SPACE OPERATIONS OFFICER

Duties

• Integrate operations through synchronization of Space Control, Space EW (Electronic Warfare) , and Special Technical Operations (STO) into the joint maneuver plan.
• Streamline technical fluency in space architectures (ground, link, and orbital segments) and Radio Frequency (RF) physics.
• Eliminate terrestrial and orbital counterspace threats, including direct-ascent/co-orbital ASAT ( Anti-Satellite), directed energy, and electronic attack(s) such as uplink/downlink jamming, spoofing, and signal degradation.
• Employ space EW (Electronic Warfare) systems by conducting electromagnetic interference (EMI) resolution, geolocation of hostile emitter sources, and executing targeted non-kinetic electromagnetic countermeasures.
• Provide guidance regarding contested and degraded operations in GPS (Global Positioning System)-denied or degraded environments including the following:
• Defensive NAVWAR, Space-Based PNT (Position, Navigation, and Timing) protection, and robust SATCOM (Satellite Communications) link assurance against adversaries in the SOUTHCOM AOR (Area of Responsibility) .
• Perform tasks associated with space architectural segments such as the following: Space/Orbital Segment, Ground Segment, and User/Link Segment.
• Provide systematic expertise integrating space-based capabilities (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), SATCOM, PNT, Space EW, Missile Warning, and Environmental Monitoring) into the Joint Force Commander's scheme of maneuver.
• Trace and troubleshoot the RF (Radio Frequency) signal path from user terminal baseband data through the following:
• modulation, intermediate frequency (IF), RF up-conversion, amplifier stages, space-air interface, transponder payload (bent-pipe vs. regenerative/digital channelizers), downlink transmission, and terrestrial demodulation.
• Review and validate comprehensive operational annexes, ensuring tight integration between conventional fires/maneuver, Special Operations Forces (SOF), and compartmentalized SAP/STO effects.
• Participate in Joint Targeting Coordination Boards (JTCB), Information Operations Working Groups (IOWG), and Effects Coordination Cells to deconflict space effects, collateral damage/effects assessments, and rules of engagement (ROE).
• Bridge space domain capabilities with terrestrial, maritime, air, and cyber warfare systems to counter trans-regional and regional threats within the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility.
• Draft and evaluate Combatant Command Evaluation Request Messages (EReqMs) and Evaluation Response Messages (EResMs) supporting Special Technical Operations (STO) and Special Access Program (SAP) capability integration.
• Craft urgent technical justifications for Joint Urgent Operational Needs (JUONs) and Joint Emergent Operational Needs (JEONs) to accelerate fielding of emergent space capabilities and remediate validated command deficiencies.
• Protect Command Critical Information Requirements (CCIRs) and Essential Elements of Friendly Information (EEFI) across all classification levels.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET security clearance based on SSBI with eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
• Incumbent must be willing to take and successfully pass a Counterintelligence Scope Polygraph (CI/Poly).
• Temporary duty travel may be required approximately 20% of the time.
• This position is a testing designated position (TDP) in accordance with (IAW) Drug Free Federal Workplace Program.
• As a precondition and continuing condition of employment, the incumbent of this position must agree to submit urinalysis testing on a recurring basis.
• IAW Chapter 5, section II, paragraphs 5- 8b and 5-8c(4) of AR 600-85 (The Army Substance Abuse Program) and DA PAM 600-85 (Army Substance Abuse Program Civilian Services), Chapter 3, paragraphs 3-2e and f.
• The incumbent is required to sign a DA Form 5019 (Condition of Employment for Certain Positions Identified as Critical Under the DA, Drug Free Federal Workplace Program.
• Position is designated as Mission Essential (IAW DODI 3024.42 and DTM 17-004) position during Inclement Weather Conditions or other designed/identified emergency conditions.
• In the event of a crisis situation or inclement weather, the incumbent must continue to perform the duties until relieved by proper authority.
• Work may require working weekends, nights, and extended hours.
• In accordance with DoDM 8140.03 and supplemental Army guidance, the employee must obtain and maintain the following requirements for each Cyber work role (except Data, AI, and/or Software Engineering) at the assigned proficiency level:
• 1) Foundational qualification requirements within 9 months, 2) Resident qualification requirements within 12 months, 3) 20hours of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) per work role code (which can overlap).

Qualifications

Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.

• 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
• Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
• Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)
• Executive Order (E.O.) 12721
• Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
• Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
• Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
• Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI)
• Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
• Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Interchange Agreement Eligible
• People with Disabilities, Schedule A
• Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
• Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
• Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
• Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
• Reinstatement
• Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is .

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes 1). Execute space control operations to include offensive/defensive space electronic warfare (Space EW), satellite communications (SATCOM) electronic protection/mitigation, or non-kinetic counterspace capabilities in operational or tactical theater environments to eliminate potential threats; 2). Synchronize Annex N (Space Operations) and Annex S (Special Technical Operations-STO) across Joint Planning Process (JPP) phases, integrating space and STO considerations into Geographic Combatant Command (GCC) and Joint Task Force (JTF) operational plans to achieve organizational missions; 3). Provide guidance regarding satellite subsystems, orbital regimes, ground-control networks, and end-to-end RF (Radio Frequency) signal flow to assess space-system capabilities, limitations, and operational dependencies; and 4). Formulate Combatant Command Evaluation Request Messages (EReqMs), Evaluation Response Messages (EResMs), Joint Urgent Operational Needs Statements (JUONS), and Joint Emerging Operational Needs Statements (JEONS) to process among organizational personnel.

This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-13 or above).

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-13).

Education

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

The following education is desired but not required:
-Bachelor of Science in an Engineering discipline, Physics, Mathematics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or Management Information Systems.
-Army Space Operations Officer Qualification Course (FA40 SOOQC) or USSF Space Operations Course (Undergraduate Space Training / UST).

-Army Space Control Planners Course (SCPC) / Space Control Fundamentals Course (SCFC).

-Joint Staff / Combatant Command Special Technical Operations (STO) Planners Course.
-Space Cadre Basic Course (SCBC) / Advanced Space Operations School (ASOpS) courses.
-USASOC / Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) advanced operational planning courses.
-Project Management Professional (PMP)® or Defense Acquisition University (DAU) Level II/III in Program Management or Engineering.

Additional information

• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the information sheet.
• This is a(n) Security & Intelligence Career Program position aligned under the Operational Support Career Management Directorate.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit for more information.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.
• Recruitment/Relocation/Retention Incentive may be authorized.
• Advance-in-Hire may be authorized.
• Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests : If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: