Cost Analysis Branch Chief, SSDP

Organization:

The United States Space Force (USSF) is a military service that organizes, trains, and equips military members and civilians to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and provide space capabilities to the joint force. USSF responsibilities include developing Guardians, acquiring military space systems, maturing the military doctrine for space power, and organizing space forces to present to our Combatant Commands (CCMDs).

The strategic importance of space can't be overstated. Political and humanitarian interests as well as commercial concerns vital to the world economy all rely on space-based systems. Launched in 2019 as the nation's sixth and newest military branch, the USSF was created to protect the interests and assets of America and its allies in this heavily contested realm. The Department of Defense relies on satellites and advanced space-based technology for secure communications, navigation, real-time reconnaissance, precision targeting on the battlefield, early warning of potential missile launches, and even weather forecasting. Guardians and civilians of the USSF are challenged every day to reach new heights in protecting and amplifying these space-based capabilities and defending our way of life by maintaining our edge in space.

The Space Force wants to attract talent with the character and potential to excel, empower them with information and choices, and develop them in line with their desires and the Space Force's needs to create a high-performing organization necessary to secure and defend space.

The United States Space Force (USSF) Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, CO is searching for a Cost Analysis Branch Chief to support CFC/SSDP (NH-1515-03, GS-12/13 Equivalent).

Description:

Are you ready to shape the future of the nation's defense in the space domain? The U.S. Space Force is seeking a visionary Cost Analysis Branch Chief to lead critical cost-informed force design guidance at the Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP) located in Colorado Springs, CO. In this vital role, you will spearhead a broad range of analyses, developing advanced methodologies and mathematical models to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of next-generation systems and technologies. Your conclusions will have a major impact on top-level decisions regarding the acquisition of new capabilities that are essential for our national security. We are looking for an expert in operations research with a talent for leading teams, developing innovative analytical techniques, and providing strategic recommendations to senior leadership. This position requires a relevant college degree and MUST HAVE a Top Secret/SCI security clearance. If you are a U.S. citizen ready for a challenging and rewarding career, apply today to become a pivotal part of our mission.

Ideal Candidate:

This position requires a highly cleared, quantitatively skilled professional capable of leading cost estimation and modeling efforts under strict national security guidelines. To qualify for this role, candidates must have a Top Secret/SCI clearance with Special Access Program (SAP) eligibility, passing a Counterintelligence Polygraph, and adhering to the Air Force drug testing policy. Academically, the position demands a college degree with at least 24 semester hours in operations research, mathematics, statistics, or related quantitative sciences, alongside compliance with DAWIA requirements. Professionally, the candidate must possess capabilities in strategic planning, cost analysis, and operations research, specifically for defense weapon systems. They must be skilled in building predictive models, running simulations, and utilizing advanced data collection techniques to guide acquisitions under constrained budgets. Finally, the role requires strong strategic leadership and coalition-building skills, with the flexibility to travel for temporary duty assignments.

Key Skills and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of processes related to strategic planning and cost estimating activities in order to budget for future systems with a constrained budget.

2. Knowledge of a wide range of methods and techniques used in cost, economic and operations research analysis and possession of analytical abilities; quantitative techniques and methods used to develop, adapt, modify and apply models to resolve problems or define and clarify alternative solutions; especially for weapon systems.

3. Ability to develop and utilize appropriate data collection techniques and design, build, and use models and simulation techniques.

4. Ability to encourage new ideas and innovations; manage human, financial and information resources strategically and build coalitions to achieve common goals.

5. Ability to identify problems.

Requirements:

1. Must be a U.S Citizen.

2. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret /SCI security clearance.

3. Safeguards classified or sensitive budget-related information and/or files.

4. May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis.

5. Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed "Unscheduled Telework".

6. This position will close after 5 business days or 75 applications, whichever comes first.

7. Employee may be required to perform travel by military or commercial passenger aircraft in the performance of temporary duty assignments.

8. PCS / relocation funding is authorized.

9. This position is designated as APDP (Acquisition Professional Development Program).

10. The employee must meet the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.

11. Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): 20 days a year.

12. College degree, which includes at least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following is required: operations research, mathematics, statistics, mathematical logic, science, and other subject matter courses which require substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics.

13. Employee is in a designated position that requires consent and thereafter be subject to and successfully complete, an initial, periodic, and random counterintelligence (CI) scope polygraph examination as a condition of employment. The employee must successfully take and pass a Counterintelligence Polygraph (CIP) Examination.