Division Chief, Facilities and Engineering, HQSF/S4

Air Force STEM$120K — $145K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture required; master's degree in engineering management or MBA preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years in senior leadership roles overseeing engineering or civil engineering operations.
  • Experience managing complex facility portfolios and large defense budgets.
  • Strong familiarity with Department of War financial guidelines and engineering regulations.
  • Professional credentials such as PE, RA, PMP, or similar are strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and direct a team of engineering professionals in support of space operations and infrastructure.
  • Oversee engineering operations and facility management at HQSF/S4.
  • Spearhead strategic initiatives to enhance operational effectiveness in fast-paced environments.
  • Coordinate with key partners like AFCEC and AFIMSC to resolve complex technical issues.
  • Provide expert engineering advice to senior military and civilian leaders.

Benefits

  • Eligible for situational telework including emergency telework options.
  • Eligible for PCS/incentives associated with relocation.
  • Participation in random drug testing required as part of employment condition.
  • Opportunities for Temporary Duty Assignments (TDY) approximately 30 days per year.
Full Job Description
Summary

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Duties

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The United States Space Force (USSF) Headquarters Space Force / Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Installations Logistics is searching for a Division Chief, Facilities and Engineering, S4 (NH-0801-04, GS 14/15 equivalent).

Description:

We are seeking a leader with deep expertise in engineering operations, asset management, and defense infrastructure strategy to serve as the Engineering Division Chief for HQSF/S4. As the principal engineering advisor for HQSF/S4, you will direct a team of engineering professionals to support space operations, launch, training, test and evaluation. We're seeking a leader that moves at the speed of relevance - strategic enough to set direction and tactical enough to execute at the point of need. Energized, rather than overwhelmed by a high-ops tempo environment, this leader brings innovative thinking and transformational concepts to the engineering enterprise, pushing beyond incremental improvement to redefine what's possible. The successful candidate will provide centralized oversight of engineering operations, manage complex facility portfolios, and steward critical defense resources. By synchronizing efforts with key enterprise partners (such as AFCEC (Air Force Civil Engineer Center) and AFIMSC (Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center)), you will resolve highly complex technical challenges and ensure that our physical infrastructure rapidly adapts to support the cutting-edge demands of the Space Force mission.

Ideal Candidate:

Possess a robust, highly technical background in defense engineering operations, civil engineering, facilities asset management, and strategic infrastructure planning within the Department of War (DoW). Educationally, this individual should hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture, with a master's degree in engineering management or business administration. Professionally, they will bring at least 10 years of progressive senior-leadership experience directing complex engineering directorates or civil engineering squadrons. They must demonstrate a commanding track record of overseeing multifaceted facility and asset management portfolios, successfully executing massive defense budgets (including POM development), and building highly cohesive military and civilian engineering teams, with many stakeholders. Familiarity with supporting operational programs is essential. A deep working knowledge of DoW financial guidelines, defense engineering regulations, and complex engineering policies is required. Professional credentials such as a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) are strongly preferred, along with certifications like Project Management Professional (PMP) or defense-specific Facilities Engineering credentials. The ideal candidate will also have a proven history of high-level strategic collaboration with installations and agencies such as AFCEC (Air Force Civil Engineer Center), AFIMSC (Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center) and the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  1. In-depth understanding of engineering principles, techniques, and processes across multiple disciplines (electronic, mechanical, aerospace, civil) as applied to Space Force test, evaluation, and facility management programs.
  2. Exceptional leadership and personnel management skills to supervise a multi-disciplinary division, establish clear performance metrics, resolve workplace grievances, and systematically mentor staff to enhance technical capabilities.
  3. Ability to serve as an authoritative senior advisor, providing General Officers (GOs) and Senior Executive Service (SES) leaders with frank, data-driven engineering recommendations and operational risk mitigation strategies.
  4. Comprehensive knowledge of Department of War (DoW), federal, and military design/construction codes, standards, and safety regulations-specifically including Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, and explosive/range safety mandates.
  5. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to perform independent technical risk assessments, evaluate contractor engineering deliverables, and diagnose systemic program deficiencies without relying on contractor-provided analysis.
  6. Ability to manage multiple high-priority, cross-functional engineering initiatives simultaneously within a fast-paced and high-scrutiny headquarters staff environment.


Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret w/SCI clearance.
  • Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain approval to access the portfolio of Special Access Programs required to perform daily duties.
  • 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.
  • May be required to travel by military or commercial aircraft in the performance of TDY assignments.
  • May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis.
  • Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed "Unscheduled Telework".
  • Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 30 days per year.
  • PCS/ Incentive is authorized.
  • This position will close after 10 business days or 75 applications (whichever comes first).


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.

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.

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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.

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