Space Force Portfolio Acquisition Executive

Full Job Description

The FY2020 NDAA established the U.S. Space Force (USSF) to organize, train, and equip forces for space operations. The Space Systems Command (SSC) develops and acquires space capabilities.

A specific Space Force Portfolio Acquisition Executive (SFPAE) manages military satellite communications and navigation programs, overseeing a budget of over $19 billion and aligning with USSF and National Reconnaissance Office priorities to support the National Defense Strategy.

Eligibility will be based upon a clear showing the applicant has education, training, 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.

Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

In accordance with new OPM requirements to streamline Senior Executive Service (SES) hiring, applicants are no longer required to submit lengthy narrative essays, including those for Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or Mandatory Technical Qualifications (TQs), 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 ECQs assessed by undergoing a structured interview with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB).

To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the education, Technical Qualifications (TQ), and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) 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 the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position.

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that satisfy the technical qualifications. TQ1.

Experience managing programs across ACAT I, II and III levels; experience leading large acquisition organizations of military, civilian and contractors.

Knowledge of managing the acquisition of intelligence capabilities necessary to support a range of USSF activities. TQ2.

Advanced knowledge of space/ground architecture and mission systems to include Mission Partner/Intelligence Community considerations/policies; delivery of crucial intelligence capabilities based on requirements; inter- and intra-agency relationships/interfaces; and the technical baseline/foundation/requirement for mission activities/programs.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): All new appointees to the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the five mandatory ECQs: ECQ 1.

Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: Demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.

ECQ 2.

Driving Efficiency: Demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.

ECQ 3. Merit and Competence: Demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. ECQ 4.

Leading People: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture.

This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. ECQ 5.

Achieving Results: Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.

Please note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program, or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you must attach proof (e.g., SF-50 or Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.

Major Duties:

The Space Force Portfolio Acquisition Executive (SFPAE) for Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) oversees the acquisition, development, and sustainment of critical space systems, managing programs of all classification levels in direct support of the Secretary of the Air Force.

Key Duties and Responsibilities: Programmatic Oversight: Manages the entire lifecycle of key satellite systems, including MILSATCOM (like ESS, WGS, and PTS) and PNT (which includes GPS).

This oversight covers technical and programmatic direction, security policy, development, production, and sustaining engineering.

Strategic Leadership: Establishes the organization's vision to achieve program goals within cost, schedule, and performance objectives.

This includes directing acquisition planning, setting work priorities, and adjusting responsibilities to maximize efficiency.

Executive Management: Provides executive leadership and supervision over all MILSATCOM & PNT functions and activities.

This involves directing the work of multiple organizational units, monitoring progress toward goals, and supervising subordinate Acquisition Deltas.

Personnel Management: Holds responsibility for the full spectrum of personnel management, including the development and growth of military and civilian personnel.

The SFPAE exercises final authority on personnel actions and ensures compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Representation and Collaboration: Serves as the primary representative for the MILSATCOM & PNT portfolio to Congress, OSD, the Intelligence Community, industry leaders, and allied partners.

The role involves fostering technical collaboration across numerous government agencies and industry partners to achieve DoW mission goals.

National Authority: Acts as a nationally recognized authority on survivable communications and space technologies.

The SFPAE provides advice and guidance to the highest levels of the Space Force, DoW, and other government officials on technology integration and the implementation of security policies.

Financial and Technical Oversight: Oversees the technical, programmatic, financial, cost estimation, budgeting, and contracting aspects of all MILSATCOM & PNT programs.