Deputy Chief, ADF-SW Security and Counterintelligence
Las Cruces, NM
Full Time
Experienced
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
Where You Will Work
The NRO Office of Security is seeking an accomplished, action-oriented Officer to serve as a Security Specialist at Aerospace Data Facility - Southwest (ADF-SW) in Las Cruces, New Mexico. This position requires extensive experience in developing, evaluating, and maintaining a comprehensive security program. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the U.S. Military framework, its strategic priorities as well as experience with: briefing senior leadership, Project Management, Risk-Analysis, and supervision of a contract workforce. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead people and a program that will make a significant impact to ADF-SW mission success and the broader NRO enterprise.
The selected Officer will serve as the Deputy Chief of Security (DC) supporting force protection initiatives, counterintelligence activities, defense critical infrastructure protection-plans, as well as efforts to counter espionage, terrorism, and insider threats at ADF-SW. The DC will engage with the Intelligence Community, Department of War, and regional Law Enforcement entities in support of ADF-SW mission. The DC plays a key role in acquisition/contract evaluations, site working groups, and sets program milestones. The DC will inform on organizational decisions involving personnel actions, policy, and make recommendations that could greatly influence site. Therefore, the DC will work closely with NRO Security leadership and collaborate with a broad base of ADF-SW Government and industry representatives to ensure stakeholders and equites are properly considered and protected. As a result, the DC will perform a full range of intelligence and security support functions such as threat assessments, personnel vetting, strategic facility support as well as ensure proper access, handling, storing of data, and construction projects meet NRO standards. This role will be called on to effectively integrate intelligence techniques for protecting technologies/programs, forecasting emerging threats and creating tailored mitigations to developing security issues. This position is aligned under the ADF-SW Chief Security (CS) and plays a critical role in assisting the CS in detecting, defeating and deterring threats to ADF-SW operations; therefore, the candidate will be required to exercise exceptional judgment and discretion in handling confidential personnel matters and highly sensitive government information. The NRO Cadre is collecting resumes for consideration against current and future opportunities for senior level (GG-13-14), supervisory security specialists, occupational series 0080. 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 open from October 09, 2026 to October 27, 2026. Resumes must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on October 27, 2026.
Who May Apply
What You Will Be Doing
(U) This job description contains a high-level description of general duties and responsibilities associated with the OPM 0080 Security Administration Series. Duties involve the management, supervision, or performance of work in: developing, evaluating, maintaining, and/or operating systems, policies, devices, procedures, and methods used for safeguarding information, property, personnel, operations, and materials; and/or (2) developing and implementing policies and procedures for analyzing and evaluating the character, background, and history of employees, candidates for employment, and other persons having or proposed to be granted access to sensitive information, materials, or work sites. Security administration is a specialized and integral aspect of the organization's missions and programs. Such as (1) identifying the need for protection and security, (2) developing and maintaining the physical means which are used for protection and security, (3) developing, implementing, and maintaining procedural and technical methods to enhance physical protection, (4) assessing the reliability, loyalty, suitability, and trustworthiness of those persons who have access to sensitive information, resources, and material which could adversely affect the national security, the public welfare, or the efficiency of the Federal service.
(U) Serves as a senior supervisory security specialist within NRO as a senior expert in security matters to include OPSEC, personnel security, industrial security, physical security, foreign disclosure and compartmented programs. Advises the Security Director, key staff members, program managers and contract officials in security matters. Serves as an authoritative source in applicable policies and provides direction on technical security programs in order to facilitate mission objectives. Participates in the formulation of directorate security objectives, policy and guidance affecting security activities and implements directives and procedures.
(U) Periodic domestic travel is required. TDYs have historically been infrequent, less than one-week, and are planned months in advance.
Major Duties:
(U) The Supervisory Security Specialist directly manages and oversees all security operations. This requires expertise in security policy implementation to support contract source selection, classification guidance, security resource management, facility security, Information Technology systems security, personnel security, and comprehensive program protection planning through the complete life cycle of organizational work efforts. As a senior level security specialist, the incumbent is responsible for conducting all security reviews of organizational issues and programs.
(U) Designs and directs comprehensive security evaluations where boundaries are broad and complex. Ensures proper protection plans are created, updated, and followed. In addition, the incumbent will have oversight responsibilities including risk, threat, vulnerability assessments and analyses on all supported programs, industry sites, and personnel. Incumbent acts as senior security lead during facility security surveys of contractor facilities to determine their ability to work with sensitive information. Performs as a senior government security official during periodic security evaluations to ensure compliance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NIPSOM), the NISPOM supplement, Intelligence Community Directives, and the NRO Security Manual.
(U) Plans, develops, administers and implements multi-discipline security programs through policies and procedures to ensure compliance across the enterprise. Provides guidance and counsel to program managers on requests for access when security clearance information requires further review. Develops training plans and briefings for cleared personnel. Conducts investigations of suspected loss or compromises of information. Oversees the preparation of investigative reports for review and evaluation by supervisor. Advises managers on new developments and advances in security processes, methods, techniques, systems and devices. Establishes practices and metrics that reflect the security posture of the supported office. Conducts studies and analyses to identify program issues and develops and implements remedial actions.
