Federal

Laser Clearinghouse Engineering SME, S4S

United States Space Force Components ยท Department of the Air Force
๐Ÿ“ Vandenberg AFB, California NH-3 $104,349 - $161,313/yr
Posted: Mar 17, 2026 Deadline: Mar 24, 2026 (Closed days left)

About This Position

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.

Qualifications

The 0801 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) at Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA is searching for a Laser Clearinghouse Engineering SME to support S4S (NH-0801-03, GS-12/13 Equivalent). Description: United States Space Forces-Space (S4S) at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), CA is searching for a well-qualified candidate to fill the Operations Support Specialist position for 3-star Headquarters staff. Come join our amazing team as we Protect, Defend, Deliver, and Connect together!

Serves as a Laser Clearinghouse SME, and analyzes, evaluates, and develops recommendations to resolve complicated problems at the operational-level as related to portions of the Laser Clearinghouse mission, in accordance with DoD Instruction 3100.11, which establishes a mandatory, multi-step process for the deconfliction of any laser firings above the horizon to ensure it/they do not inadvertently damage satellites or other space assets. Point of contact for weekly Battle Rhythm events such as the Commander's Update Brief, and Operational and Intelligence briefings. Ideal Candidate: A minimum of Bachelor's Engineering Degree in one of the various core engineering fields as related to Laser and Optical Systems (Laser and Optical, Electrical, Physics, Applied Physics, Aerospace, Materials, or Mechanical).

Bachelor's degree requirement is not waiverable. Master's degree preferred. Shall have in-depth knowledge with a minimum of three (3) years of relevant work experience directly applied to developing recommendations in order to resolve complicated problems at the operational level as related to portions of the Laser Clearinghouse mission.

Combined Space Operations Center or National Space Defense Center operations may also be used to meet some, but not all, the prerequisite years of experience. Skills in working with people to maintain effective working relationships with groups interested in or affected by assigned programs and functions. Knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel products to develop and present professional technical and management documents at all levels.

Ability to gather, assemble, and analyze facts, draw conclusions, cnduct analysis, devise recommended solutions, and provide a comprehensive current operational readiness assessment to the commander. Meets or exceeds a "Professional Working Proficiency, Plus" (highly nuanced understanding) language competency when preparing and delivering written and oral presentations

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 Laser Clearinghouse Engineering SME, S4S position at United States Space Force Components?
The salary range for this position is $104,349 - $161,313/yr. This is a NH-3 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Laser Clearinghouse Engineering SME, S4S job located?
This position is located in Vandenberg AFB, California. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
The 0801 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 24, 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.