Federal

Emerging Technology Branch Chief

Space Systems Command ยท Department of the Air Force
๐Ÿ“ Peterson AFB, Colorado NH-3 $91,870 - $142,022/yr
Posted: Feb 23, 2026 Deadline: Mar 2, 2026 (Closed days left)

About This Position

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 1550 series has an individual occupational requirement that must be met and can be viewed here. In addition to the above requirements, you can view the experience level requirements here. Please scroll down to the 4th section titled Professional and Scientific Positions.

Major Duties

The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado is searching for an Emerging Technology Branch Chief (NH-1550-03, GS 12/13 equivalent). Description: The Space Systems Command Communications Office (SSC/S6) is a Command-level organization responsible for influencing the evolution of technology, information systems, and cybersecurity across command. The Emerging Technologies Branch Chief will lead a multifaceted team of civilian, contractor, and military personnel to advance the Space Systems Command's software capabilities.

This leader will be responsible for establishing and enforcing policies and guidelines to foster the creation of high-quality, secure, and scalable software products. They will provide expert advice to the Command on all software-related matters, including architecture and technology selection, to optimize operational effectiveness. Furthermore, the chief will conduct thorough research on emerging software technologies to ensure alignment with the dynamic needs of the warfighter, maintain technological superiority, and spearhead the integration of Agile and DevSecOps practices into the Command's acquisition processes.

By championing innovation and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, they will enhance responsiveness to evolving mission requirements and effectively address operational challenges. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in software policy, acquisition, and engineering, with a comprehensive understanding of how to architect, manage, modernize, and secure software systems. This individual must be able to interpret Department of War (DoW) and Department of the Air Force (DAF) policy to help create the strategic direction for Space Systems Command (SSC) software acquisition and development.

Proven experience in applying DevSecOps best practices, agile methodologies, and a deep understanding of the entire software development lifecycle-from requirements generation to testing-is essential. Strong leadership and collaboration skills are required to work effectively with cross-functional teams and foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning. While direct supervisory experience is not required, a history of mentoring software engineers and development teams would be beneficial.

Additionally, familiarity with the SSC, United States Space Force (USSF), DAF, and other DoW-level communications offices, along with knowledge of the space domain, will be highly advantageous in this role. An in-depth understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) methodologies would also be a significant asset. Key Skills and Abilities: 1.

Knowledge of a wide range of IT and cybersecurity principles and systems analysis concepts and techniques, new and emerging information technologies, and security methods and principles.

  1. Knowledge of customers' business processes and operations to anticipate and refine functional requirements.
  2. Knowledge of concepts and principles of sequencing actions, procurement techniques and requirements, and coordination requirements involved in project controls.
  3. Knowledge of design tools, methods, and techniques as well as life cycle management concepts, cost benefit analysis, system architecture, integration techniques, and testing methods.
  4. Knowledge of customary approaches, techniques, and requirements appropriate to analyze requirements, develop acquisition strategies, and implement systems enhancements.
  5. Ability to maintain an up-to-date awareness of technological advances, to apply internet technologies to analyze networks and the related security aspects, and predict how management can meet future requirements

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 applications. 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 Emerging Technology Branch Chief position at Space Systems Command?
The salary range for this position is $91,870 - $142,022/yr. This is a NH-3 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Emerging Technology Branch Chief job located?
This position is located in Peterson AFB, Colorado. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
The 1550 series has an individual occupational requirement that must be met and can be viewed here. In addition to the above requirements, you can view the experience level requirements here. Please scroll down to the 4th section titled Professional and Scientific 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 Mar 2, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Top Secret clearance is required.
What does NH-3 mean?
NH-3 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
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.