National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)

Chief, Strategic Integration Office

Open Until: December 4, 2024 - Chantilly, VA - Full Time

WE ARE THE NRO

For 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.

Basic Eligibility For A Position With The NRO
 
  • U.S. Citizenship is required
  • You must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance
  • You will be subject to pre-employment and periodic drug testing
  • You will be subject to pre-employment and periodic polygraph examinations

Where You Will Work 

The Mission Integration Directorate (MID) is responsible for teaming with NRO and mission partners to provide integrated National Reconnaissance solutions to satisfy Intelligence Community (IC), Department of Defense (DoD), and civil customers’ most urgent intelligence needs. MID empowers users and mission partners to benefit from the full range of NRO capabilities. MID's mission is to drive integrated multi-INT solutions to global intelligence and operational challenges through enterprise engagement, advocacy, training, and acquisitions

Within MID, the Enterprise Integration Office (EIO) operates as a joint integration team for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and the NRO’s Mission Integration Directorate (MID) focusing on tailoring NRO overhead support for warfighters and IC partners. EIO supports users’ enduring intelligence and operational needs, priorities, and expectations in order to deliver solutions for DoD and IC requirements. The  EIO ensures integration of MID’s understanding of users’ needs with NRO Enterprise requirements, to include partnerships with the Systems Engineering Directorate (SED), Ground Enterprise Directorate (GED), Mission Operations Directorate (MOD), and any other applicable NRO directorates, offices, and business functions. EIO integrates multi-INT, multi-domain, overhead intelligence disciplines in support of the DoD and the IC. The Senior Engagement Rep Joint Staff, Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security, and IC provides technical and professional advice on acquisitions, intelligence, policy, programmatic, plans or joint plans, engineering, physical science or mathematics/statistical issues affecting the NRO. This position reports directly to the Deputy Director, MID and works on planning, evaluating, and executing programs, which impact national security; and/or extending the existing parameters of technical and scientific knowledge and its application and practice. 

The position serves as a National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) DoD Cadre General Engineer or technical program manager providing expert technical and professional advice on engineering, programmatic, budget, acquisition, and intelligence issues affecting the NRO. The NRO develops and operates unique and innovative overhead reconnaissance systems and conducts intelligence-related activities essential for the U.S. national security. The work involves originating. assessing, and communicating, new and improved applications and strategies for engineering or architecture concepts, theories, and principles that affect the planning, completion, direction of major engineering or architecture projects, understanding of programmatic and budgetary issues associated to engineering work, integration with policy, and operational employment of overhead and ground enterprise capabilities. Work products or services of the position affects the work of other experts and the development of major aspects of administrative or scientific programs or missions.

The assigned programs of the position require the tasking oversight of a wide variety of scientific, engineering, acquisition, programmatic, budgetary, policy, intelligence, and contractor support personnel. The work requires making many decisions to resolve specific complex or intricate issues and problems; developing new methods and criteria; or proposing new policies and practices. Oversight responsibilities of the position also require NRO Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR) qualification within NRO policy defined timelines. Work at this level requires significant and extensive coordination and integration of a number of important and complex programs of professional, technical, managerial, or administrative work, and require the employee to identify and integrate significant internal and external program and policy issues affecting the Command. Program activities directly impact immediate and long-range goals, objectives, plans, and schedules for the NRO. The employee makes authoritative determinations, advises on technical problems, acquisitions, programmatic, policy, budget, intelligence, plans and initiates actions that involve the interpretation of policy or the setting of precedents and requirements. The decisions and commitments of the incumbent often involve large expenditures of resources and have a strong impact on important programs of the NRO, Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intelligence Community (IC).

The NRO Cadre is collecting resumes for consideration against current and future opportunities for Senior level (GG-15), General Engineer, occupational series 0801. For more information on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) occupational series, click here.

Your resume may be considered for other positions which your skills and experience may be a good match.
This is a full-time position that is a continuous announcement.

Who May Apply
 
  • This position is open to the public and requires U.S. Citizenship plus the ability to hold a Top Secret Security Clearance.
  • 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 or IC employees should apply internally or via the Joint Duty Assignment process.
  • This position does not qualify for the appointment of a Reemployed Federal Annuitant IAW DoDI 1400.25 Volume 300.

