Technical Director, Advanced Communications Acquisition

The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) at Los Angeles Air Force Base is searching for a Technical Director, Advanced Communications Acquisition (NH-0801-04).

Description:

The Advanced Communications Acquisition is seeking an energetic Technical Director to spearhead the technical development of a $7B+ next generation advanced communications architecture that includes both Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Air Force high priority classified activities. This candidate (or incumbent) serves as the Acquisition Delta Director’s chief technical advisor, performs as the mission area technical focal point with external stakeholders and operational users, and is responsible for integrating the various material and non-material elements into a cohesive capabilities solution. This candidate leads an innovative team of government and contractors to synchronize capabilities, mature and evaluate future enhancements, and transitions those enhancements through comprehensive roadmaps into revolutionary warfighting systems. This is an Air Force Civilian position assigned to the United States Space Force under the Acq Demo appraisal system.

Ideal Candidate:

Knowledgeable – Technical expert in multiple disciplines including electrical, mechanical, aerospace, and systems engineering. Ability to perform complex and comprehensive analyses utilizing systematic, disciplined, quantifiable approaches to determine performance objectives and solve integration issues.

Great Communicator – Ability to communicate complicated issues to multiple audiences, including senior Department of Defense and Space Force/Air Force decision makers, and mission partners. 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.

Innovator – Draws on the broad range of existing and emerging capabilities to synergize effects and develop advanced techniques, pushing the envelope of capabilities available to support near-term Space Force operations.

Have Bachelor’s degree (or higher degree) in Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor’s degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience for GS-0801-13 which includes Mastery of advanced multidisciplinary engineering concepts, principles, practices, standards, methods, techniques, materials, and equipment sufficient to apply experimental theories, principles, and concepts to project development, execution, and advisory services. Knowledge of advanced engineering concepts and practices, principles, practices, methods, and techniques to provide expert judgment concerning programs/operations; resolve unique or novel problems, conditions, or issues; and significantly alter standard practices, processes, and known techniques.

Key Skills and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of a wide range of advanced multidisciplinary professional engineering concepts, principles, practices, standards, methods, and techniques to apply experimental theories and new developments to problems not susceptible to treatment by accepted methods, and to plan and execute specialized programs of marked difficulty, responsibility, and significance.

2. Knowledge of the mission, roles, functions, organizational structure, and operation of the DoD, Air Force, and organizations that govern, interface with, and/or influence systems acquisition, development, and/or sustainment; and knowledge of planning, programming, and budgeting cycles, financial systems, and restrictions on expenditure of funds.

3. Knowledge of and skill in evaluating state-of-the-art and advancements in theory, application, technology, and policy affecting systems being developed, and in planning, organizing, and directing the functions and staff in critical aspects of development, production, and/or support of systems, subsystems, or equipment.

4. Knowledge of safety, security, personnel management, and EEO regulations, practices, and procedures.

5. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective relationships, building consensus and coalitions, negotiating, and resolving conflicts with a variety of individuals and organizations as well as communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.

6. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the functions of an organization, and mentor, motivate, and appraise the staff through subordinate supervisors as well as analyze, plan, and adjust work operations of one or more organizational segments to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources.

7. Ability to expertly7 and effectively communicate, verbal, and written, formally (to include briefing) and informally across a broad spectrum of technical engineering disciplines.

8. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the functions and staff of a small to medium sized organization.

Requirements:

1. A professional engineering degree at the bachelor’s level from an ABET accredited institution is highly desired.

2. Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.

3. The work requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance.

4. This position may be designated as an acquisition position covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). The incumbent may be required to acquire and maintain the appropriate certification(s); e.g., Level 3 in an area such as Test & Evaluation (T&E); Systems Planning, Research, Development, and Engineering- Systems Engineering (SPRDE-SE).

5. 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) or if the employee is “grandfathered” under 10 USC 1736.

a. Employee must be a member of the Acquisition Corps at the time of appointment

b. Employee must execute, as a condition of appointment, a written agreement to remain in federal service in this position for at least (3) 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.

6. This is a drug testing designated position (TDP). The incumbent is subject to random testing for drug use, IAW AFI 90-508.

7. The employee is required to submit an initial and annual SF-450 (Financial Disclosure).

8. Employee must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance.

9. Employee must obtain Information Assurance Management (IAM) levels III certification, as described in DoD8570.01M within 12 months.

10. Employee must meet, or be capable to meeting Defense Acquisition Work Improvement requirements applicable to position.

12. PCS/Relocation/Recruitment incentives may be paid.

13. Position is not eligible for telework.

Organization:

The United States Space Force (USSF) is a military service that organizes, trains, and equips military members and civilians to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and provide space capabilities to the joint force. USSF responsibilities include developing Guardians, acquiring military space systems, maturing the military doctrine for space power, and organizing space forces to present to our Combatant Commands (CCMDs).

The strategic importance of space can’t be overstated. Political and humanitarian interests as well as commercial concerns vital to the world economy all rely on space-based systems. Launched in 2019 as the nation’s sixth and newest military branch, the USSF was created to protect the interests and assets of America and its allies in this heavily contested realm. The Department of Defense relies on satellites and advanced space-based technology for secure communications, navigation, real-time reconnaissance, precision targeting on the battlefield, early warning of potential missile launches, and even weather forecasting. Guardians and civilians of the USSF are challenged every day to reach new heights in protecting and amplifying these space-based capabilities and defending our way of life by maintaining our edge in space.

The Space Force wants to attract talent with the character and potential to excel, empower them with information and choices, and develop them in line with their desires and the Space Force’s needs to create a high-performing organization necessary to secure and defend space. Please review the new Guardian Ideal to learn more about the new talent culture within the new U.S. Space Force, as we have a chance to make history and rewrite some of the rules—we hope you are excited about the opportunities this will present!

https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2782534/cso-unveils-guardian-ideal-space-force-values-at-afa/

United States Space Force