(U) Assesses and provides strategic direction for resolution of mission critical security problems, policies, and procedures. Works to define, integrate, and implement strategic direction for vital security programs with long-term impact. Develops, implements, manages, and monitors policies, instructions, procedures, control systems, and methods to prevent the compromise or loss of defense information or material. Researches trends and patterns to develop new methods, criteria or policies.
(U) Ensures clearance levels for officials are commensurate with information handled; and assesses a facility's physical acceptability for possession of highly sensitive information. Provides orientation and advisory services as necessary to bring facilities up to established standards. Advises program managers on developing security agreements in support of contractor operations. Conducts periodic security reviews to examine procedures and security training of contractors to determine compliance with the requirements and terms of security agreements, and practices for safeguarding classified material. Prepares and reviews reports of security violations as necessary. Ensures adequate research and technology principles, strategies, and programs are employed to counter threats of security compromise.
What You Need
(U) Required Qualifications:
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. For more information regarding resume writing, see “Guidance for Applicants on 2-Page Resume” and visit the Resume Help Center.
Other Information
Location
Las Cruces, NM 88011
Telework is not available and you must be able to work at the specified location(s).
Salary
2026 salary range for the Las Cruces, NM area:
GG-13: $106,437 - $138,370
GG-14: $125,776 - $163,514
**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 – 13 or GG -14 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 DoWI 1400.25 Volume 2006.
Hiring Incentives
The NRO may offer hiring incentives and other entitlements at management’s discretion.
Trial Period
All new DCIPS employees will be required to serve a 2-year trial period.
Veterans’ Preference
DoW 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 DoW 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.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.
Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:
Privacy Act Notice
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.
Read more about the Privacy Act of 1974
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
- You must be a U.S. Citizen
- 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 NRO Office of Security is seeking an accomplished, action-oriented Officer to serve as a Security Specialist at Aerospace Data Facility - Southwest (ADF-SW) in Las Cruces, New Mexico. This position requires extensive experience in developing, evaluating, and maintaining a comprehensive security program. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the U.S. Military framework, its strategic priorities as well as experience with: briefing senior leadership, Project Management, Risk-Analysis, and supervision of a contract workforce. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead people and a program that will make a significant impact to ADF-SW mission success and the broader NRO enterprise.
The selected Officer will serve as the Deputy Chief of Security (DC) supporting force protection initiatives, counterintelligence activities, defense critical infrastructure protection-plans, as well as efforts to counter espionage, terrorism, and insider threats at ADF-SW. The DC will engage with the Intelligence Community, Department of War, and regional Law Enforcement entities in support of ADF-SW mission. The DC plays a key role in acquisition/contract evaluations, site working groups, and sets program milestones. The DC will inform on organizational decisions involving personnel actions, policy, and make recommendations that could greatly influence site. Therefore, the DC will work closely with NRO Security leadership and collaborate with a broad base of ADF-SW Government and industry representatives to ensure stakeholders and equites are properly considered and protected. As a result, the DC will perform a full range of intelligence and security support functions such as threat assessments, personnel vetting, strategic facility support as well as ensure proper access, handling, storing of data, and construction projects meet NRO standards. This role will be called on to effectively integrate intelligence techniques for protecting technologies/programs, forecasting emerging threats and creating tailored mitigations to developing security issues. This position is aligned under the ADF-SW Chief Security (CS) and plays a critical role in assisting the CS in detecting, defeating and deterring threats to ADF-SW operations; therefore, the candidate will be required to exercise exceptional judgment and discretion in handling confidential personnel matters and highly sensitive government information. The NRO Cadre is collecting resumes for consideration against current and future opportunities for senior level (GG-13-14), supervisory security specialists, occupational series 0080. 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 open from October 09, 2026 to October 27, 2026. Resumes must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on October 27, 2026.
Who May Apply
- 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 per IAW DoWI 1400.25 Volume 2006.
- The NRO is only accepting external applicants for this job announcement. Current NRO Cadre employees should apply internally.
- This position may not qualify for the appointment of a reemployed federal annuitant IAW DoWI 1400.25 Volume 300.
What You Will Be Doing
(U) This job description contains a high-level description of general duties and responsibilities associated with the OPM 0080 Security Administration Series. Duties involve the management, supervision, or performance of work in: developing, evaluating, maintaining, and/or operating systems, policies, devices, procedures, and methods used for safeguarding information, property, personnel, operations, and materials; and/or (2) developing and implementing policies and procedures for analyzing and evaluating the character, background, and history of employees, candidates for employment, and other persons having or proposed to be granted access to sensitive information, materials, or work sites. Security administration is a specialized and integral aspect of the organization's missions and programs. Such as (1) identifying the need for protection and security, (2) developing and maintaining the physical means which are used for protection and security, (3) developing, implementing, and maintaining procedural and technical methods to enhance physical protection, (4) assessing the reliability, loyalty, suitability, and trustworthiness of those persons who have access to sensitive information, resources, and material which could adversely affect the national security, the public welfare, or the efficiency of the Federal service.
