Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Space Acquisition and Integration) Job in Pentagon, Arlington, VA

Vacancy No. MRL2025-1A Department Department of the Air Force - Agency Wide
Salary $184,363.00 to $225,700.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/22/2025 Close Date 9/4/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Pentagon, Arlington, VA


Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.

The primary purpose of this position is to provide executive leadership and managerial direction for SAF/SQ as the senior civilian assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Space Acquisition and Integration); act as the DAF focal point for all space architecture, integration, and policy matters; and provide advice and support to achieving the corporate vision.

Duties

The Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Space Acquisition and Integration) acts as the Principal Deputy to the Assistant Secretary with delegated authority to act for the Assistant Secretary and Space Service Acquisition Executive in his/her absence, in discharging the following responsibilities:

1. Responsible for all Space Force life cycle management policies and programs. Provides expert advice and guidance to the Assistant Secretary (SA&I) on life cycle management policies developed for the Department of the Air Force. Provides life cycle management policy guidance and assistance to procurement officials of the Air Staff, Space Staff and the Field Commands. Responsible for keeping the Chief of Space Operations informed of the progress of major defense acquisition programs. Devises new acquisition management techniques to accomplish objectives established by the Assistant Secretary (SA&I). This includes the methods for establishing and maintaining excellence in the execution of the life cycle management function as well as developing innovative approaches to new, complex life cycle management problems.

2. Responsible for the formulation, review, and execution of plans, programs, and policies relating to systems planning and programming, systems management and management techniques, production readiness systems requirements, modernization programs, industrial facilities utilization requirements, reliability, maintainability and quality control and industrial base. Identifies collaboration opportunities to get capability to the field faster. Facilitates the integration of White House requirements and DoD programs into Space Force Programs. Is responsible for acquisition management systems and facilitates periodic program reviews. Oversees implementation of Space Force acquisitions and monitors and maintains its viability and effectiveness.

3. Makes recommendations to the Assistant Secretary (SA&I) on the effectiveness of acquired Space Force weapons systems, the integration of technology into Space Force weapons systems, and general research, development, scientific and technology matters. Recognizes technology-related opportunities both within and outside the DAF and leverages these to improve systems and reduce cost. Directs Space Force activities in formulating appropriate acquisition and business strategies. Seeks techniques designed to facilitate consideration of trade-offs among cost, engineering improvement and timely performance in the acquisition of major weapon systems without jeopardizing the quality, reliability, or performance of the product.

4. Ensures the development and implementation of career development programs for military and civilian personnel in the fields of acquisition, contracting, science and engineering which emphasize the attraction, training, and retention of qualified personnel with the result of improved professionalism. Makes Materiel Leader (ML) and Senior Materiel Leader (SML) selections. Serves as the career functional for civilians in the 1101 series. Assists the Assistant Secretary (SA&I) in developing the secretariat organizational structure and the organization of acquisition programs across the Program Executive Officer structure. Supports the Space Acquisition Executive in the direction and management of the Space Force Program Executive Officer (SFPEO) programs.

5. Provides technical advice and assistance to the Assistant Secretary (SA&I) in the development of their testimony before Congressional Committees. Maintains liaison with Senators and Representatives and with Congressional Committee staffs on Air Force life cycle management matters as the result of Congressional investigations and inquires. Maintains liaison with DAF representatives on the Defense Acquisition Regulation Council.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. citizenship is required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Mobility is a condition of employment and appointment for SES members will be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligations Agreement
  • Selected candidate must file a Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 278) in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978
  • Position has been designated Critical-Sensitive and the selectee must have or be able to obtain a Top Secret clearance
  • Drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to random testing for drug use IAW Exec. Order 12564, dated 14 Sep 86. Position requires that the incumbent sign a Drug Testing letter and pass urinalysis testing prior to appointment.
  • Position requires travel under conditions specified in the DoD Joint Travel Regulations. Incumbent is expected to travel on short notice to attend high-level meetings.
  • Position may require incumbent to be available for other than normal duty hours to include weekends to support exercises and crisis planning.
  • An initial SES career appointment becomes final only after the individual successfully completes a 1-year probationary period.
  • Attendance to the Air Force's Senior Leader Orientation Course (SLOC) is generally required within 12 months of appointment, subject to course availability.
  • Position may be subject to the post-government employment restrictions of Sections 207(a) and (f) of Title 18, United States Code.
  • Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants.

