Summary

This position may be filled using Direct Hire Authority: Z5CAV/Direct-Hire Authority (Certain DoD Personnel) PL 118-31, Sec 125OB (i)(2), 12/22/2023. This position is being filled under the memorandum from the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)) "Expansion of Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of War," dated December 19,2025.

This position is part of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Nuclear Enterprise Directorate.

Duties

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As a PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR (NUCLEAR SYSTEMS) at the GS-0301-14 some of your typical work assignments may include:

• Serves as an expert on programs that are extremely complex with significant national, international, or homeland defense scope and impact.
• Makes recommendations that have profound implications on support, funding and implementation of programs.
• Plans, organizes, and directs studies to develop long-range (e.g., 5 + years) studies and forecasts and advises top level agency officials and subject matter managers on applying new developments and advances in communications-computer techniques.
• Leads the team in researching and engaging in small business innovation research focused on cutting edge technologies to automate some manpower intensive functions using technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and software validation applications.
• Plans, schedules, and coordinates work operations; provides continuing directions; answers questions; and resolves the most unusual and controversial problems.
• The PA has the final authority to direct and implement all changes to the system and the responsibility for ensuring that the program has the necessary resources to carry out these actions.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Occasional Travel: Travel in the performance of temporary assignments may be required. 20% of the time (CONUS/OCONUS)
• Work Schedule: Full-time
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
• Overtime/compensatory time may be required to accommodate operational needs of the organization
• Tour of Duty: Flexible
• Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized based on funding availablility
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
• Financial Disclosure: Required
• Telework Eligibility: This position is in-person located at Fort Belvoir, VA. and may be eligible for limited, situational telework subject to supervisory approval and not to exceed current Agency guidelines.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance. Risk Designation: Tier V Special Sensitive
• May be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays
• Must be willing to consent to and pass pre-employment drug testing and random drug testing thereafter
• May require travel away from the normal duty station and on military or commercial aircraft
• A valid driver's license is required
• Acquisition position in Program Management functional area. Must be certified in the Practitioner tier within 5 years. Required a minimum of 40 continuous learning points (CLPs) every fiscal year and 80 CLPs being mandatory within 2 years
• Valid Passport required

Qualifications

You may qualify at the GS-14, if you fulfill the following qualifications:

A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service as listed below:

• Managing the program elements of an enterprise-wide software program, ensuring compliance with national, federal, or corporate industry standards and regulatory directives;
• Identified, assessed, and mitigated programmatic and operational risks using analytical methodologies and technologies to ensure business or mission continuity;
• Analyzed and reviewed software development business processes, identifying inefficiencies and recommending strategic improvements to optimize the development lifecycle;
• Coordinating major technical programs or strategic projects across diverse multi-organizational stakeholders, executive leadership, or external partner agencies

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

Additional information

Other Notes:

• ACQUISITION POSITION: This position requires a Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Program Management, Practitioner level. Certification prior to hiring is not essential but must be accomplished within 60 months after entry into this position. For information regarding the DAWIA Back to Basics please visit: Home (dau.edu) or Back to Basics - Helpful Resources (dau.edu)
• DAWIA (Back to Basics) Certification: NON-CAP: Position requires DoD Acquisition Program Management, Practitioner level certification within required timeframes. Selectee must also achieve 80 hours of Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) every 2-years. Click here for more details and Resources.

RE-EMPLOYED ANNUITANT: This position does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/140025_vol300.PDF?ver=LQ7feWw-8-5DI2tceUpmgA%3d%3d

All applicants must meet qualifications and eligibility criteria by the closing date of the announcement.

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

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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.

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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.