(U) Serves as a senior supervisory security specialist within NRO as a senior expert in security matters to include OPSEC, personnel security, industrial security, physical security, foreign disclosure and compartmented programs. Advises the Security Director, key staff members, program managers and contract officials in security matters. Serves as an authoritative source in applicable policies and provides direction on technical security programs in order to facilitate mission objectives. Participates in the formulation of directorate security objectives, policy and guidance affecting security activities and implements directives and procedures.
(U) Periodic domestic travel is required. TDYs have historically been infrequent, less than one-week, and are planned months in advance.
Major Duties:
(U) The Supervisory Security Specialist directly manages and oversees all security operations. This requires expertise in security policy implementation to support contract source selection, classification guidance, security resource management, facility security, Information Technology systems security, personnel security, and comprehensive program protection planning through the complete life cycle of organizational work efforts. As a senior level security specialist, the incumbent is responsible for conducting all security reviews of organizational issues and programs.
(U) Designs and directs comprehensive security evaluations where boundaries are broad and complex. Ensures proper protection plans are created, updated, and followed. In addition, the incumbent will have oversight responsibilities including risk, threat, vulnerability assessments and analyses on all supported programs, industry sites, and personnel. Incumbent acts as senior security lead during facility security surveys of contractor facilities to determine their ability to work with sensitive information. Performs as a senior government security official during periodic security evaluations to ensure compliance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NIPSOM), the NISPOM supplement, Intelligence Community Directives, and the NRO Security Manual.
(U) Plans, develops, administers and implements multi-discipline security programs through policies and procedures to ensure compliance across the enterprise. Provides guidance and counsel to program managers on requests for access when security clearance information requires further review. Develops training plans and briefings for cleared personnel. Conducts investigations of suspected loss or compromises of information. Oversees the preparation of investigative reports for review and evaluation by supervisor. Advises managers on new developments and advances in security processes, methods, techniques, systems and devices. Establishes practices and metrics that reflect the security posture of the supported office. Conducts studies and analyses to identify program issues and develops and implements remedial actions.
(U) Assesses and provides strategic direction for resolution of mission critical security problems, policies, and procedures. Works to define, integrate, and implement strategic direction for vital security programs with long-term impact. Develops, implements, manages, and monitors policies, instructions, procedures, control systems, and methods to prevent the compromise or loss of defense information or material. Researches trends and patterns to develop new methods, criteria or policies.
(U) Ensures clearance levels for officials are commensurate with information handled; and assesses a facility's physical acceptability for possession of highly sensitive information. Provides orientation and advisory services as necessary to bring facilities up to established standards. Advises program managers on developing security agreements in support of contractor operations. Conducts periodic security reviews to examine procedures and security training of contractors to determine compliance with the requirements and terms of security agreements, and practices for safeguarding classified material. Prepares and reviews reports of security violations as necessary. Ensures adequate research and technology principles, strategies, and programs are employed to counter threats of security compromise.
What You Need
(U) Required Qualifications:
- Demonstrated, sustained, relevant experience providing excellent guidance across multiple security disciplines.
- Interpersonal Skills: Candidates shall have demonstrated effectiveness in establishing and maintaining working relationships, and the ability to get along with others with different personalities. This includes the ability to relate to people of diverse disciplines within the NRO and throughout the IC. Moreover, candidate must have demonstrated experience in effectively persuading, negotiating, and resolving conflicts among diverse groups with competing interests.
- Documented record of excellent performance using outstanding judgment, discretion, initiative, and creativity addressing security challenges for a customer operation, with the ability to provide risk managed mitigations to customer requirements.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential. Impeccable interpersonal and customer service skills are essential, as well as the ability to provide concise and compelling briefings to audiences at all levels. The interview can be used to help evaluate oral communication skills, and the qualification statement and performance appraisals will be used as samples to assess written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects with competing priorities. Must be well organized with a proven ability to come to closure on a wide variety of issues within established timelines.
- Knowledge of Personnel Security and ICD 704
- Working knowledge of ICD 503
- Previous COSR and/or COTR experience
- Demonstrated ability to lead and direct management of teams and resources with proven track record of achieving team goals and objectives
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. For more information regarding resume writing, see “Guidance for Applicants on 2-Page Resume” and visit the Resume Help Center.
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
Las Cruces, NM 88011
Telework is not available and you must be able to work at the specified location(s).
Salary
2026 salary range for the Las Cruces, NM area:
GG-13: $106,437 - $138,370
GG-14: $125,776 - $163,514
**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 – 13 or GG -14 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 DoWI 1400.25 Volume 2006.
Hiring Incentives
The NRO may offer hiring incentives and other entitlements at management’s discretion.
Trial Period
All new DCIPS employees will be required to serve a 2-year trial period.
Veterans’ Preference
DoW 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 DoW 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.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.
Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:
- An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.
- An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.
- An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events.
Privacy Act Notice
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.
Read more about the Privacy Act of 1974
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