Senior IT Services & Operations Specialist

NRO•Chantilly, VA

1d•$148,275 - $197,200

About The Position

For over 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 . Do you have extensive experience designing, implementing, and operating complex network services and systems at an expert level? Are you passionate about developing secure information systems that support intelligence operations? Does leading the design of information technology architectures to complement innovative overhead reconnaissance systems interest you? If so, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is looking for you! The NRO Cadre is collecting resumes via a continuous announcement for consideration against current and future opportunities for senior level (GG-14-15) Senior IT Services & Operations Specialists, occupational series 2210. For more information on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) occupational series, click here . This position focuses on the following DoD 8140 Work Role(s): Network Operations Specialist (441) Information Systems Security Developer (631) Enterprise Architect (651) Research & Development Specialist (661) This is a fulltime position. Your resume may be considered for other positions which your skills and experience may be a good match. 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 IAW DoD 1400.25 Volume 2006. The NRO is only accepting external applicants for this job announcement. Current NRO Cadre employees should apply internally. This position does not qualify for the appointment of a Reemployed Federal Annuitant IAW DoDI 1400.25 Volume 300.

Requirements

U.S. Citizenship is required
You must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance
You will be subject to preemployment and periodic drug testing
You will be subject to preemployment and periodic polygraph examinations
Minimum of 8 years of specialized experience in network operations, systems development, enterprise architecture, or research and development
Mastery of and directly applicable experience with advanced IT principles, concepts, methods, standards, and practices
Experience developing and interpreting policies, procedures, and strategies governing the planning and delivery of services throughout the agency
Proven ability to provide expert technical advice, guidance, and recommendations to management and other technical specialists on critical IT issues
Significant experience applying new developments to previously unsolvable problems and making decisions or recommendations that significantly influence important agency IT policies or programs
Proven ability to manage largescale projects from end to end to include leading cross-functional teams
Demonstrated experience communicating with high-ranking stakeholders to resolve issues, provide executive briefings and status updates
Specialized experience is defined as experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. 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.
Applicants submitting a resume that exceeds the two-page limit per OPM Memorandum, “Merit Hiring Plan,” dated May 29, 2025, https://www.opm.gov/chcoc/latest-memos/merit-hiring-plan.pdf will not be eligible for consideration.
Candidates must meet one of the following qualification options for their assigned work role: Network Operations Specialist (441) Education: BS degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Information Systems, or Computer Science from an ABET accredited or CAE designated institution; OR Training: Advanced-level 4CFA26B or M0923W1 or M0923X1 or A2020039 or A2020008; OR Certification: CCNA, GCIA, GCLD, GDSA, GFACT, CASP+, CCNP Security, CCSP, or GCED Information Systems Security Developer (631) Education: BS degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Information Systems, or Computer Science from an ABET accredited or CAE designated institution; OR Training: Advanced-level 4CF22/160F23 or 4CFA26B; OR Certification: FITSPD, GCSA, or CISSP-ISSEP Enterprise Architect (651) Education: BS degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Information Systems, or Computer Science from an ABET accredited or CAE designated institution; OR Certification: CISSO, GCIA, GCSA, GCLD, GICSP, CISSPISSAP, or CISSP-ISSEP Research & Development Specialist (661) Education: BS degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Information Systems, or Computer Science from an ABET accredited or CAE designated institution; OR Certification: GCLD, CCE, CASP+, or CEH
In accordance with DoDM8140.03, employees are required to achieve and maintain the appropriate foundational and residential qualification requirements within their associated work role qualification matrix. Foundational qualification requirements must be met within 9 months of assignment. Resident qualification requirements must be met within 12 months of assignment.
In accordance with DoDM8140.03, employees are required to complete 20 hours of continuous professional development or education annually to maintain qualification in their cyber work role.
May be required to obtain the appropriate Financial Management certification level for the position within two years of assignment.
May be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
May be required to travel in military or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments.
May be required to file an OGE Form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, upon appointment and will be required to file annually.
If selected for a DAWIA coded position, the incumbent must meet appropriate certification requirements IAW the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) no later than 36 – 60 months after accepting this position.
Employee must execute a written tenure agreement to maintain in Federal Service in this position for at least three years and must have four years acquisition experience.
May be subject to directed reassignment as required to address mission effectiveness, and/or career development.
Certain positions are deemed emergency essential and incumbents must be willing to meet all position requirements.
All new DCIPS employees will be required to serve a 2-year trial period.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Information Systems, or Computer Science from an ABET accredited or CAE designated institution
Experience delivering IT products using Agile and lean methodologies

Responsibilities

Network Operations Leadership - Serve as an expert network operations leader and consultant, managing and directing multiple highly complex and innovative network infrastructure projects and initiatives. Design and implement enterprise-level network solutions for mission-critical reconnaissance systems.
Systems Development Leadership - Provide expert technical advice, leadership, and direction on a variety of systems development projects delivering new capabilities, services, or platforms. Design, develop, test, and evaluate information system security throughout the systems development lifecycle at an enterprise level.
Enterprise Architecture Leadership - Develop and maintain business, systems, and information processes to support enterprise mission needs at a strategic level. Develop IT rules and requirements that describe baseline and target architectures for complex systems.
Research & Development Leadership - Lead software and systems engineering research to develop new capabilities with fully integrated cybersecurity. Conduct comprehensive technology research to evaluate potential vulnerabilities in cyberspace systems and develop innovative solutions.
Leadership to Ad Hoc Teams - Lead cross-functional teams at scale or in highly complex environments to develop innovative IT solutions. Focus team efforts towards current goals and priorities. Plan, develop, and execute largescale IT projects that transform the manner in which work is accomplished.
Relationship Management - Work closely with customer agencies in senior leadership roles and navigate conflicting priorities from senior stakeholders or in complex environments. Reinforce, uphold, and advocate core principles for building secure IT services and systems.

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