Service Information Security Officer (SISO)

About the role

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The United States Space Force (USSF) is a highly specialized, independent branch of the Armed Forces organized under the Department of the Air Force (DAF).

Its primary mandate is to organize, train, and equip space forces to secure and maintain freedom of operations within, from, and to the space domain.

What you will do

• As the senior technical authority for the United States Space Force (USSF), the incumbent operates at the strategic tier as the Service Information Security Officer (SISO) and Principal Authorizing Official (PAO).
• In this capacity, the position provides authoritative technical expertise and senior-level advisory support to safeguard the enterprise risk posture, digital infrastructure, and mission assurance of the Space Force.
• The incumbent is responsible for developing and recommending comprehensive cybersecurity policies, standards, and governance structures, while keeping senior leadership continuously informed of emerging threats and the technical risk implications of cyber operations.
• A key aspect of this role is ensuring strict alignment with the cybersecurity directives of the Department of War (DoW), Intelligence Community (IC), and federal agencies, thereby securing the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical space-based systems and data.
• In executing these duties, the incumbent provides high-level technical expertise to the Office of the Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Cyber and Data (SF/S6).
• This involves driving long-range cybersecurity strategies and advising on enterprise-wide IT infrastructure, cyber forces, warfighter communications, electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO), and overall data governance.
• As the principal technical advisor, the incumbent delivers the expert analysis and metrics necessary to inform Planning, Programming, Budget, and Execution (PPBE) deliberations.
• Through this targeted advisory support, the position ensures that Space Force leadership has access to timely, accurate, and technically sound recommendations to guide enterprise decisions.
• Crucially, the position maintains an advisory and strategic focus, meaning the incumbent does not implement programs, direct personnel, or manage daily organizational execution.
• Leveraging exceptional professional judgment and technical mastery, the incumbent guides enterprise-level cybersecurity transformation across the Space Force's complex digital ecosystem.
• The position serves as an influential liaison, representing USSF cybersecurity interests across senior-level forums, working groups, and boards.
• The incumbent actively collaborates with a wide network of stakeholders-including the DAF, sister Services, Joint Staff, OSD, Congress, NASA, the IC, Combatant Commands, Field Commands (FLDCOMs), Direct Reporting Units (DRUs), international allies, and industry partners-to build consensus and integrate Space Force perspectives into joint and interagency initiatives.
• While the position does not supervise teams or direct organizational activities, it remains a vital catalyst for innovation and workforce development, strengthening the nation's space domain cybersecurity posture.

Education

Bachelor's degree is desired and Master's or advanced degree in Computer Science / Information Technology / Cybersecurity / STEM highly desired. Please refer to the OPM IT Management Series 2210 Qualifications Standard for the specific Education/Experience requirements for this position.

How you will be evaluated

Applications will be evaluated against the foregoing qualification requirements.

Failure to meet any one of the mandatory technical or senior professional qualification standards will eliminate a candidate from further consideration.

A screening panel will evaluate the candidates for this position composed of senior executives selected for organizational and/or functional backgrounds relevant to this position. The panel members will individually review each of the applications in terms of the qualifications criteria contained in this announcement.

The qualifications stated are the minimum requirements of the position to be Qualified, a rating schedule will be applied by a screening panel to determine which candidates are considered to be Best Qualified. Then, they will meet to discuss each application, and reach a consensus decision as to the best qualified, qualified or not qualified candidates.

The panel will interview all of the best-qualified candidates based upon consistently applied criteria. 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 of a candidate is contingent upon USecAF approval.

Documents you must provide

• 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.
• (Mandatory) Resume in the preferred (Limit 2 pages).
• Resumes longer than 2-pages will be deemed ineligible.
• PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
• (Optional) Most recent completed Performance Appraisal (current and/or former federal employees) or Performance Report (OPR or EPR).
• For applicants in the private sector, please provide a copy of your equivalent Evaluation Report.
• 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).
• College transcript(s) (copy is acceptable) which demonstrates the acceptable combinations of education and experience as noted by OPM.
• (Mandatory) 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.
• DO NOT SUBMIT ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Extraneous materials such as copies of position descriptions, award certificates and transmittal letters will not be forwarded for review.

What to expect next

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.

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.Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.