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Chief Engineer, Space-based Weather Systems Branch


Job Location:

Los Angeles, CA - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 146632 - 146632
Posted: 6 October 2026 (13 hours ago)
Application Deadline: 3 January 2027
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary


Duties

The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) System Delta 810 (SYD 810) at Los Angeles Air Force Base California is searching for a Chief Engineer Space-based Weather Systems Branch (NHGS 14/15 equivalent).

Description:
If you are ready to shape the future of environmental intelligence from orbit come join us-space starts here! As the Chief Engineer for the Space-Based Weather Systems branch you will serve as the chief technical authority driving the design development and fielding of next-generation Space-Based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM) capabilities through two high-stakes ACAT-I research and development programs: the $948M Weather System Follow-on (WSF) and the $958M EO/IR Weather System (EWS). In this critical leadership role you will direct end-to-end systems planning-spanning design manufacturing and sustainment of cutting-edge microwave operational and EO/IR prototype systems-while providing authoritative technical guidance and strategic briefings directly to Government program managers. By actively interfacing with diverse organizations across SYD 810 and the broader Space Systems Command (SSC) you will champion system performance reliability and maintainability steering these vital national security assets successfully into the 2030s.


The ideal candidate is a highly motivated self-starting Guardian holding at least a Bachelors degree in Engineering (with a Masters highly desired) and a DAWIA Level III certification in Systems Engineering backed by a deep knowledge of space satellite systems engineering processes Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) processes Middle Tier Acquisitions and current DoD USSF and SSC engineering regulations and technical standards. This highly collaborative professional will possess the technical acumen to critically assess contractor progress toward system build integration and test completion while seamlessly interfacing with directorate engineering staff and prime contractor technical teams. Furthermore they must excel at advising leadership on the latest technical standards synthesizing complex contractor data into comprehensive progress reports and independently drafting high-level authoritative technical documents-including Systems Engineering Plans (SEP) Test and Evaluation Master Plans (TEMP) and cybersecurity reports-on behalf of the branch chief and materiel leader.

Key Skills and Abilities:

  1. Knowledge of a wide range of advanced multidisciplinary professional engineering concepts principles practices standards methods and techniques to apply experimental theories and new developments to problems not susceptible to treatment by accepted methods and to plan and execute specialized programs of marked difficulty responsibility and significance.
  2. Knowledge of the mission roles functions organizational structure and operation of the DoW Air Force and organizations that govern interface with and/or influence systems acquisition development and/or sustainment and knowledge of planning programming and budgeting cycles financial systems and restrictions on expenditure of funds.
  3. Knowledge of and skill in evaluating state-of-the-art and advancements in theory application technology and policy affecting systems being developed and in planning organizing and directing the functions and staff in critical aspects of development production and/or support of systems subsystems or equipment.
  4. Knowledge of safety security personnel management and EEO regulations practices and procedures.
  5. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective relationships building consensus and coalitions negotiating and resolving conflicts with a variety of individuals and organizations as well as communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
  6. Ability to plan organize and direct the functions and staff of a small to medium sized organization.
  7. Ability to expertly and effectively communicate verbal and written formally (to include briefing) and informally across a broad spectrum of technical engineering disciplines
  8. Ability to plan organize and direct the functions of an organization and mentor motivate and appraise the staff through subordinate supervisors as well as analyze plan and adjust work operations of one or more organizational segments to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources.

Requirements
Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance with SCI access.
  • This position has been designated for drug testing. Incumbent is subject to random urinalysis testing as a condition of employment.
  • Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
  • A professional engineering degree at the bachelors level from an ABET accredited institution is required.
  • Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
  • Employee must within 30-days of assuming this position and by 31 October annually thereafter file an OGE-450 Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.
  • This is a Critical Acquisition Position (CAP). Unless specifically waived by the appropriate Component Official or if the employee is grandfathered under 10 USC 1736.
  • This position is designated a CRITICAL APDP position.
  • Employee must obtain Information Assurance Management (IAM) levels III certification as described in DoD8570.01M within 12 months.
  • Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
  • Upon completion of your probationary/trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.
  • PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements may be found at: must meet or be capable to meeting Defense Acquisition Work Improvement requirements applicable to position.
  • Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 15 days per year.
  • Eligible for situational telework only including Emergency and OPM prescribed Unscheduled Telework.
  • Incentive is not authorized.
  • This position will close after 5 business days or 75 applications (whichever comes first).
Qualifications

The 0801 series has an individual occupational requirement that must be met and can be viewed addition to the above requirements you can view the experience level requirements here. Please scroll down to the 4th section titled Professional and Scientific Positions.

Additional information

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016 who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information click here.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.


Required Experience:

Chief