WE ARE THE NRO
For sixty years, the NRO has developed, acquired, launched and operated the satellites that are the foundation for America's advantage and strength in space. Using a diversified architecture of spacecraft, NRO collects and delivers the best space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance content on the planet.
Learn more at NRO.gov.
Basic Eligibility for a Position with the NRO

• You must be a U.S. Citizen
• You must be 18 years of age or older
• You must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance
• You will be subject to pre-employment and periodic drug testing
• You will be subject to pre-employment and periodic polygraph examinations

Where You Will Work
Deputy Director, Electro-Optical System Program Office (DD/ESPO): The DD/ESPO is responsible for supporting and assisting the Director in overseeing the development, integration, test, launch, and factory operations support of the current and next-generation of Electro-Optical (EO) imagery satellites. The DD/ESPO directs all satellite development activities including design, production, test, launch, on-orbit initialization and support to EO spacecraft in operations. He/She represents the program director when required, leading all facets of program execution including technical, cost and schedule. Additionally, the DD/ESPO is responsible for developing trades, adjudicating interface issues, and optimizing performance across system architecture. The DD/ESPO assists in directing and overseeing activities of a 1,000 person contractor development team building and maintaining EO satellites. The directly-assigned workforce within ESPO consists of military, DoD and IC civilians, Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) and Federally Funded Research (FFRDC) personnel, with a diverse mix of professional, scientific and engineering, managerial, administrative and technical occupations. Total numbers within the SPO are estimated to be approximately 45 government civilians and military personnel and approximately 120 FFRDC/SETA.
The NRO Cadre is collecting resumes for consideration against current and future opportunities for Senior/Expert Level (GG-15 ), Deputy Director/ESPO, occupational series 1101. For information on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) occupational series, click here.
Your resume may be considered for other positions which your skills and experience may be a good match.
This is a full-time position that is open from May 24th, 2024 to June 7th, 2024. Resumes must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on June 7th, 2024
Who May Apply

• This position is open to the public.
• Federal government employees MUST currently be at the grade level or higher as indicated in this announcement. This is NOT a promotion opportunity for current Federal government employees. If selected for the position, Federal government employees will transition laterally at their current grade level and step.
• Federal applicants who exceed the advertised grade may voluntarily request acceptance at the lower grade per IAW DoD 1400.25 Volume 2006.
• The NRO is only accepting external applicants for this job announcement. Current NRO Cadre employees should apply internally.

What You Will Be Doing

• Exercises supervisory personnel management responsibilities. Directs, coordinates, and oversees work through subordinate supervisors. Advises staff regarding policies, procedures, and directives of higher-level management or headquarters. Selects candidates for subordinate non-supervisory positions and recommends selections for subordinate supervisory positions taking into consideration skills and qualifications, mission requirements, and EEO and diversity objectives. Ensures reasonable equity among units of performance standards developed, modified, and/or interpreted and rating techniques developed by subordinate supervisors. Explains performance expectations to subordinate supervisors and employees directly supervised and provides regular feedback on strengths and weaknesses. Appraises performance of subordinate supervisors and other employees directly supervised and serves as reviewing official on evaluation of non-supervisory employees rated by subordinate supervisors. Approves expenses comparable to within-grade increases, extensive overtime, and employee travel. Recommends awards for non-supervisory personnel and changes in position classification to higher-level managers. Hears and resolves group grievances and employee complaints referred by subordinate super visors and employees. Initiates action to correct performance or conduct problems of employees directly supervised and reviews and/or approves serious disciplinary actions (e.g. suspensions, removals) involving non-supervisory subordinates. Ensures documentation prepared to support actions is proper and complete. Reviews developmental needs of subordinate supervisors and non-supervisory employees and makes decisions on non-routine, costly or controversial training needs and/or requests for unit employees.

