Department of the Air Force Headquarters

Deputy Assistant Secretary (Integration)

Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia $151662 - $209600 PA ES Closes Oct 23, 2026

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Summary

Eligibility will be based upon a clear showing the applicant has education, training, and experience of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry-out the duties of the position. Candidates must exemplify the corporate perspective, leadership vision, broad experience and character needed in the SES corps not only to satisfy the immediate vacancy, but future vacancies which will occur in a variety of organizations, functions and locations. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. In accordance with new OPM requirements to streamline Senior Executive Service (SES) hiring, applicants are no longer required to submit lengthy narrative essays, including those for Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or Mandatory Technical Qualifications (TQs), when applying. Instead, the initial application will be resume-only, capped at two pages. This change streamlines the application process and more closely aligns with private industry practices. Applicants identified for potential selection will have their ECQs assessed by undergoing a structured interview with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB). To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the education, Technical Qualifications (TQ), and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) related to this position within your resume (not to exceed 2 pages). Resumes over the 2-page limit will be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position. CERTIFICATIONS: Level III APDP Program Management TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that satisfy the technical qualifications. TQ1: Demonstrated expertise in leading enterprise-level PPBE execution, overseeing multi-billion-dollar RDT&E and procurement portfolios, and ensuring resources are aligned to support rapid capability delivery. Proven ability to direct cost, schedule, and performance reporting for senior leadership and to manage Special Access Program governance across diverse mission areas. Extensive experience developing, codifying, and implementing acquisition policies and procedures and managing enterprise acquisition review forums that enable timely decisions for development, production, and fielding. TQ2: Exceptional capability in leading enterprise integration, acquisition policy development, and stakeholder alignment across headquarters, field commands, and interagency partners. Demonstrated success in building and directing cross-functional teams responsible for policy development, PPBE execution, SAP oversight, and strategic integration. Recognized for fostering collaborative relationships, ensuring stakeholder perspectives are accurately represented in senior decision forums, and shaping organizational structures and workforce competencies that strengthen long-term space acquisition integration. TQ3: Superior qualifications in providing senior advisory support on acquisition programs, legislative matters, and enterprise strategy. Extensive experience preparing senior officials for Congressional testimony, developing responses to Congressional inquiries, and maintaining effective relationships with Members of Congress and staff. Proven ability to represent senior leadership in engagements with OSW, military departments, industry, GAO, foreign partners, and other stakeholders. Demonstrated skill in developing SAP legislative strategies, resolving complex policy issues, and supporting crisis planning and exercises outside normal duty hours. TQ4: Advanced proficiency in leading large, technically complex acquisition organizations and shaping enterprise strategy, workforce development, and organizational performance. Holds Level III APDP Program Management certification and possesses extensive experience managing major defense acquisition programs, including international and multi-agency efforts. Demonstrated ability to develop acquisition talent pipelines, strengthen organizational processes, and implement structures that support long-term integration across the space acquisition enterprise. Recognized for disciplined execution, strategic foresight, and continuous improvement in delivering mission-critical space capabilities. EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): All new appointees to the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the five mandatory ECQs: ECQ 1. Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: Demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. ECQ 2. Driving Efficiency: Demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. ECQ 3. Merit and Competence: Demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. ECQ 4. Leading People: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. ECQ 5. Achieving Results: Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. Please note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program, or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you must attach proof (e.g., SF-50 or Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.

