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Posted: January 22, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Chief Engineer, SYD 89/OW

Space Systems Command

Department of the Air Force

Fresh

Location

Salary

$146,632 - $197,200

per year

Closes

January 29, 2026

GS-14/15 Pay Grade(Career Ladder)

Entry salary: $104,604 | Full performance (GS-15): up to $159,950

Career ladder: Start at GS-14 and advance to GS-15 with experience.

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-13. Senior expert or supervisor.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job is for a top engineer leading the technical side of developing and delivering advanced space technologies for the U.S.

Space Force, focusing on quick and innovative solutions for defense needs.

The role involves managing teams, working with government and military partners, and ensuring projects stay on track to meet urgent mission goals.

It's ideal for an experienced engineering leader with a strong background in space systems who thrives in fast-paced, collaborative environments.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in science or engineering
  • Current or ability to obtain Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
  • Direct technical experience in developing, designing, delivering, and operating space systems
  • Supervisory or leadership experience managing teams of 20-30 professionals
  • Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and development methodologies
  • Strong communication skills to interface with senior leadership and stakeholders
  • Ability to lead technical teams and navigate complex regulations creatively

Full Job Description

To submit your resume for this Direct Hire opportunity click here.

For additional information on other USSF direct hire opportunities visit the Air Force Civilian Careers Space Force website and follow USSF on LinkedIn.

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. Major Duties:

The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) at Los Angeles AFB CA is searching for a Chief Engineer to support SYD 89/OW (NH-0801-04, GS-14/15 Equivalent).

Description: Are you looking for a high-impact job where you are empowered to find creative solutions to tough engineering problems?

SYD 89/OW is a fast-paced, empowered, and warfighter-focused Directorate that specializes in the expedient delivery of cutting-edge technology to meet the current and future demands of the USSF.

To achieve this form of acquisition, we rely upon small, driven teams of highly skilled individuals who work closely with stakeholders to deliver innovative and timely solutions.

As a team member, you'll join at an exciting time with the ability to introduce new ideas, expand your technical leadership abilities, and inspire a culture of innovation and excellence.

If you're ready to deliver cutting-edge technology to meet the nation's defense needs, join our team today.

The Chief Engineer is responsible for all technical and program management aspects of delivering novel capabilities and technologies to meet the unique missions of the Space Systems Command (SSC).

This position oversees the major technical elements of various programs that support the Orbital Warfare Directorate, ensuring the delivery of unique capabilities both now and in the future.

The successful candidate will lead groups across the Space Force and the entire government to prove and communicate technology readiness.

This role involves frequent interaction with leadership from the SSC, U.S. Space Force (USSF), and Combatant Commands (COCOMs) at all levels.

Additionally, the Chief Engineer will collaborate with multiple Department of Defense (DoD) organizations, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), and the contractors who are building and integrating these capabilities.

Ideal Candidate: Candidate must have a current/be able to maintain a Top-Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility, as well as have direct technical experience in developing/designing, delivering, and operating space systems.

Candidate should also possess a Bachelor's degree or higher in science or engineering and have supervisory/leadership experience.

Lastly, the candidate should be knowledgeable with DoD acquisition processes and development methodologies. Special Access Program (SAP) experience is desired.

To be successful in this position, a candidate should be a technical expert with the ability to communicate technical information clearly and succinctly, lead technical and highly educated teams, have a strong background and familiarity with engineering products, tools, and methodologies, and be able to interface with acquisitions leadership to guide and inform space system development and delivery.

The person will need to be able to lead a team of 20-30 engineering and acquisition professionals that consist of government, military, and contractor personnel.

The person should be able to creatively navigate DoD acquisition regulations, collaborate with peer mission area leads, and keep Senior Leadership informed on the delivery of space system capabilities.

The individual needs to ensure the team consistently executes day-to-day tasks in order to realize space system on-orbit performance objectives while optimizing team performance by completing urgent, near-term actions without jeopardizing system delivery schedule.

It is essential to have the confidence to challenge Senior Leaders and the ability to advise them on appropriate technical and funding decisions.

Critical to success will be the individual's ability to develop a network of cross-functional colleagues to navigate unique and complex engineering challenges.

Finally, the person should be a self-starter and driven leader, championing new ways to do business that drive clarity and efficiency into system development and sustainment.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 1/22/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/23/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: SF-FY26-6S-NH-0801-4-SPLASH