Qualifications

Under the new process, at the initial application stage for Senior Executive Service (SES) positions, applicants are no longer required to submit lengthy narrative essays, including those for Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). Instead, the initial application will be resume-only, capped at two pages, streamlining the process to align with private industry practices. However, candidates who are identified for potential selection will later undergo a structured interview assessment with OPM's Qualifications Review Board (QRB). This interview, based on the new Executive Core Qualifications, will replace the previous narrative essay requirement at this subsequent stage of the hiring process.

Qualification Requirements: Your 2-page resume must demonstrate the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) listed below. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments to the qualifications. If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position. At this time, only a resume (capped at 2 pages) is required. A panel may assess whether you possess the required ECQs and MTQs through resume review, assessments, and/or interview.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A. Certification Requirements: This is a Critical Acquisition Position (CAP). Unless specifically waived by the appropriate component official (i.e., the Director of Acquisition Career Management for the Component, the Service Acquisition Executive, or the Service Secretary), the following are statutorily mandated requirements (Reference 10 U.S.C. 1731 and 1737):

1. Ten (10) years acquisition experience in an AWF position, at least 4 years of which was performed while assigned to a CAP.

2. Selectee must execute, as a condition of employment, a written agreement to remain in federal service in this position for at least three years. In signing such agreement, the employee does not forfeit any employment rights, nor does such agreement alter any other terms or conditions of employment.

3. Selectee must meet Advanced level certification requirements in Program Management or must be able to meet Advanced certification within 48 months of assignment.

4. Selectee must meet 80 hours of continuous learning requirements within the designated timeframe (80 hours of continuing learning (CL) every 2 years (with a goal of engaging in 40 hours annually)).

B. MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): (NTE 2 pages Total - PDF format) A supplemental statement must be submitted separately addressing the TQs. TQs must provide specific examples that address relevant experience and accomplishments. Applicants should focus on recent experience, education, and training, as some Recruitment Panel and Executive Resources Board members may consider experience that's over 10 years old to be outdated. Applicants must reflect superior technical qualifications demonstrated through leadership and management in the following:

1. Demonstrated technical expertise and leadership experience with acquisition program management and lifecycle planning, with a specific focus on 1) program management fundamentals, 2) speed of delivery and 3) integration into joint complex warfighter networks to meet COCOM warfighter needs.

2. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with DoD Corporate oversight processes including acquisition; DoD program planning, budgeting, and execution (PPBE); requirement planning, congressional engagement, DoD acquisition/engineering military/civilian career field management, and SAP classification processes.

In addition, DoD requires an Enterprise Perspective. The individual must possess a broad point of view and an awareness and understanding of individual or organizational responsibilities in relation to DoD or government-wide strategic priorities. Executives should 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 resume.

Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certificate of Completion of SESCDP) of your eligibility for appointment to the SES.

Education

Education: A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is desired. A master's or advanced degree from an accredited institution is highly desired. An undergraduate technical degree or an advanced degree in either a technical or management field is highly desired.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight and win...airpower anytime, anywhere. To achieve that mission, the Air Force has a vision of Global Vigilance, Reach and Power. That vision orbits around three core competencies: Developing Airmen, Technology-to-Warfighting and Integrating Operations. Core competencies and distinctive capabilities are based on a shared commitment to three core values -- integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.

SALARY: $184,363.00 - $225,700.00 per annum. (Air Force Tier 3) SES members are eligible for bonuses and/or ranks and stipends in addition to annual salary.

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Applications will be accepted from all qualified persons.

SES members are eligible for Performance-Based Salary increases and/or bonuses. This is a SES Career Reserved position and is assigned a precedence priority code of DV-4/ Brig Gen, Tier 1 for protocol purposes.

MOBILITY: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES and DISES leaders and generally is a key to advancement. Therefore, mobility is a condition of employment and appointed SES and DISES members will be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.

Additional information

Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES.

Relocation Authorized: Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).

Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: May be offered.

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit GSA Bulletin FTR 20-04 here for additional information.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

Applications will be evaluated against the qualifications requirements. Failure to meet any one of the Mandatory Technical or Executive Core Qualifications standards will eliminate a candidate from further consideration.

Candidates will be evaluated for this position by a screening panel composed of senior executives and/or general officers selected for organizational and/or functional backgrounds relevant to this position. The panel discusses each application and reaches consensus as to the Best Qualified, Qualified or Not Qualified candidates. Only the Best Qualified candidates will be interviewed. The panel will then make a recommendation of those Best Qualified candidates who should be referred to the selecting official, in priority order. Final selection is contingent upon the Air Force Executive Resources Board, the Under Secretary of the Air Force and OPM Quality Review Board (QRB) Certification

REMINDER: Before uploading your required PDF application documents, please ensure they DO NOT EXCEED the specified page limits.

Required Documents

To receive full consideration, each applicant must submit the MANDATORY documents in the format as designated. Packages that do not include all of the required documents or meet format requirements will not be forwarded for consideration.

**************ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE UPLOADED IN PDF FORMAT *******************

The Qualifications Documents must be formatted using Times New Roman, size 12 font, with 1-inch margins. Do not use borders, provide photos, or list a Social Security Number on any of the Qualifications Documents. DO NOT COMBINE DOCUMENTS.

A. (Mandatory) Resume in the preferred format (Limit 2 Pages Total). Upload in PDF format. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.

B. (Mandatory) Most recent Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50, noting your current position, grade level and salary level (applies only to current or former civilian government employee).

C. (Optional) Most recent completed Performance Appraisal (current and/or former federal employees).

D. (Optional) College transcript(s) (copy is acceptable) which demonstrates the acceptable combinations of education and experience as noted by OPM.

E. (Optional): Ethnicity and Race Identification, SF-181 -- Form available at: https://www.opm.gov

F. (Optional): Self-Identification of Disability, SF-256 -- Form available at: https://www.opm.gov

How to Apply

Please follow the below instructions to submit applications. Any applications received that do not include all of the required documents or do not meet format requirements will not be forwarded for consideration.

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/04/2025.

To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.

PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.

Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.

PREFERRED RESUME FORMAT: (Limit 2 pages/Times New Roman 12-font) (Do Not Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder) - Please submit a typewritten resume (upload as a PDF), including the following information:

Job Information: Announcement number (MRL2025-1A) and title of the position to which you are applying.

Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), day and evening phone numbers (with area code) and complete e-mail address where you would like to receive correspondence regarding your application. **PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER**

Active-Duty/Retired Military: State highest rank held, date of promotion and date eligible to retire or date of retirement, (e.g., Colonel/June 2006/December 2014). NOTE: IAW 5 U.S.C. 3326, a 180-day waiver will be required for retired or retiring members of the armed forces during the period of 180 days immediately after retirement. Please note: you will be ineligible for consideration if your statement of service is not submitted with your application or it shows an expected discharge or release date greater than 120 days from the date of the submission of the certification.

Education: Educational information, including the name, city and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year 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://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html

Work Experience: Give the following information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying: (Do not send job descriptions).- Starting and ending dates (month and year)- Job title (for government position, include civilian series and grade or military rank)- Employer's name and address- Supervisor's name and phone number, please indicate if we may contact your current supervisor- Salary (current)HELPFUL

HINTS FOR YOUR RESUME:-
Read the vacancy announcement carefully.-
Adhere to the 2-page limitation (in PDF format and 12 point font)
- Quantify your accomplishments.
* Applicants should focus on recency of experience - Recruitment Panels, Executive Resources Boards, and Hiring Officials may consider experience over 10 years outdated.

References: Do not provide references on resume.

This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify this office. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis.

SAF/MRL CONTACT INFORMATION: Questions regarding this announcement may be directed to Mr. Charles Andrews at charles.andrews.14@us.af.mil or (703) 693-0324.

Agency contact information

Charles Andrews
Address
AF Senior Executive Management
1040 Air Force Pentagon Room 4D
Washington, DC 20330
US

Next steps

Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent.

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.

To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.

If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.


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


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