Help The United States Space Force (USSF) in Chantilly, VA is searching for a Chief of Operations to support the SBST PAE (NH-0343-03, GS-12/13 Equivalent). Description: Are you a strategic mastermind who excels at transforming complex organizational challenges into streamlined, mission-focused successes? If you are a leader who can orchestrate high-stakes operations and align diverse teams toward a common goal, we want you on our team. As the Chief of Operations for the Space Sensing Portfolio, you will be the central nervous system for a major acquisition enterprise, serving as the primary official responsible for designing, integrating, and optimizing the policies and workflows that accelerate the delivery of our nation's most vital space-based capabilities., In this critical role, you will be more than a manager, you will be a force multiplier. Your day will be spent identifying and eliminating systemic bottlenecks, synchronizing efforts across program and functional offices, and leading strategic initiatives on behalf of the executive director. You will act as the authoritative representative in high-level negotiations, advocating for the portfolio's needs with senior leaders across the Space Force, Department of Defense, and our industry partners. This is a unique opportunity to shape the operational backbone of a fast-paced, mission-critical organization and drive the execution of programs that directly protect our nation. If you are ready to apply your expertise to a challenge of national importance, apply today to become a leader in the future of space. Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate for Chief of Operations is a seasoned and highly accomplished leader with a strong background in operational management, strategic planning, and program analysis, preferably within a major government acquisition portfolio like the Department of Defense. Your experience demonstrates a mastery of designing and implementing organizational policies, optimizing complex workflow structures, and driving operational efficiency across diverse functional areas, including contracting, finance, and human resources. You have a proven track record of managing portfolio-wide tasking systems, directing high-priority administrative projects (such as facilities, security, or continuity of operations), and successfully meeting tight deadlines. Your background should include extensive experience serving as a liaison and negotiator, adept at building collaborative networks and representing organizational interests in high-level discussions with senior military leaders, civilian executives, and external defense partners. You are an expert at strategic integration, with an exceptional ability to synchronize activities across multiple program offices and ensure that all staff work is fully aligned with executive intent. An advanced degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, or a related field is highly desirable, though extensive and directly relevant experience can substitute. Critically, you must possess or be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). Requirements Help Conditions of employment • Must be a U.S Citizen. • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance. • Safeguards classified or sensitive budget-related information and/or files. • May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis. • Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed "Unscheduled Telework". • This position will close after 5 business days or 75 applications, whichever comes first. • Employee may be required to perform travel by military or commercial passenger aircraft in the performance of temporary duty assignments. • PCS / relocation funding is authorized. • Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 30 days per year. • This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to pre-employment drug testing as a condition of employment, and participation in random drug testing. • Employee must within 30-days of assuming this position and annually thereafter, file an OGE-450, "Confidential Financial Disclosure Report." Employee is required to attend annual ethics and procurement integrity training. 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. 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. Expand Hide additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits Help A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.