IT Services & Operations Specialist-Senior

Chantilly, VA
Full Time
Continuous Announcement
Experienced

We Are The NRO


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.
 

 Basic Eligibility For A Position With NRO

 
  • 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
 

 Where You Will Work


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 (GG1415) Senior IT Services & Operations Specialists, occupational series 2210.

This position focuses on the following DoD 8140 Work Roles:
  • 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.
 

 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 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.
 

 What You Will Be Doing


Senior IT Services & Operations Specialists require expertise in one or more of the following areas:
 
  • 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.

 What You Need
 
  • Highly desired: 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
  •  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
  •  Experience delivering IT products using Agile and lean methodologies

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.
 

 DoD 8140 Work Role Alignment


This position aligns with the following DoD 8140 Work Roles at the advanced level:
  •  (441) Network Operations Specialist
  •  (631) Information Systems Security Developer
  •  (651) Enterprise Architect
  •  (661) Research & Development Specialist

 Qualification Requirements

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
 

 Other Information

 
  • Cyberspace Workforce and Qualification Management Program: 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.
  •  Professional Development: 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.
  •  Financial Management Certification: May be required to obtain the appropriate Financial Management certification level for the position within two years of assignment.
  •  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 60 months after accepting this position.
  •  DAWIA Functional Area/Tier Required: GG1415: Engineering & Technical Management/Practitioner
  •  Critical Acquisition Positions (CAP): 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.
  •  Geographic Mobility Agreement: May be subject to directed reassignment as required to address mission effectiveness, and/or career development.
  •  Emergency Essential: Certain positions are deemed emergency essential and incumbents must be willing to meet all position requirements.
 

 Location


Washington D.C. area
 

 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)).

2025 STEM Salary Ranges:
  •  GG14: $146,807  $190,848
  •  GG15: $165,789  $195,200

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 1415 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 DoDI 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 2year 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, pregnancy, 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants
 

 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.

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].

 Privacy Act Notice

Privacy Act Notice (PL 93579): 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
 
Share

Apply for this position

Required*
We've received your resume. Click here to update it.
Attach resume or Paste resume
Attach resume as .pdf, .doc, .docx, .odt, .txt, or .rtf (limit 5MB) or Paste resume

Paste your resume here or Attach resume file

To comply with government Equal Employment Opportunity and/or Affirmative Action reporting regulations, we are requesting (but NOT requiring) that you enter this personal data. This information will not be used in connection with any employment decisions, and will be used solely as permitted by state and federal law. Your voluntary cooperation would be appreciated. Learn more.
Invitation for Job Applicants to Self-Identify as a U.S. Veteran
  • A “disabled veteran” is one of the following:
    • a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or
    • a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.
  • A “recently separated veteran” means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.
  • An “active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran” means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.
  • An “Armed forces service medal veteran” means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.
Veteran status


Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability
Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability Form CC-305
OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Expires 04/30/2026
Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
  • Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
  • Blind or low vision
  • Cancer (past or present)
  • Cardiovascular or heart disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
  • Diabetes
  • Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
  • Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
  • Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
  • Intellectual or developmental disability
  • Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
  • Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
  • Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
  • Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
  • Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
  • Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
  • Short stature (dwarfism)
  • Traumatic brain injury
Please check one of the boxes below:

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.

You must enter your name and date
Human Check*