Summary
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TheSenior Technical Expertserves as the principal production advisor to the Air Force Sustainment Center (AFSC) Commander. The executive's primary mission is to optimize depot maintenance outcomes for critical military assets-including aircraft, missiles, commodities, and propulsion systems.
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
Location will be assigned after selection is made.
Duties
The Senior Technical Expert serves as the principal production advisor to the Air Force Sustainment Center (AFSC) Commander and is the recognized authority on AFSC depot maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations. This includes direct oversight of depot finances, infrastructure, and the systemic impacts of supply chain performance on overall AFSC business outcomes. In this role, the executive integrates the activities of cross-functional experts to formulate independent, comprehensive assessments for the Commander regarding the operational health and performance of the Air Logistics Complexes. By ensuring that engineering and maintenance talent is efficiently targeted, the advisor exploits state-of-the-art technology to optimize the development, sustainment, modification, and protection of critical military equipment. Driven by a focus on continuous improvement, the expert questions conventional approaches, develops novel operational insights, and implements innovative programs to modernize sustainment practices.
Because AFSC's sustainment programs carry national strategic value and draw high Congressional interest, the executive represents the AFSC, Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), and Headquarters Air Force (HQ USAF) across diverse external forums. The advisor provides expert guidance on complex sustainment matters to high-level stakeholders, including center leadership, Program Executive Officers (PEOs), Program Activity Executives (PAEs), program managers, sister services, and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Beyond defense boundaries, the executive engages with industry leaders, professional associations, academic institutions, and international Allies. Serving as the primary Air Force focal point, the expert ensures the establishment of state-of-the-art MRO operating environments necessary to execute safe, secure, and effective missions, while simultaneously guiding the professional development of the future AFSC MRO workforce.
The executive provides the authoritative technical expertise required to develop, tailor, and apply advanced MRO operations specifically for Air Force weapon systems. At the request of senior agency and government officials, the advisor leads and conducts critical, independent studies to deliver actionable findings, recommendations, and conclusions on complex logistics sustainment issues. By technically guiding multiple major studies, the expert directly influences strategic operational shifts and recommends critical adjustments regarding the direction and expenditure of program funds. Furthermore, the advisor chairs authoritative reviews and evaluations to investigate deep-seated engineering and logistics challenges, recommending the continuation, modification, or cessation of specific AFSC efforts to guarantee process quality, cost-efficiency, and operational effectiveness.
Representing the AFSC on high-level national panels, interagency committees, and international working groups, the executive helps shape policies addressing the defense industrial base and evolving national security needs. The advisor collaborates closely with key federal and defense partners-including the Army, Navy, Department of War (DoW), NASA, the FAA, and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)-to synchronize MRO capabilities. Through the publication of technical papers, lectures, and executive presentations at prestigious global forums, the senior expert ensures that AFSC remains at the absolute forefront of global MRO operations and sustainment technology.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- U.S. citizenship is required.
- Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.
- Disclosure of Political Appointments.
- 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 Special-Sensitive and the selectee must have or be able to obtain a Top Secret/SCI with SAP 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 DoW 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.
- Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoW Policy on The Employment of Annuitants.
- Within the Department of War (DoW), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326.
- Active Duty Military Members must indicate retirement eligibility.
Qualifications
Eligibility will be based upon a clear showing the applicant has training, education and experience of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry-out the duties of the position. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
In accordance with new OPM requirements to streamline hiring, applicants are no longer required to submit lengthy narrative essays, including those for Technical Qualifications (TQs) or Senior Professional Qualifications (SPQs), when applying. Instead, the initial application will be resume-only, capped at two pages. This change streamlines the application process and more closely aligns with private industry practices. Applicants identified for potential selection will have their qualifications assessed by undergoing a structured interview conducted by a panel.
To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Technical and Senior Professional Qualifications related to this position within your resume (not to exceed 2 pages). Resumes over the 2-page limit will be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of your qualifications, you may not receive further consideration for the position.
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that satisfy the technical qualifications.
TQ1. Expert knowledge of depot-level Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) principles, practices, and procedures. This includes a comprehensive understanding of complex industrial operations, supply chain management, infrastructure, and financial management as they apply to the production of aircraft, missiles, commodities, and propulsion systems. The candidate must have deep knowledge and demonstrated ability to lead and integrate the efforts of diverse technical experts to analyze the health of large-scale MRO activities, drive process improvements using constraint-based management systems like Art of the Possible (AoP) and provide authoritative advice and recommendations on complex logistics and sustainment challenges to senior leaders across the Department of War, allied nations, and industry.
TQ2. Demonstrated ability to serve as a recognized technical authority and leader on high-level departmental, national and international panels, working groups, and forums. This requires the skill to represent a major organization on issues of industrial base operations, changing MRO production requirements, and national defense needs. The candidate must have proven experience in leading independent studies, developing innovative technical solutions to complex sustainment problems, and effectively communicating findings and strategic recommendations to a wide range of audiences, including government agencies, academia, and industry partners worldwide.
Education
A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is desired. A master's or advanced degree in a related business or management field is highly desired.
Additional information
Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference is applicable to Air Force Senior Level (SL) positions.
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 DoW 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.
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.
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. 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 will reach consensus on the applications demonstrating a high degree of the technical competencies to select for interviews. Post interview, the panel will make a recommendation of those Best Qualified candidates to refer to the selecting official, in priority order. Final selection is contingent on approval by the Under Secretary of the Air Force.
REMINDER: Before uploading your required PDF documents (Resume), please ensure they DO NOT EXCEED the noted 2 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 10 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. (Optional) 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). For applicants in the private sector, please provide a copy of your equivalent Evaluation Report.
D. (Optional) College transcript(s) (copy is acceptable) which demonstrates the acceptable combinations of education and experience as noted by OPM.
E. (Optional) Military Retired - a copy of your DD214 and/or Retirement orders; Active Duty - Are you an active duty service member with a statement of service showing that you expect to be honorably discharged or released from the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after submitting your application? 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.Documents are required.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
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 07/27/2026.
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 10-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 (MRL26-10092) 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)
* Applicants should focus on recency of experience - Recruitment Panels, Executive Resources Boards, and Hiring Officials may consider experience over 10 years outdated.
References: Provide the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three individuals who can comment on your qualifications for this position. Please do not list supervisors already listed above.
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 Ms. Hannah Lugo-Ascorbe at hannah.lugo_ascorbe@us.af.mil or (385) 680-0552.
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.