What You Will Be Doing 
  • Serves as senior engagement rep Joint Staff, USD I&S, and IC, will develop networks and attend meetings that the NRO Enterprise equities are, should be represented, or to determine opportunities and risks to the NRO architecture, programs, and current or future requirements.
  • Solves systemic management problems of major significance through staff coordination and meetings with NRO, IC, mission partner, and contractor leadership. Participates in internal and external meetings and conferences, and for complex and critical fiscal and programming negotiations. Represents the agency at top-level events. Oversees, reviews, and provides guidance for the preparation of briefings, workshops, conferences, and seminars.
  • Serves as senior program representative at high-level conferences and meetings with representatives from the Department of Defense (DoD), other Intelligence Community (IC) partners, military services and agencies, and private industry. Has the authority to commit resources utilizing laws, principles, policies, and practices of systems acquisition and program management when applicable and appropriate.
  • Monitors contract progress and expenditures against plans, provides necessary statistical data to management and provides strong oversight, guidance, direction, and leadership for teams of acquisition professionals to include military, civil service, SETA and FFRDC contractors developing and implementing NRO project/program requirements.
  • Manages and assesses progress in assigned projects/programs, including cost, schedule, and performance supporting baseline requirements, by applying program management methods and procedures.
  • Develops, executes, and monitors risk management strategies to address areas of concern or potential gaps.
  • Plans, organizes, and coordinates activities with functional specialists, including contracting, engineering, intelligence, manufacturing, program controls, configuration/data management, test, logistics and operations support.
  • Continually studies, reviews and evaluates program progress.
  • Directs, synthesizes system requirements into appropriate acquisition specifications. Coordinates the development of acquisition strategies to meet program objectives. Collaborates across the NRO Enterprise to ensure new or innovative requirements to leverage the NRO architecture are reviewed.  Makes contractor source selection and assesses contractor performance during all acquisition phases, including operations. Oversees proper flow down of requirements and verification methods.
  • Works closely and substantially with program Contracting Officer's Technical Representatives (COTRs) and prime contractors to provide leadership and ensure program objectives are achieved within stringent cost, schedule, and technical performance requirements.
  • Provides authoritative recommendations, briefings, papers, and other formal and informal feedback and status to NRO management on all aspects of program status, contractor technical performance and for all significant decision points.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

What You Need
 
  • The General Engineer position requires minimum education of a Bachelor’s degree. STEM degrees (e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, computer science, mathematics,) that include 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.  ​​​​​​
  • Demonstrated strong performance, leadership skills, and judgment necessary to successfully manage a Branch and technical team to deliver complex space and ground systems.
  • Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and management skills to conceptualize and effectively lead teams and complex projects.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to provide technical leadership in a diverse team environment.
  • Demonstrated experience leading a breadth of technical and management functions, to include program management, risk management, systems engineering, budgeting, policy formulation/execution, and human capital management.
  • If appointed as a Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR), employee must attend the NRO Acquisition COTR training in NI 40-1-1. If appointed as a Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR), employee must attend the NRO Acquisition COTR training in NI 40-1-1.

