Acquisition Lead

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 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

• 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.

• Serve as the project engineer responsible for design, fabrication, integration and test of payloads as they move through the system acquisition process;
• Serve as the Interface and lead industry and government support team to resolve payload segment development issues and accomplish delivery;
• Prepare, provide, and evaluate conventional plans, designs, design specifications, and related documentation;
• Determine and/or execute actions for a wide range of activities involving combinations of complex features and technologies;
• Provides findings and recommendations to senior colleagues and/or agency officials responsible for broad program execution;
• Evaluate the value and applicability of new or improved technology, strategies, trends, or applications;
• Serves as a technical authority and/or Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR)
• Manage issues and risks to balance lifecycle cost, schedule and technical performance;
• Conduct technical analyses to demonstrate desired product performance/specifications;
• Assess project and program effectiveness;
• Participate during payload/space vehicle integration, payload calibration and launch operations;
• Serve as an authoritative expert and consultant on a broad program, a highly specialized field, or for assignments which affects national or international interests.

• Program Management and technical management expertise are highly desirable (i.e., cost, performance, schedule, and technical reporting) to accomplish the duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Early acquisition lifecycle experience focusing on RFI evaluation, market research and RFP development processes are also highly desirable.
• Knowledge of DoW and Intelligence Community (IC) organizations, missions, relevant policies, and processes.
• Sound understanding of intelligence satellite systems.
• Expertise in advanced multidisciplinary engineering or related engineering/technical discipline, concepts, principles, practices, standards, methods, techniques, materials, and equipment sufficient to apply experimental theories, principles, and concepts to program development, execution, and advisory services.
•  Demonstrated interpersonal, organizational, and management skills to conceptualize and effectively lead complex analytic projects with limited supervision; ability to work collectively to find a consensus solution when views differ among agencies, and ability to effectively work independently and within a team or collaborative environment.

• 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.

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

• 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.

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