdf

Each accomplishment should be clear, concise, and emphasize your level of responsibilities; the scope and complexity of the programs, activities, or services you managed; program accomplishments; policy initiatives undertaken; level of contacts; the sensitivity and criticality of the issues you addressed; and the results of your actions. You should use action oriented leadership words to describe your experience and accomplishments (e.g., Led the development and implementation of....) and quantify your experience wherever possible to demonstrate your accomplishments (e.g., number of employees supervised; size of budget managed; amount of money saved, etc.).

ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE: This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.

ECQ 2 - LEADING PEOPLE: This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.

ECQ 3 - RESULTS DRIVEN: This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.

ECQ 4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN: This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.

ECQ 5 - BUILDING COALITIONS: This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQ): All applicants must submit written statements (narrative format) of accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications. You must address each technical qualification separately. You are required to respond to all of the technical qualifications. If you fail to do so, you will be rated as ineligible. Please limit your written statements to 2 pages in total.
  1. Comprehensive knowledge and proven technical and managerial expertise required to provide oversight and direct all activities associated with ensuring successful execution for assigned programs, including a demonstrated ability to manage corresponding planning, funding, and life cycle requirements and elements.
  2. In depth knowledge of ground sensor components of MDS, and of overall MDS concepts, to include both national and theater missile defenses. This includes an expert knowledge of the MDS mission and its various program functions.
  3. In depth knowledge of DOD acquisition practices and policies, directives, regulations, and public laws as applied to Joint and combined weapons systems acquisition programs. This includes expert knowledge of the Technological, procurement, and acquisition processes that go into major DOD weapons programs comprised of multiple systems and organizations. Proven skill and demonstrated ability to develop program execution activities and mastery of the Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution process.
Failure to meet any one of the technical qualifications requirements automatically disqualifies an applicant.

DoD Joint Enterprise-Wide Experience Statement:

In addition, DoD requires an Enterprise Perspective. This individual must have the ability to apply a broad point of view and an awareness and understanding of individual or organizational responsibilities in relation to DoD or government-wide strategic priorities is required. Executives must demonstrate ability to work with internal and external partners to support national security objectives. This perspective is typically gained through a variety of diverse work experiences. A separate narrative statement is not required. This information should be embedded within the application package (Resume and Technical Qualifications).

Education

There is no education requrirement for this position.

Additional information

Acquisition Certification -

  1. This is a Critical Acquisition Position (CAP). Unless specially waived by the appropriate official, the following are statutory mandated requirements:
    1. Selectee must execute, as a condition appointment, a written agreement to remain in Federal Service in the position for at least three years. In signing such agreement, the employee does not forfeit any employment rights, nor does such an agreement alter any other terms or conditions of employment.

This CAP requires Program Management, Advanced acquisition certification. The incumbent has 48 months to achieve this certification.
  1. The incumbent must complete 80 Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) every two years.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

We will review your resume and supporting documents, for the quality and extent of your total accomplishments, experience and education as it relates to the fundamental competencies, identified below. Your application will be evaluated by an Executive Evaluation Panel rating and ranking panel, and highly qualified candidates may be contacted for an interview and to provide reference checks. The Office of the Secretary of Defense Executive Resources Board will review results and make recommendations on final selections to the appointing authority.

Required Documents

Required Documents:
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  1. Resume - Your resume must address your qualifications for the position and cannot exceed five pages. You do not need to submit a separate statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), but you must show how you possess the five ECQs within the resume narrative. In addition, applicants typically provide the following information:
  • Vacancy Announcement number 12664744
  • Full name, email and mailing address, and day and evening telephone numbers
  • Educational information including the name, city, and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type of any degree received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: http://http://www.edu.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html
  • Information about your paid and nonpaid work experience related to this position including: job title, duties and accomplishments, employer's name and address, duration of employment, and salary
  • Information about honors, awards, and special accomplishments
  • Do not submit resume or supporting documents that include a photograph.
  • Submit resume and all other required documents online by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on January 23, 2025.
  1. Technical Qualifications: Completed supplemental narrative in a separate document that addresses each technical qualification. Your narrative should be no more than 2 pages total. Narratives over the page limit will not be accepted.
  2. Transcripts: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  3. Standard Form (SF) 50: If you are a current or former Federal civilian employee, you must submit your last or most recent SF-50 showing grade and tenure. Current and former career SES or equivalent members must provide an SF-50 showing their status or reinstatement eligibility.
DO NOT submit additional information (i.e. awards, appraisals, pages in excess of the limit for the MTQs and/or ECQs). Applications received without the required TQ supplemental narratives WILL NOT receive consideration. DO NOT submit additional information (i.e. cover letters, awards, appraisals, pages in excess of the 2 page limit for TQs).

How to Apply

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account. You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application. Your application must include your written statements addressing all five of the Executive Core Qualifications and each of the Technical Qualification statements. You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

Applications mailed using government postage or through an internal federal government mail system will not be considered.

Once your application is received we will conduct a review of your application package to ensure all required documents have been received. All applications that have all required documents will be forwarded to management for panel review and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 90 days of the closing date of the announcement. You will be notified of the outcome.

Agency contact information

DE Applicant Inquires
Address
Missile Defense Agency
Bldg 5222 Martin Rd
Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once you successfully complete the application process, you will receive a notification of receipt. Your application package will be reviewed to ensure you meet the basic eligibility and qualifications requirements, and you will receive a notification. A review will be made of your online questionnaire and the documentation you submitted to support your responses. A list of qualified applicants will be created and sent to the selecting official. All applicants reviewed and/or referred will receive a notification letter.

A list of qualified applicants will be created and sent to the selecting official. All applicants reviewed and/or referred will receive a notification letter. The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews, and once the selection is made, you will receive a notification of the decision.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.