Desired Qualifications
  • Knowledge of DoD and Intelligence Community (IC) organizations, missions, relevant policies, and processes
  • Expert knowledge of the principles, concepts, and methodologies of electronics, aerospace, structural, and materials engineering disciplines in addition to extensive knowledge of mathematics, physics, operations research, and computer sciences to perform assigned duties and responsibilities. Extensive knowledge in system engineering, project management, and acquisition management.
  • Knowledge of the missions, roles, functions, organizational structures, and operations, which govern, interface with and/or influence the systems acquisition process and integrated life cycle management in support of the NRO mission. Specifically in his/her capacity for this position:
  • Exhibits qualities of strong leadership, team management and interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a fastpace, multi-task, multi-agency environment.
    • Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements.
    • Implements or utilizes strategic plans on a daily basis.
    • Ability to provide oral and written presentations to DoD, IC, and /or other mission partners as well as NRO leadership and staff across directorates and offices.
    • Exhibit strong skills write and staff background, position, point, white and other papers and briefings
  • Recognizes and addresses the interdependences of activities and resources.
  • In-depth knowledge of the concept, theories, and techniques of the engineering disciplines of electronics, mechanical, and industrial engineering, as well as knowledge of operations research, physics, mathematics, and intelligence research.
  • Knowledge and experience in system development and acquisition policies and procedures.
  • Mastery of management and executive knowledge and ability to the extent that the experience demonstrates specialization in areas such as program management, manpower management, resource management and/or financial management, civilian and/or military human resources management, and intelligence operations. The magnitude, criticality, and multifaceted nature of mission support for the NRO require the incumbent to exercise an extraordinarily high level of managerial competence and functional expertise and to demonstrate mature leadership skills.
  • Knowledge of the structure and organization of the U.S. Intelligence Community, department of Defense, and the Joint Staff.
  • Expert and detailed knowledge of management and leadership theory and practice, with the demonstrated ability to apply management theory (including experimental theory) to resolve issues, recommend policy and solve problems not susceptible to treatment by accepted methods; and to make decisions or recommendations significantly changing, interpreting, or developing important policies and programs.
  • Mastery knowledge of DoD/IC acquisition functions and requirements generation, program and project management and control techniques.
  • In-depth experience communicating with all levels of personnel in order to represent the organization in interagency forums, lead and participate in planning sessions and working groups, and present briefings. The position requires excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
  • Extensive experience in developing and preparing written policies, procedures and SOPs.
  • Federal and Departmental Policies and Procedures Knowledge - Understands and applies knowledge of Federal and Departmental statutes, regulations, policies; and procedures.
    • Maintains comprehensive working knowledge of related statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures affecting assigned areas.
    • Ensures work conforms to statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures and is completed within established timeframes.
    • Provides advice and guidance concerning statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Process Management - Develops and monitors processes and organizes resources to achieve desired results.
    • Evaluates efficiency and effectiveness of resources utilization and results accomplishment
    • Establishes clear, well-defined processes necessary to achieve the desired outcomes
    • Organizes people and activities to accomplish results
    • Identifies and addresses process problems promptly and follows through to ensure that corrective or recommended process updates are effectively implemented.
    • Delineates complex processes into more simple tasks and functions
    • Analyzes business processes to identify process owners, cycle time, variations, bottlenecks, and redundancies to support streamlining and other business improvements.
    • Creates an effective work flow that effectively coordinates and integrates tasks and functions
    • Identifies and takes advantage of opportunities to accomplish multiple objectives and obtain synergies through process development and management
    • Effectively communicates and coordinates with other stakeholders for work efforts and outcomes.

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. 


Other Information
 
  • Overtime Statement:  MAY be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
  • Travel Statement:  MAY be required to travel in military or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments.
  • Financial Disclosure:  MAY be required to file an OGE Form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, upon appointment and will be required to file annually.
  • Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) coded positions: 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 24 months after accepting this position. Individual shall maintain, at a minimum 80 continuous Learning Points every 24 months via the services acquisition management system. DAWIA requirements may be located at the Defense Acquisition University website.
  • Geographic Mobility Agreement: MAY be subject to directed reassignment as required to address mission effectiveness, and/or career development.
  • Information Assurance (IA): Must achieve the appropriate IA certification within six months of assignment.
  • Emergency Essential: Certain positions MAY be deemed emergency essential and incumbents must be willing to meet all position requirements.

Location

Arlington, VA

Telework is not available and you must be able to work at the specified location(s).

Salary

This position meets the qualifications for Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) Targeted Local Market Supplement (TLMS) STEM pay for NRO Cadre employees and candidates as authorized by the office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security’s (OUSD(I&S)).  Cadre employees and candidates are eligible to receive STEM pay if they are currently serving in a STEM designated position. Should a Cadre employee or candidate earning STEM pay change positions within the organization, they must be assigned to another STEM qualifying position in order to continue to remain eligible for STEM pay.  Otherwise, Cadre employees and Candidates Generally would be transitioned to the DCIPS GG Pay Scale. For more information on STEM pay, visit https://dcips.defense.gov/Human-Resources/Compensation/

2024 STEM Salary ranges:

GG-15: $163,017 - $191,900

**This position is a senior level DCIPS position. The NRO is accepting applications from U.S. Citizens and current federal government employees for this position.  To qualify for the position, federal government employees MUST currently be at the GG-15 grade level and may ONLY apply for a lateral reassignment at their current grade level and step. Federal applicants who exceed the advertised grade may voluntarily request acceptance at the lower grade per IAW DoD 1400.25 Volume 2006.

Trial Period

All new DCIPS employees will be required to serve a 2-year trial period.

Veterans’ Preference

DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans’ Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Vol 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement.  If you are a veteran claiming veterans’ preference, as defined by section 2108 of Title 5 USC, you must submit documents verifying your eligibility upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
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Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:
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You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please send your request to [email protected].

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Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): We use this information to determine qualifications for employment. This is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.
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