Chief Safety Officer, Space Reactor Division

Moffett Field

$125K — $150K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Recognized subject matter expert with at least 1 year of GS-15 equivalent experience in safety and mission assurance for complex aerospace programs.
  • Proven track record in resolving high-risk technical issues and performing risk evaluations.
  • Extensive knowledge of SMA requirements and standards across all program phases.
  • Experience in leading or supporting collaborative partnerships with industry, academic, or government organizations.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, physical science, mathematics, life sciences, computer science, or a related field.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as Level II technical authority at SRD boards, panels, and milestone reviews.
  • Review and approve changes, waivers, deviations, and other exceptions to SMA requirements.
  • Provide expert recommendations on SRD-unique SMA technical standards.
  • Lead risk-mitigation initiatives and resolve significant technical issues.
  • Evaluate the technical integrity of SRD products and services from an SMA perspective.
  • Identify and assess risks throughout program phases.
  • Advise on aerospace engineering challenges and SMA performance.
  • Conduct trade studies to assess architectural and operational risks.

Benefits

  • Access to a comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee.
  • Eligibility for health insurance and retirement plans.
  • Opportunities for professional development and training.
  • Paid time off including vacation and sick leave.
  • Life insurance and long-term care options.
Full Job Description
Summary

The Chief Safety Officer (CSO) for the Space Reactors Division (SRD) serves as Office of Safety & Mission Assurance (OSMA) Technical Authority, responsible for independent evaluation of SMA requirements, standards, and high-risk issue resolution. The CSO represents the Agency Chief of OSMA, approves SRD SMA changes, advises on risk mitigation, evaluates SMA functions, and provides top-level safety, reliability, maintainability, and quality assurance guidance across all program phases.

Duties

Help

The Chief Safety Officer, Space Reactors Division:

  • Serve as Level II technical authority representing OSMA at Space Reactors Division (SRD) boards, panels, and milestone reviews.
  • Review and disposition changes, waivers, deviations, and exceptions to OSMA SMA requirements. Provide leadership on risk assessments, anomaly resolution, and acceptance of waivers/deviations.
  • Provide authoritative recommendations on SRD-unique SMA technical standards.
  • Formulate OSMA positions on significant and high-risk technical issues. Lead independent multi-disciplinary risk-mitigation and issue-resolution activities.
  • Evaluate and assure technical integrity of SRD products, systems, and services from an SMA perspective.
  • Identify and assess programmatic and technical risks across development, operations, science, and utilization phases.
  • Advise SRD and OSMA on planning, performance, and aerospace engineering challenges with respect to SMA performance.
  • Lead independent trade studies and special assessments to identify architectural and operational risks.
  • Ensure a safe working environment with appropriate employee training and safety prioritization.


Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

  • The individual selected will be required to file an 'Executive Branch Personnel Financial Disclosure Report' (OGE-278e) within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.
  • Successful completion of a background investigation commensurate with the risk and sensitivity level of the position.
  • Successful completion of random drug screening may be required.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance as required by the position.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.


Qualifications

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

Candidates must be a recognized subject matter expert with at least 1 year of directly related experience equivalent to the GS-15 level in leading safety and mission assurance for complex aerospace programs, including resolving high-risk technical issues, risk evaluation and advisory, expertise on SMA requirements and standards, and application of mission assurance across all program phases.

Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement, or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the position. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of artificial intelligent (AI) or AI-assisted tools during the application process.

To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, your resume must also address both Senior Level (SL) Evaluation Criteria listed below. Failure to address these criteria will result in your application being rated ineligible.

SL EVALUATION CRITERIA:

1. Technical Competence and Leadership

Led technical/discipline teams to advance or enable state-of-the-art solutions in science, engineering, or mission enabling functions. Developed or implemented innovative methodologies or technologies to solve complex scientific, engineering or mission enabling problems. Led or supported collaborative partnerships with industry, academic, or government organizations to advance scientific, engineering, or mission enabling technical capabilities at national or international levels.

2. Professional Contributions and Influence

Leveraged expertise and integration skills to resolve technical/discipline challenges for complex systems. Demonstrated impact in technical discipline to solve issues or improve operational effectiveness. Chaired or presented at professional conference sessions or technical forums to share expertise and influence field development. Developed or mentored students or professional practitioners in scientific, engineering or mission enabling communities. Shared technical knowledge or innovations that were adopted by outside organizations with documented results.

Please refer to the "How you will be evaluated" section for a list of competencies that you will be evaluated on.

Education

This position has a positive education requirement. To be eligible, you must clearly state in your resume the following: degree, major and/or minor, and college/university. A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.

An official transcript will be required if you are selected.

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major study in engineering, physical science, mathematics, life sciences, computer science, or other field of science.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs. These education credentials must be deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, click here.

Additional information

The selectee receives a temporary promotion and serves for a period of 3 to 5 years. Upon conclusion of the temporary promotion, the selectee will then return to an appropriate position at a grade level no lower than the grade previously held. This temporary promotion may be converted to a permanent appointment without further competition. This temporary promotion may be terminated at any time.

Expand Hide additional information

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.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Moffett Field

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Chief Safety Officer, Space Reactor Division jobs: