Technical Advisor - Space Security & Defense Program (Ssdp)

Department of the Air Force Headquarters • Colorado Springs, CO

3d

About The Position

The Technical Advisor to the Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP) serves as the principal advisor and chief subject matter expert to the SSDP Director. The role drives space protection strategy, policy, and funding refinement for the U.S. Space Force, Office of Space Warfighting (OSW), and Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). The advisor coordinates national-scope efforts to develop vulnerability assessments, mitigation strategies, and architectural evaluations while ensuring program activities align with mission objectives. The position facilitates high-level collaboration across operational, intelligence, and technical fields; interfaces with senior National Security Space leaders to advocate for and enforce space protection standards; partners with the Intelligence Community to direct collection priorities; oversees project management and execution of the Annual Work Plan; and applies disciplined engineering practices to ensure threat projections and technical solutions are analytically sound.

Requirements

• Training, education, and experience of sufficient scope and quality to effectively perform the duties.
• Demonstrated experience with IC and DoW organizations and processes for initiating and funding new capabilities, conducting acquisitions, and operating space capabilities in joint IC/DoW military operations.
• Understanding of space missions across the IC and DoW.
• Demonstrated deep technical knowledge of U.S. and adversary technologies and space systems to assess methods to disrupt, defeat, or protect them.
• Technical depth across space superiority capabilities and operational enablers such as domain awareness and command and control.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams, analyzing options rigorously, defending recommendations, and communicating to senior levels; a separate narrative statement is required.
• A degree qualifying for the 0801 General Engineer job series, meeting the stated accredited engineering curriculum or coursework requirements, or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
• Must have or be able to obtain a TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance.
• Must pass urinalysis testing and sign a drug-testing letter before appointment.
• Must file an Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Males must be registered for Selective Service.
• ETM Practitioner certification required.
• Active-duty military members must indicate retirement eligibility.

Nice To Haves

• A master's degree or higher in engineering or a related scientific discipline is highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Advise the SSDP Director as principal advisor and chief subject matter expert.
• Drive space protection strategy, policy, and funding refinement for USSF, OSW, and ODNI.
• Coordinate national-scope development of vulnerability assessments, mitigation strategies, and architectural evaluations.
• Ensure program activities align with overarching mission objectives.
• Facilitate high-level collaboration across operational, intelligence, and technical fields.
• Interface with senior National Security Space leaders to advocate for and enforce rigorous space protection standards.
• Partner with the Intelligence Community to direct collection priorities.
• Oversee project management and execution of the Annual Work Plan.
• Apply disciplined engineering practices to ensure threat projections and technical solutions are analytically sound.
• Lead teams to develop new concepts, rigorously analyze options, defend recommendations, and communicate to senior levels.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for employees and their families.
• Disabled veteran leave may be available to eligible veterans hired on or after November 5, 2016, with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs may be authorized in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Recruitment or relocation incentive may be offered.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive