Military

Deputy Chief, Space Access Division

Space Systems Command ยท Department of the Air Force
๐Ÿ“ Patrick AFB, Florida NH-4 $126,711 - $193,760/yr
Posted: Aug 24, 2026 Deadline: Aug 31, 2026 (Closes in 7 days)

About This Position

Do not email application. 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.

Qualifications

The 0343 series does not have an individual occupational requirement that must be met. You can view the experience level requirements here. Please scroll down to the 3rd section titled Administrative and Management Positions.

Major Duties

The United States Space Force (USSF) at Patrick SFB/Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida is searching for a Deputy Chief, Space Access Division, to support SYD 80/AR (NH-0343-04, GS-14/15 equivalent). Description: The US Space Force Portfolio Acquisition Executive - Space Access Team is looking for an expert leader to serve as Deputy Chief, Space Access Division (NH-0343-04) at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL. Reporting directly to the Space Access Division Chief (Lt Col), the Deputy leads an experienced team developing the USSF's operational launch manifest, launch range policy and executing satellite payload processing capacity initiatives supporting USSF and mission partner space vehicle delivery requirements.

In this role, you will play a vital part in shaping DAF and USSF space policy, current launch schedule review board execution and requirements development for USSF space missions and units. Ideal Candidate: Background: Working knowledge of the launch and range mission area from requirements generation to payload manifesting, spaceport operations, safety and interagency launch-related challenges. Launch Acquisition / Operational Expertise: Expert knowledge of USSF space launch and range operations, particularly in operations, manifesting, policy, safety and technology.

Analytical Skills: The ability to design and conduct comprehensive studies on broad national security, policy and launch & range operations and acquisition areas. Education: Master's Degree (Preferred, not required) Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 1. Expert knowledge of USSF operations with special focus on space launch and range operations, law, policy, and technology in support of future innovation and meeting service and combatant command requirements for assured access to space; as well as in-depth knowledge of the Department of Defense Strategy, Planning, Programming, Budgeting, And Execution (SPPBE) and policy, procedures, and schedules for developing Program Objectives Memoranda (POM), Budget Estimate Submissions (BES) and Financial Plans in support of major war, mobilization, and other contingency and operational plans.

  1. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the functions and staff of a small to medium sized organization. Ability to gather, assemble, and analyze facts, draw conclusions, conduct analysis, devise recommended solutions, and package the entire process in briefings, papers, or reports suitable for top management use and decision-making.
  2. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing when negotiating complex issues and maintaining solid working relationships.
  3. Skill in wide range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods for the assessment and improvement of command level plans and programs for conducting major operations such as Space Launch, Space Situational Awareness & Command and Control; Space Protection; Space Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance; Missile Warning/Defense; MILSATCOM; Space Position, Navigation & Timing; Space Testing, Training, Tactics & Exercises.
  4. Skill in promoting military service program goals and objectives, the sequence and timing of key operational events and milestones, and methods of evaluating the effectiveness of planning actions as related to actual events.
  5. Knowledge of operations, safety, and security regulations, practices, and procedures.
  6. Space Force space launch or other operations and/or Air Force or Space Force missile operations, requirements, and mission assurance experience is highly desirable.
  7. Serve as Division Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or alternate.

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.

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.

How to Apply

Do not email application. To submit your resume for this Direct Hire opportunity, click here. 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.

Required Documents

Resume: 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Deputy Chief, Space Access Division position at Space Systems Command?
The salary range for this position is $126,711 - $193,760/yr. This is a NH-4 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Deputy Chief, Space Access Division job located?
This position is located in Patrick AFB, Florida. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
The 0343 series does not have an individual occupational requirement that must be met. You can view the experience level requirements here. Please scroll down to the 3rd section titled Administrative and Management Positions.
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Aug 31, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Top Secret clearance is required.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.