Duties

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As the senior technical authority for the United States Space Force (USSF), the incumbent operates at the strategic tier as the Service Information Security Officer (SISO) and Principal Authorizing Official (PAO). In this capacity, the position provides authoritative technical expertise and senior-level advisory support to safeguard the enterprise risk posture, digital infrastructure, and mission assurance of the Space Force. The incumbent is responsible for developing and recommending comprehensive cybersecurity policies, standards, and governance structures, while keeping senior leadership continuously informed of emerging threats and the technical risk implications of cyber operations. A key aspect of this role is ensuring strict alignment with the cybersecurity directives of the Department of War (DoW), Intelligence Community (IC), and federal agencies, thereby securing the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical space-based systems and data.

In executing these duties, the incumbent provides high-level technical expertise to the Office of the Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Cyber and Data (SF/S6). This involves driving long-range cybersecurity strategies and advising on enterprise-wide IT infrastructure, cyber forces, warfighter communications, electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO), and overall data governance. As the principal technical advisor, the incumbent delivers the expert analysis and metrics necessary to inform Planning, Programming, Budget, and Execution (PPBE) deliberations. Through this targeted advisory support, the position ensures that Space Force leadership has access to timely, accurate, and technically sound recommendations to guide enterprise decisions. Crucially, the position maintains an advisory and strategic focus, meaning the incumbent does not implement programs, direct personnel, or manage daily organizational execution.

Leveraging exceptional professional judgment and technical mastery, the incumbent guides enterprise-level cybersecurity transformation across the Space Force's complex digital ecosystem. The position serves as an influential liaison, representing USSF cybersecurity interests across senior-level forums, working groups, and boards. The incumbent actively collaborates with a wide network of stakeholders-including the DAF, sister Services, Joint Staff, OSD, Congress, NASA, the IC, Combatant Commands, Field Commands (FLDCOMs), Direct Reporting Units (DRUs), international allies, and industry partners-to build consensus and integrate Space Force perspectives into joint and interagency initiatives. While the position does not supervise teams or direct organizational activities, it remains a vital catalyst for innovation and workforce development, strengthening the nation's space domain cybersecurity posture.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
• U.S. Citizenship Required.
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
• Position is designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP). Position requires the incumbent sign a Drug Testing letter and pass urinalysis testing prior to appointment.
• Must have or be able to obtain a TOP SECRET/SCI Security clearance.
• Must file an Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report.
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD. An individual's initial SL career appointment becomes final only after the individual successfully completes a 1-year probationary period.
• Active Duty Military Members must indicate retirement eligibility.
• Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be offered.
• Disclosure of Political Appointments.
• EXECUTIVE PERSONNEL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REPORT (Standard Form 278). Selected candidate must file this report in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
• Veterans' preference is applicable to Air Force Senior Level (SL) positions.
• 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.

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 must exemplify the corporate perspective, leadership vision, broad experience and character needed in the SES corps not only to satisfy the immediate vacancy, but future vacancies which will occur in a variety of organizations, functions and locations.

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Applicants must reflect superior technical qualifications demonstrated through leadership and management in the following:

TQ1. Authoritative expertise in enterprise-level cybersecurity, defensive cyber operations, and cyber risk management for large, complex organizations. Mastery of cyber risk frameworks, security architecture, and mission-focused risk assessment, with experience advising senior risk decision authorities for national security systems. Skilled in analyzing cyber defense activities and integrating intelligence, analytics, automation, and emerging technologies to enhance resilience and secure digital modernization.

TQ2. Expert ability to develop, interpret, and recommend cybersecurity policies, standards, and governance aligned with DoD, IC, and federal directives. Demonstrated experience advising on RMF, Zero Trust, supply chain risk management, and protection of classified and mission-critical systems. Proven success collaborating across DAF, Joint Staff, Combatant Commands, Services, and mission partners, and representing cybersecurity perspectives in senior-level Joint, interagency, and international forums.

A separate narrative statement is not requiredthis information should be embedded within the resume.

Education

Bachelor's degree is desired and Master's or advanced degree in Computer Science / Information Technology / Cybersecurity / STEM 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.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.

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.

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.