• Encourages self-development. Approves leave for subordinate supervisors and ensures adequate coverage in organization through peak workloads and traditional holiday vacation time. Adheres to the tenants of the NRO Directive (ND) 80-3, Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Management.
• Specifically as a senior program manager, this position is designated to serve as senior technical representative at high-level conferences and meetings with representatives from the Department of Defense (DoD), other Intelligence Community (IC) partners, military services and agencies, and private industry. Will interact directly with Congress, general/flag officers, OSD, DNI, OMB, NSC, HAF, IC, national agencies, and senior leaders in industry. Has the authority to commit resources utilizing laws, principles, policies, and practices of systems acquisition and program management.
• Assist the Director in all aspects of the execution of an ACAT-1D Satellite System Program with a multi-billion dollar portfolio. Monitors contract progress and expenditures against plans, provides necessary statistical data to management and provides strong oversight, guidance , direction, and leadership for teams of acquisition professionals to include military, civil service, SETA and FFRDC contractors developing and implementing NRO project/program requirements.
• Establishes and revises policies, procedure s, mission objectives, and organization design for staff to eliminate work barriers to mission accomplishment.
• Creates budget estimates based on sound requirements generation required for budget development.
• Manages and assesses progress in assigned projects/programs, including cost, schedule, and performance supporting baseline requirements, by applying program management methods and procedures.
• Develops, executes, and monitors risk management strategies to address areas of concern or potential gaps.
• Plans, organizes, and coordinates activities with functional specialists, including contracting, engineering , manufacturing, program controls, configuration/data management, test, logistics and operations support. Continually studies, reviews and evaluates program progress.
• Synthesizes system requirements into appropriate acquisition specifications. Develops acquisition strategies to meet program objectives. Provides input in source se lection and assesses contractor performance during all acquisition phases, including operations.
• Oversees proper flow down of requirements and verification methods.
• Works closely and substantially with program Contracting Officer's Technical Representatives (COTRs) and prime contractors to provide leadership and ensure program objectives are achieved within stringent cost, schedule, and technical performance requirements.
• Provides authoritative recommendations, briefings, and other formal and informal feedback and status to management on all aspects of program status, contractor technical performance and for all significant decision points.
• Provides leadership to cross-functional teams and project managers across the organization to ensure that programs are managed within ideal framework, timelines, and budgets. In his/her capacity, the employee is responsible for directing , approving, and making changes in operational work to ensure optimal results and is responsible to plan for and make changes in the organization of work performed to achieve efficient and economical operations. Is responsible for the technical quality of work performed for the organizational effort managed. Plans work schedules and sequence of operations, revises work schedules to meet changes in workload, and gives special instructions on difficult or different operations.
• Solves systemic management problems of major significance through staff coordination and meetings with the NRO leadership. Participates in internal and external meetings and conferences, and for complex and critical fiscal and programming negotiations. Represents the Command at top-level events. Prepares, reviews, and provides guidance in the preparation of briefings, workshops, conferences, and seminars.
• Determines whether contractor-performed work meets standards of adequacy before authorizing payment.
• Secures classified information in accordance with E.O. 13526.
• Performs other duties as assigned

What You Need

• Expert knowledge and demonstrated domain expertise in National-level ISR satellite architecture, system design, production, integration & test, and launch operations.

• Expert knowledge and demonstrated experience in acquiring National-level ISR collection systems starting from user requirements to design, development, integration and operation of satellite and ground capabilities within the National-level Enterprise.

• Experience supporting Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) Mission Partner activities.

• Expertise and skill in applying the knowledge of rules, regulations, policies, principles and practices of human resource management to assigned staff.

• Mastery of management and executive knowledge and ability to the extent the experience demonstrates specialization in areas such as program management, resource management and/or financial management, and intelligence operations. The magnitude, criticality, and multifaceted nature of mission support for the NRO require the incumbent to exercise an extraordinarily high level of managerial competence and functional expertise and to demonstrate mature leadership skills.

• Expert and detailed knowledge of management and leadership theory and practice, with the demonstrated ability to apply management theory (including experimental theory) to resolve issues, recommend policy and solve problems not susceptible to treatment by accepted methods ; and to make decisions or recommendations significantly changing, interpreting, or developing important policies and programs.

• Expert knowledge of contracts, techniques for contracting, and contract negotiation is a requirement of this position as this level.

• Proven program management experience with multi-billion dollar Major Systems Acquisitions.

• Mastery knowledge of DoD/IC acquisition functions and requirements generation, program and project management and control techniques.

• Expert in the preparation of requirements documentation for acquisitions to include Acquisition Strategy Document (ASD), Business Case Analysis (BCA), Acquisition Plans (AP) and Source Selection Plans (SSP) and other similar documentation.

• In-depth experience communicating with all levels of personnel in order to represent the organization in interagency forums, lead and participate in planning sessions and working groups, and present briefings. The position requires excellent oral and written communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.

• Extensive experience in developing and preparing written policies, procedures and SOPs.
• Minimum of a Technical Baccalaureate Degree: technical or scientific field such as engineering, physics, mathematics, or computer science.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge, experience and domain expertise in electro-optical (EO) satellite architecture, system design, production, integration & test, and launch operations.
• Expert knowledge and demonstrated experience in acquiring EO imagery collection systems starting from user requirements to design, development, integration and operation of satellite and ground capabilities within the NRO Enterprise.
• Extensive knowledge and background in NRO acquisitions and of IC and DoD acquisition policy and management
• Advanced degree from an accredited university in engineering, science, or other related technical disciplines.

Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform and is typically in or directly related to the duties of the position as described above. Experience must be reflected in your resume.
Other Information

• DAWIA: This is a Defense Acquisition Work Improvement Act (DAWIA) position:

Employees Grades 15 designated in Critical Acquisition Positions, must meet appropriate certification requirements IAW the DAWIA within the designated grace period after accepting the position. The employee must meet or be capable of meeting DAWIA level III certification or equivalent in any acquisition discipline within two years of assumption of duties and for an area applicable to the duties of the position. As a Critical Acquisition Position (CAP), unless specifically waived by the appropriate Component Official (i.e., the Director of Acquisition Career Management for the Component, the Service Acquisition Executive, or the Service Secretary) or if the employee is "grandfathered" under 10 U.S.C. 1736 (c) (1), the following are statutorily mandated requirements (Reference 10 U.S.C. 1733 and 1737).

• • 1. Employee must have 4 years acquisition experience
• • 2. Employee must execute, as a condition of employment, a written tenure agreement to maintain in Federal Service in this position for at least three years. In signing such an agreement, the employee does not forfeit any employment rights, nor does such an agreement alter any other terms or conditions of employment.
• Overtime Statement: MAY be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Travel Statement: The employee may be required to travel in military or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments
• Financial Disclosure: Incumbent is required to file an OGE Fonn 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, upon appointment and will be required to file annually.
• Mobility: Mobility is a condition of employment

Location
Chantilly, VA
Salary
2024 salary range for the Washington, DC area:
GG-15: $163,964 - $191,900
**This position is a Senior/Expert Level DCIPS position. The NRO is accepting applications from U.S. Citizens and current federal government employees for this position. To qualify for the position, federal government employees MUST currently be at the GG-15 grade level and may ONLY apply for a lateral reassignment at their current grade level and step. Federal applicants who exceed the advertised grade may voluntarily request acceptance at the lower grade per IAW DoD 1400.25 Volume 2006.
Hiring Incentives
The NRO may offer hiring incentives and other entitlements at management's discretion.
Trial Period
All new DCIPS employees will be required to serve a 2-year trial period.
Veterans' Preference
DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Vol 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by section 2108 of Title 5 USC, you must submit documents verifying your eligibility upon request.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants

Reasonable Accommodation Policy
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.
Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:

• An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.
• An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.
• An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events.

You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please send your request to [email protected].
Privacy Act Notice
Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): We use this information to determine qualifications for employment. This is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.
Read more about the Privacy Act of 1974