Major Duties

The role oversees all financial, policy, and legislative activities for Space Force acquisitions, acting as a critical bridge between senior leadership, Congress, and Department of War stakeholders to ensure the rapid and effective delivery of space capabilities. The incumbent leads enterprise-level oversight of Space Force investment funding, managing Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) actions to ensure resources continuously support program execution and the rapid fielding of capabilities. This comprehensive oversight includes directing cost, schedule, and performance reporting, as well as managing Special Access Program (SAP) governance across the Department of War. To maintain portfolio health, the executive develops, codifies, and enforces space acquisition policies while supervising the acquisition review forums necessary for the Space Service Acquisition Executive to make critical development and production decisions. Beyond program and financial oversight, the position is responsible for driving enterprise integration and stakeholder alignment. The incumbent builds and leads teams focused on policy development and SAP oversight, fostering deep collaborative relationships across the Space Force Staff, Air Staff, Field Commands, and other DoW organizations. A core duty is ensuring that diverse stakeholder views are accurately synthesized and communicated to executive decision-makers, while simultaneously cultivating the personnel skills and organizational structures required for long-term space acquisition success. Furthermore, the executive serves as a senior advisor and primary external representative, providing technical assistance to the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional testimonies and inquiries. The incumbent maintains active liaisons with lawmakers and represents leadership in negotiations with the Office of the Secretary of War (OSW), other military departments, industry partners, foreign governments, and the Government Accountability Office (GAO). By formulating strategic policies and leading SAP legislative engagement, the executive works to build consensus, resolve cross-organizational conflicts, and support crisis management efforts.

Required Documents

A complete application includes the items specified below. If you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible. APPLICATION DOCUMENTS: Some documents may not apply to all applicants. Please carefully review for applicability. Do not combine documents. Upload documents in pdf format. 1. Resume (Required): PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER. Your resume must be 2 pages in length (or less), type written, and formatted using no smaller than 1/2-inch margins, no smaller than 10-font, and uploaded as a pdf. Do not include borders, photos, or your social security number. 2. Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50 (Required): Current/Former SES Members: Must provide SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility. Current Federal Civil Service Employees: Must provide a copy of SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting status as a current Federal Civil Service employee. 3. Statement of Service/DD-214 (As applicable): Active Duty/Retired Service Members must submit a DD-214 or statement of service printed on command letterhead and signed by the command. The statement of service must provide the branch of service, rate/rank, all dates of service, the expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). 4. SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP) Verification (As applicable): Graduates must provide verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification. 5. Performance Appraisal (Optional): Applicants are encouraged to provide their most recent performance appraisal or equivalent performance evaluation document. 6. College transcript(s) (As applicable): Applicants must provide transcript(s) which demonstrate the acceptable combinations of education and experience as noted by OPM (if applicable). A copy is acceptable. 7. License(s) or certification(s) (As applicable): Applicants must provide copies of any licenses, certifications, or professional credentials required by the position (e.g. Bar membership, medical license, CPA certification, DAWIA certification, etc.) with their application. * Applicants are responsible for providing documentation that supports the eligibility and qualification claims made in their resume and/or assessment questionnaire. Applicants must submit the applicable documents listed here and those listed with the eligibilities selected in the announcement questionnaire with the application package. Applicants who do not provide supporting documentation that fully support their claims will not be referred to the hiring manager.

How to Apply

Please follow the below instructions to submit applications. Any applications received that do not include all of the required documents or do not meet format requirements will not be forwarded for consideration. The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/23/2026. To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant. PREFERRED RESUME FORMAT: 2 pages in length (or less), type written, and formatted using no smaller than 1/2-inch margins, no smaller than 10-font, and uploaded as a pdf. (Do Not Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder) Job Information: Announcement number (MRL26-30345) and title of the position to which you are applying. Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), day and evening phone numbers (with area code) and complete e-mail address where you would like to receive correspondence regarding your application. DO NOT INCLUDE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER. Active-Duty/Retired Military: State highest rank held, date of promotion and date eligible to retire or date of retirement, (e.g., Colonel/June 2006/December 2014). NOTE: IAW 5 U.S.C. 3326, a 180-day waiver will be required for retired or retiring members of the armed forces during the period of 180 days immediately after retirement. Please note: you will be ineligible for consideration if your statement of service is not submitted with your application or it shows an expected discharge or release date greater than 120 days from the date of the submission of the certification. Education: Include the name, city, and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degree received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html Work Experience: Provide the following information for paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying: position/job title (include pay plan, series and grade or military rank), employer/company name and address, supervisor's name and contact information (indicate if we may contact), salary, and start/end ending dates (month and year). When supplying work experience, applicants should focus on recency of experience. Recruitment Panels, Executive Resources Boards, and Hiring Officials may consider experience over 10 years outdated. References: Provide the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three individuals who can comment on your qualifications for this position. Please do not list supervisors already listed above. References may be provided upon request. This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify this office. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis.