Director, Technology and Defense System Program Office
National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), Chantilly, Virginia, United States, 22021
Overview
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
You must be a U.S. Citizen You must be 18 years of age or older 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
SAO is designed as the lead organization to mature novel technologies that can be rapidly developed into low-cost resiliency solutions that protect NRO HVAs in all orbital regimes. These resilient solutions mature to fully funded MSAs as well as onboard resiliency solutions that are transitioned to NRO and DoW stakeholders.
The Director (D), Technology and Defense System Program Office (TDSPO) reports directly to the Director Survivability Assurance Office (SAO) and is responsible for leading a program office assigned to develop, demonstrate, and deploy survivability and resiliency capabilities to defend National Space Systems. The D/TDSPO is responsible for managing a large portfolio consisting of multiple Major System Acquisitions (MSAs), to include full life cycle management in the development, production, launch, and associated ground architecture. The D/TDSPO is also responsible for maintaining SAO's Research and Development efforts.
The NRO Cadre is collecting resumes for consideration against current and future opportunities for senior level (GG-15), technical career field specialists, occupational series 801, 1301, 1501. For more information on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) occupational series, click here.
This is a full-time position that is open from January 22, 2026 to January 27, 2026. Resumes must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on January 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 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
Duties The D/TDSPO is responsible for leading multiple teams of government civilians, military, SETA, and FFRDC in acquisition activities to include developing and implementing acquisition strategies, managing cost, schedule, and technical aspects of all assigned programs, reporting on program status to leadership and oversight, lead efforts to identify, mature, develop and field revolutionary capabilities, as well as engaging with DoW and IC stakeholders to coordinate partnerships in technology development. Specific major duties include:
Manages all acquisition lifecycle phases of assigned programs. Manages cost, schedule, and technical aspects of the program in a proactive manner. Lead and supervise the performance and professional development of all military and civilian personnel assigned to the program office. Lead the development and implementation of acquisition strategies and plans for all assigned programs. Report program status, accomplishments, areas of concern, and planned activities to higher leadership and oversight authorities on a regular basis. Lead efforts to identify, mature, develop, and field revolutionary capabilities ensuring our ability to deliver Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) in a contested space environment. Coordinate research, development, and acquisition activities with DoW and IC partners. Develops and maintains a stakeholder engagement plan to ensure transition of resiliency capabilities. Secures classified information in accordance with E.O. 13526. Performs other duties as assigned.
What You Need
(U) Required Qualifications Meet requirements for Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement (DAWIA) Program Management Advance certification. Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or related discipline. Demonstrated strong performance in providing leadership and management of large-scale programs. Knowledge of budgetary and financial management principles as they relate to planning and execution of Major Systems Acquisition. Ability to lead a program office composed of a diverse workforce engaged in the planning and executing several simultaneous complex acquisition programs, including Major Systems Acquisition. Skill in building and leading cross-functional teams. Skill in communicating at the executive level as it relates to acquisition challenges and issues. Ability to exercise leadership, organize, and prioritize assignments in a high-pressure work environment ensuring milestones are met. Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, prioritize & coordinate activities of a diverse staff; and collaborate and cultivate key relationships with contractors, government, SETA, and FFRDC personnel. Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and management skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience in the acquisition of satellites and associates terrestrial systems to include integration and test.
Desired Qualifications
Previous experience in the NRO and knowledge of NRO and Intelligence Community Major System Acquisition processes. Experience in developing and executing threat-based technology development roadmaps. Experience in maintaining stakeholder relationships including oversight and Congressional relationships, as well as experience in building consensus across organizations and agencies. An advanced degree from an accredited university in engineering, science, or any other STEM program 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 Chantilly, 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/ 2026 salary range for the Washington, DC area: GG-15 $169,279 – $197,200. 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 – 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.
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
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.
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 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
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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
You must be a U.S. Citizen You must be 18 years of age or older 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
SAO is designed as the lead organization to mature novel technologies that can be rapidly developed into low-cost resiliency solutions that protect NRO HVAs in all orbital regimes. These resilient solutions mature to fully funded MSAs as well as onboard resiliency solutions that are transitioned to NRO and DoW stakeholders.
The Director (D), Technology and Defense System Program Office (TDSPO) reports directly to the Director Survivability Assurance Office (SAO) and is responsible for leading a program office assigned to develop, demonstrate, and deploy survivability and resiliency capabilities to defend National Space Systems. The D/TDSPO is responsible for managing a large portfolio consisting of multiple Major System Acquisitions (MSAs), to include full life cycle management in the development, production, launch, and associated ground architecture. The D/TDSPO is also responsible for maintaining SAO's Research and Development efforts.
The NRO Cadre is collecting resumes for consideration against current and future opportunities for senior level (GG-15), technical career field specialists, occupational series 801, 1301, 1501. For more information on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) occupational series, click here.
This is a full-time position that is open from January 22, 2026 to January 27, 2026. Resumes must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on January 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 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
Duties The D/TDSPO is responsible for leading multiple teams of government civilians, military, SETA, and FFRDC in acquisition activities to include developing and implementing acquisition strategies, managing cost, schedule, and technical aspects of all assigned programs, reporting on program status to leadership and oversight, lead efforts to identify, mature, develop and field revolutionary capabilities, as well as engaging with DoW and IC stakeholders to coordinate partnerships in technology development. Specific major duties include:
Manages all acquisition lifecycle phases of assigned programs. Manages cost, schedule, and technical aspects of the program in a proactive manner. Lead and supervise the performance and professional development of all military and civilian personnel assigned to the program office. Lead the development and implementation of acquisition strategies and plans for all assigned programs. Report program status, accomplishments, areas of concern, and planned activities to higher leadership and oversight authorities on a regular basis. Lead efforts to identify, mature, develop, and field revolutionary capabilities ensuring our ability to deliver Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) in a contested space environment. Coordinate research, development, and acquisition activities with DoW and IC partners. Develops and maintains a stakeholder engagement plan to ensure transition of resiliency capabilities. Secures classified information in accordance with E.O. 13526. Performs other duties as assigned.
What You Need
(U) Required Qualifications Meet requirements for Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement (DAWIA) Program Management Advance certification. Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or related discipline. Demonstrated strong performance in providing leadership and management of large-scale programs. Knowledge of budgetary and financial management principles as they relate to planning and execution of Major Systems Acquisition. Ability to lead a program office composed of a diverse workforce engaged in the planning and executing several simultaneous complex acquisition programs, including Major Systems Acquisition. Skill in building and leading cross-functional teams. Skill in communicating at the executive level as it relates to acquisition challenges and issues. Ability to exercise leadership, organize, and prioritize assignments in a high-pressure work environment ensuring milestones are met. Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, prioritize & coordinate activities of a diverse staff; and collaborate and cultivate key relationships with contractors, government, SETA, and FFRDC personnel. Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and management skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience in the acquisition of satellites and associates terrestrial systems to include integration and test.
Desired Qualifications
Previous experience in the NRO and knowledge of NRO and Intelligence Community Major System Acquisition processes. Experience in developing and executing threat-based technology development roadmaps. Experience in maintaining stakeholder relationships including oversight and Congressional relationships, as well as experience in building consensus across organizations and agencies. An advanced degree from an accredited university in engineering, science, or any other STEM program 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 Chantilly, 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/ 2026 salary range for the Washington, DC area: GG-15 $169,279 – $197,200. 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 – 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.
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
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.
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 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
#J-18808-Ljbffr