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Posted: February 23, 2026 (0 days ago)

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HEAD CELESTIAL REF FRAME DEP

United States Fleet Forces Command

Department of the Navy

Fresh

Location

Salary

$169,279 - $220,065

per year

Type

Closes

March 6, 2026More Navy jobs →

GS-14 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $104,604 - $135,987

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 leadership role at the U.S.

Naval Observatory involves directing a department focused on celestial reference frames, overseeing astronomical programs, managing budgets, and coordinating operations at observatories in the U.S.

and abroad.

It suits experienced scientists or engineers with a strong background in astronomy or physics who enjoy leading teams, handling complex projects, and providing expert advice on space-related research.

Ideal candidates are those who have supervised technical professionals and managed large-scale scientific initiatives in government or similar settings.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science, or electronics, including calculus and at least 12 semester hours in astronomy/physics
  • At least one year of specialized experience at GS-14 level or equivalent, including supervising scientists, engineers, and technical staff
  • Program management skills in analysis, strategic planning, budgeting, procurement, risk assessment, and maintaining partnerships
  • Expert-level knowledge in astronomy, including studies of black holes, stellar astronomy, positional astronomy, and celestial coordinate systems
  • Experience in astrometric instrumentation, observation, data analysis, scientific computing, numerical analysis, and information assurance
  • Ability to manage and execute large budgets across multiple appropriations and direct operations at CONUS and OCONUS facilities

Full Job Description

This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer.

Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer.

Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.

Basic Education Requirements: Degree: in one or a combination of astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science, or electronics.

The course work must have included differential and integral calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy and/or physics.

or Combination of education and experience -- at least 30 semester hours of courses equivalent to a major in any combination of astronomy, space science, physics, mathematics, and electronics, with required course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Experience: In addition to the Basic Education Requirements listed above, Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-14 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.

Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Experience supervising scientist, engineers and technical professionals involving planning and assigning work, evaluating performance; giving advice, counsel, and instruction; resolving conflicts and complaints; identifying developmental and training needs; and identifying and rewarding performance.

Experience performing program management tasks such as analysis, strategic planning, preparing and tracking budget, approving procurements, performing risk assessment and reduction, maintain information assurance, ensuring production deadlines, providing technical guidance, maintaining external partnerships, ensuring quality products, and reporting program statuses.

Experience performing Expert Level tasks in Astronomy to include studies of black holes, stellar astronomy, and lower grade/band to prepare them for this position.

Experience in positional astronomy, astrometric instrumentation, observation, education of wide- and narrow angle astrometric data, scientific computing techniques, and compilation of astrometric catalogs, analysis of large-scale data sets, and fundamentals celestial coordinate system in desirable.

Experience performing modern computing, including scientific software, and numerical analysis, and information assurance.

Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: Astronomy and Space Science Series 1330 (opm.gov) Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (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. Major Duties:

  • You will serve as a HEAD CELESTIAL REFERENCE FRAME DEPARTMENT in the CELESTIAL REFRENCE FRAME DEPARTMENT, U.S. NAVAL OBSERVATORY, U.S. FLEET FORCES COMMAND, WASHINGTON D.C.
  • You will oversee multiple astronomical and engineering programs across multiple seats related to astronomy, celestial reference frame and telescope control.
  • You will track problematic metrics to present reports and presentations in various subjects to include budget, research, and development operations to senior leadership across the DOD.
  • You will manage, track, and execute large budget across multiple appropriations.
  • You will manage and direct astronomic operations at multiple facilities both CONUS and OCONUS.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 2/23/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/23/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: DE-12887838-26-CD