Lead Engineer

Summary

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Duties

The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) Mission Delta 8 (MD8) 8th Sustainment Squadron (8STS) at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado is searching for a Lead Engineer (NH-0855-03, GS 12/13 equivalent). Description: Serving as the principal technical authority and engineering decision maker for the U.S. Space Force's MILSATCOM 8th Sustainment Squadron, you will direct the technical execution, operational architecture, and configuration baseline management for multi-billion dollar satellite communications networks-including AEHF, Milstar, EPS, WGS, GBS, DSCS, and CCS-C. Operating with significant autonomy, you will lead the integration of advanced software, hardware, and cybersecurity solutions while enforcing rigorous engineering standards to govern long-term systems architecture and guarantee continuous Operational Safety, Suitability, and Effectiveness (OSS&E). In this critical role, you will collaborate daily with multidisciplinary teams, defense agencies, and international partners to drive lifecycle sustainment, steer Satellite Anomaly Response Teams during critical operations, and deliver resilient capabilities that defend the joint warfighter's high-frontier operations. Furthermore, you will partner closely with the Chief Engineer and Program Managers to resolve system deficiencies, lead technical evaluations for high-impact acquisition proposals, and apply advanced electronics engineering principles to mentor junior personnel from concept through mission execution. The ideal candidate is a proven engineering leader with a distinguished track record of directing complex, high-value satellite, ground terminal, or command and control (C2) systems throughout their operational lifecycle, particularly within "no-fail" military or commercial space environments. This role requires an analytical problem solver with advanced diagnostic and risk-management skills to resolve complex hardware and software anomalies, backed by a bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited institution and a preferred Defense Acquisition Workforce Foundational (or higher) Certification in Engineering and Technical Management. To succeed in this Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) and DAWIA-covered position, the candidate must possess exceptional communication skills to align cross-functional teams, federal stakeholders, Department of War agencies, and international partners. Additionally, the selected professional must be a U.S. citizen capable of working flexible hours, passing pre-employment and random drug screenings, filing annual OGE-450 Confidential Financial Disclosure Reports, and holding or rapidly obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance. Key Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of professional electronics engineering concepts, principles, practices, standards, methods, techniques, materials, and equipment to effectively apply advanced engineering theories, principles, and concepts to project development, execution, and advisory services. Knowledge of development testing and evaluation sufficient to apply experimental theories and new applications to issues and provide technical advice and direction in support of weapon systems, subsystems, and/or support equipment. Knowledge of integrated air-vehicles, ground systems, and support equipment sufficient to plan, design, test, troubleshoot, evaluate, and oversee the development and/or sustainment of electronic systems or devices. Knowledge of systems engineering practices and procedures as they pertain to sustainment, modification, logistics, and production management principles, concepts, policies, and systems; standard acquisition regulations, practices, and procedures; and of other engineering disciplines. Ability to devise and evaluate criteria, parameters, characteristics, and interrelationships for design approaches, and to assess the impact of new technology on current systems and processes. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, clearly, concisely, with technical accuracy and to use computers and a variety of software programs and databases, gather and analyze a variety of program information, make sound judgments concerning program progress, and effectively communicate recommendations orally and in writing to higher organizational management and contractors.

Qualifications

The 0855 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.