The Senior Technical Expert serves as the principal production advisor to the Air Force Sustainment Center (AFSC) Commander. The executive's primary mission is to optimize depot maintenance outcomes for critical military assets-including aircraft, missiles, commodities, and propulsion systems. Duties The Senior Technical Expert serves as the principal production advisor to the Air Force Sustainment Center (AFSC) Commander and is the recognized authority on AFSC depot maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations. This includes direct oversight of depot finances, infrastructure, and the systemic impacts of supply chain performance on overall AFSC business outcomes. In this role, the executive integrates the activities of cross-functional experts to formulate independent, comprehensive assessments for the Commander regarding the operational health and performance of the Air Logistics Complexes. By ensuring that engineering and maintenance talent is efficiently targeted, the advisor exploits state-of-the-art technology to optimize the development, sustainment, modification, and protection of critical military equipment. Driven by a focus on continuous improvement, the expert questions conventional approaches, develops novel operational insights, and implements innovative programs to modernize sustainment practices. Because AFSC's sustainment programs carry national strategic value and draw high Congressional interest, the executive represents the AFSC, Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), and Headquarters Air Force (HQ USAF) across diverse external forums. The advisor provides expert guidance on complex sustainment matters to high-level stakeholders, including center leadership, Program Executive Officers (PEOs), Program Activity Executives (PAEs), program managers, sister services, and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Beyond defense boundaries, the executive engages with industry leaders, professional associations, academic institutions, and international Allies. Serving as the primary Air Force focal point, the expert ensures the establishment of state-of-the-art MRO operating environments necessary to execute safe, secure, and effective missions, while simultaneously guiding the professional development of the future AFSC MRO workforce. The executive provides the authoritative technical expertise required to develop, tailor, and apply advanced MRO operations specifically for Air Force weapon systems. At the request of senior agency and government officials, the advisor leads and conducts critical, independent studies to deliver actionable findings, recommendations, and conclusions on complex logistics sustainment issues. By technically guiding multiple major studies, the expert directly influences strategic operational shifts and recommends critical adjustments regarding the direction and expenditure of program funds. Furthermore, the advisor chairs authoritative reviews and evaluations to investigate deep-seated engineering and logistics challenges, recommending the continuation, modification, or cessation of specific AFSC efforts to guarantee process quality, cost-efficiency, and operational effectiveness. Representing the AFSC on high-level national panels, interagency committees, and international working groups, the executive helps shape policies addressing the defense industrial base and evolving national security needs. The advisor collaborates closely with key federal and defense partners-including the Army, Navy, Department of War (DoW), NASA, the FAA, and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)-to synchronize MRO capabilities. Through the publication of technical papers, lectures, and executive presentations at prestigious global forums, the senior expert ensures that AFSC remains at the absolute forefront of global MRO operations and sustainment technology. Requirements Conditions of employment - U.S. citizenship is required. - Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov. - Disclosure of Political Appointments. - Selected candidate must file a Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 278) in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978. - Position has been designated Special-Sensitive and the selectee must have or be able to obtain a Top Secret/SCI with SAP clearance. - Drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to random testing for drug use IAW Exec. Order 12564, dated 14 Sep 86. Position requires that the incumbent sign a Drug Testing letter and pass urinalysis testing prior to appointment. - Position requires travel under conditions specified in the DoW Joint Travel Regulations. Incumbent is expected to travel on short notice to attend high-level meetings. - Position may require incumbent to be available for other than normal duty hours to include weekends to support exercises and crisis planning. - Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoW Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. - Within the Department of War (DoW), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326. - Active Duty Military Members must indicate retirement eligibility. Qualifications Eligibility will be based upon a clear showing the applicant has training, education and experience of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry-out the duties of the position. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. In accordance with new OPM requirements to streamline hiring, applicants are no longer required to submit lengthy narrative essays, including those for Technical Qualifications (TQs) or Senior Professional Qualifications (SPQs), when applying. Instead, the initial application will be resume-only, capped at two pages. This change streamlines the application process and more closely aligns with private industry practices. Applicants identified for potential selection will have their qualifications assessed by undergoing a structured interview conducted by a panel. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Technical and Senior Professional Qualifications related to this position within your resume (not to exceed 2 pages). Resumes over the 2-page limit will be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of your qualifications, you may not receive further consideration for the position. TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that satisfy the technical qualifications. TQ1. Expert knowledge of depot-level Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) principles, practices, and procedures. This includes a comprehensive understanding of complex industrial operations, supply chain management, infrastructure, and financial management as they apply to the production of aircraft, missiles, commodities, and propulsion systems. The candidate must have deep knowledge and demonstrated ability to lead and integrate the efforts of diverse technical experts to analyze the health of large-scale MRO activities, drive process improvements using constraint-based management systems like Art of the Possible (AoP) and provide authoritative advice and recommendations on complex logistics and sustainment challenges to senior leaders across the Department of War, allied nations, and industry. TQ2. Demonstrated ability to serve as a recognized technical authority and leader on high-level departmental, national and international panels, working groups, and forums. This requires the skill to represent a major organization on issues of industrial base operations, changing MRO production requirements, and national defense needs. The candidate must have proven experience in leading independent studies, developing innovative technical solutions to complex sustainment problems, and effectively communicating findings and strategic recommendations to a wide range of audiences, including government agencies, academia, and industry partners worldwide. Education A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is desired. A master's or advanced degree in a related business or management field is highly desired. Additional information Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference is applicable to Air Force Senior Level (SL) positions. Relocation Authorized: Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: May be offered. Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoW Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information. Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit GSA Bulletin FTR 20-04 here for additional information. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here. 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 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. 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.