Technical Director, S3Q

About the role

Do not email applications.

To submit your resume for this Direct Hire opportunity, click here. For additional information on other USSF direct hire opportunities visit the Air Force Civilian Careers Space Force website and follow USSF on LinkedIn.

What you will do

• The United States Space Force (USSF) Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations/ Studies Group (S3Q) at The Pentagon is searching for a Technical Director (NH-0801-04, GS 14/15 equivalent).
• Description: As the inaugural Technical Director of the USSF S3 Studies Group, the position will provide hands-on technical guidance to multiple internal study teams while coordinating with technical directors, lead engineers, program offices, and subject-matter experts across a broad range of USSF, DAF, and OSW operational and acquisition organizations.
• The role spans tactical through strategic planning and requires developing trusted relationships across organizational levels, including regular engagement with senior leaders at the three- and four-star levels.
• An employee at this level is an authority within their functional area; heads of branches or divisions; or key program administrators.
• Conducts or directs activities or assists higher levels on challenging and innovative program development with only general guidance on policy, resources and planning; develops solutions to highly complex problems requiring various disciplines; responsible for fulfilling program objectives.
• Results are authoritative and impact programs or the well-being of substantial numbers of people.
• Position involves 51% or more of time in direct support of acquisition positions.
• Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with significant experience in Department of War (DoW) operations, planning, acquisitions, budgeting, or staff roles, with a strong preference for a background in space operations.
• This individual must be highly well-versed in the DoW Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process, bringing proven expertise in critically analyzing operational risk, capability development, long-range planning, forecasting, and overall force readiness.
• As a capable leader and manager equipped to establish office processes, supervise teams, and direct complex tasks, the candidate must possess highly effective oral and written communication skills essential for presenting technical budget and program data to senior-level leadership.
• Furthermore, the preferred candidate will hold a master's degree and demonstrate strong technical proficiency, including comfort with database tools, software applications, and a working knowledge of planning and analysis programs.
• Key Skills and Abilities: 1.
• Knowledge of advanced concepts, principles, and practices of professional engineering across multiple disciplines such as aerospace, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering, sufficient to serve as a technical authority in a broad area of space systems and strategic studies.
• Knowledge of space domain operations, force design principles, advanced weapons systems, and associated Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) to conduct in-depth analyses and strategic assessments of current and future capabilities.
• Knowledge of strategic studies methodologies, threat analysis, and the Department of War (DoW) requirements and acquisition processes to effectively plan and lead studies that inform senior leader decisions.
• Skill in conducting complex analytical, investigative, and technical studies to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of novel weapons systems and operational concepts.
• Skill in written and oral communication to prepare and present comprehensive technical reports, briefings, and recommendations to a variety of audiences, including senior military and civilian leadership.
• Ability to work independently as the sole engineering expert for an organization, providing authoritative technical guidance and consultation on a wide range of complex and critical issues.
• Ability to conceive, develop, and assess innovative concepts, theories, and engineering solutions for problems not susceptible to treatment by accepted methods.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of high-level officials, program managers, and technical experts from within the DoW, other government agencies, and private industry.

How you will be evaluated

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies as related to the series and grade of the position being filled.

Final qualifications determinations will be assessed based on OPM's General Schedule Qualifications Standards found here: Interviews: You will be contacted by e-mail and/or telephone if your application is identified as qualifying for a position being filled. An interview may be conducted.

If interviewed, you will be asked to address the same knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies used to initially qualify your application for the position.

Documents you must provide

• You must submit a resume that may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts.
• You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume exceeds two pages or is illegible/unreadable.
• Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume.
• If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy.
• Your resume must provide: Personal information - your full name, email and mailing addresses, phone number Education information - the name of the school and the dates you attended Work experience - paid and unpaid work with the following information: Job title Detailed duties and accomplishments Employer's name and address Supervisor's name and phone number Starting and ending dates (If actual dates are not known, provide your best-estimated timeframes.) Hours per week Salary, if applicable Other qualifications - skills, certifications/licenses, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and job-related training courses College Transcripts (if applicable): Please see the Education section of this announcement for detailed information about transcripts.

What to expect next

For additional information on other USSF direct hire opportunities visit the Air Force Civilian Careers Space Force website and follow USSF on LinkedIn.

Additional information

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.

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.