Deputy Chief Engineer, Narrowband SATCOM

📍 San Diego, California · 🏛 Space Systems Command · 💰 $146,632–$197,200 per year · 🎓 NH 4 · 🧭 General Engineering (0801) · ⏳ Closes Nov 19, 2026 · 5 days left · 🗓 Posted Nov 12, 2026
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About this job

Do not email applications. To submit your resume for this Direct Hire opportunity click here. For additional information on other USSF direct hire opportunities visit the Air Force Civilian Careers Space Force website and follow USSF on LinkedIn.

Duties

The United States Space Force (USSF) in San Diego, CA is searching for a Deputy Chief Engineer for Narrowband SATCOM (NH-0801-04, GS-14/15). Description: The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the Deputy Chief Engineer for the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) Engineering Branch (SSC SYD 88/NXE) within the Satellite Communication and Position, Navigation, and Timing (SCPNT) Portfolio. In this critical leadership role, the incumbent directs and supports the activities of the Chief Engineer and Civilian/Senior Materiel Leader (SML) to advance SCPNT Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) objectives. Operating with a high degree of independence, the employee is responsible for conceiving and executing solutions to highly complex acquisition and engineering challenges, analyzing project findings, and guiding the technical and programmatic efforts of junior team members. Work is executed autonomously, with completed initiatives reviewed primarily for feasibility, compatibility, and overall mission effectiveness in delivering critical space-based capabilities. The position requires knowledge of systems engineering and discipline associated systems engineering such as systems engineering plans, test, and evaluation plans, life-cycle engineering, operational safety, suitability and effectiveness plans, specs and standards, national environmental policy act, and programmatic environmental safety and health evaluations. Manage program protection and cybersecurity tasks required to maintain Authorities to Operate (ATOs) and to counter emerging cybersecurity threats. Additionally, you will direct the program protection and cybersecurity strategy required to maintain global Authorities to Operate (ATOs) and counter emerging threats. You will manage the development and updating of the Program Protection Plan (PPP)-including the Security Classification Guide (SCG), Counter-Intelligence Support Plan (CISP), Criticality Analysis (CA), Anti-Tamper Plan (ATP), and Cybersecurity Strategy (CSS). Crucially, you will guide the system's security evolution by directing Zero Trust (ZT) migration across all enclaves and managing the development, integration, and insertion of modernized NSA-certified encryption devices and specialized waveforms across both space and ground segments. At the core of this portfolio is the MUOS Service Life Extension (SLE) program-a high-visibility, $5B ACAT 1B acquisition effort designed to sustain the DoW's premier Narrowband satellite communication system. As Deputy, you will oversee the Service Life Extension (SLE) Development and Production contract awarded to Boeing to develop, manufacture, test, and launch two new geostationary Space Vehicles (SV 6 and SV 7) by 2031 and 2032; and General Dynamics to modernize ground systems to integrated SLE SV 6 & 7 into existing constellation up to 2040. These satellites will integrate advanced Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) technology to extend secure, worldwide Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) SATCOM services for mobile and fixed-site warfighters, ensuring seamless continuity of operations for U.S. and coalition partners. Ideal Candidate: 1. Acquisition experience, actively embedded within a Program Office (Government or Industry). 2. Extensive experience managing complex Systems Engineering projects supporting DoW or Federal Government system acquisitions. 3. Subject Matter Expert (SME) knowledge of systems engineering, satellite communications systems, systems integration, and developmental testing. 4. Ability to successfully plan and structure work statements and contract deliverables for completion of engineering studies or delivery of technical solutions to the government. 5. Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with various levels of high-ranking military and civilian personnel 6. Knowledge of program management, contractual oversight, and organizational processes needed to plan and execute high-value research support contracts. 7. Ability to advise senior leaders, program managers, and technical stakeholders on program execution, contract strategy, and issue resolution. 8. Ability to work independently and collaboratively, exercise sound judgment to resolve complex issues while sustaining productive stakeholder relationships.

Qualifications

The 0801 series has an individual occupational requirement that must be met and can be viewed here. In 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.

Evaluations

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies as related to the series and grade of the position being filled. Final qualifications determinations will be assessed based on OPM's General Schedule Qualifications Standards found here: Interviews: You will be contacted by e-mail and/or telephone if your application is identified as qualifying for a position being filled. An interview may be conducted. If interviewed, you will be asked to address the same knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies used to initially qualify your application for the position.

How to apply

Do not email applications. To submit your resume for this Direct Hire opportunity click here. 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.

Applications are handled only on the official announcement. This page is a readable copy of the public announcement data — the official version controls if anything differs.

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Required documents

Resume: You must submit a resume that may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume exceeds two pages or is illegible/unreadable. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your resume must provide: Personal information - your full name, email and mailing addresses, phone number Education information - the name of the school and the dates you attended Work experience - paid and unpaid work with the following information: Job title Detailed duties and accomplishments Employer's name and address Supervisor's name and phone number Starting and ending dates (If actual dates are not known, provide your best-estimated timeframes.) Hours per week Salary, if applicable Other qualifications - skills, certifications/licenses, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and job-related training courses College Transcripts (if applicable): Please see the Education section of this announcement for detailed information about transcripts.

What to expect next

For additional information on other USSF direct hire opportunities visit the Air Force Civilian Careers Space Force website and follow USSF on LinkedIn.

Other 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.

Frequently asked questions

How much does this Deputy Chief Engineer, Narrowband SATCOM job pay?

The announcement lists a salary of $146,632–$197,200 per year (NH 4).

When is the last day to apply?

Applications close on Nov 19, 2026 — 5 days from today.

Where is this job located?

This position is located in San Diego, California with the Space Systems Command.

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted through the official announcement on USAJobs. Use the Apply button on this page to go to the official posting — this site never takes applications itself.

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Data: USAJobs (U.S. Office of Personnel Management), retrieved 2026-11-14 · Announcement SF-FY27-6S-NH-0801-4-SPLSH · Official announcement. FederalJobs is unofficial and is not affiliated with OPM or the agency.
Deputy Chief Engineer, Narrowband SATCOM
Nov 19, 2026 deadlineApply