Chief Space Operations Instructor

Air Force Civilian Service; Rosamond (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Force Civilian Service seeks a senior space test and evaluation expert for the Test Pilot School. You will lead hands-on software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and on-orbit test development, while teaching advanced space test techniques to residents and guests.

You will advise leadership on technical adequacy of instructional methods, maintain cutting-edge space test capabilities, and travel for conferences as needed. A MS in engineering and space/test credentials are preferred.

Qualifications

• Advanced mastery in space domain test and evaluation techniques.
• Experience operating and instructing in multiple space systems.
• Capability to develop and deliver space-domain curricula.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance on space operations instructional methods and simulator training.
• Lead curriculum development for hardware-in-the-loop and on-orbit test scenarios.
• Represent TPS as a technical expert at national/international venues.
• Ensure alignment of curriculum with USSF operations and test practices.

Skills

Space domain test

Test theory

Space systems operations

Instruction delivery

Education

MS in Astronautical Eng

MS in Aeronautical Eng

MS in Systems Eng

MS in Mechanical Eng

MS in Electrical Eng

Tools

Military flight/test training tools

Job description

Mission: Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) exists to prepare combat-ready USSF forces to fight and win in a contested, degraded, and operationally-limited environment through the deliberate development, education and training of space professionals; development of space warfighting doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures; and the test and evaluation of USSF capabilities.

Purpose of position: Serve as the Test Pilot School's (TPS) nationally/internationally recognized technical expert in space domain test and evaluation operations. The incumbent is the senior functional space operations instructor and provides the technical expertise, corporate knowledge, and long term continuity for all space test techniques and on-console instructional methods taught by the USAF TPS to include all simulator training, operational instructional methods and space test techniques taught by all space operations instructors including both resident staff and guest instructors in support of a 48-week Master's Degree program.

Duties:

• Provides expert advice to the Commandant, Deputy Commandant, Technical Director, and Division Chiefs regarding technical adequacy and scope of all space operations instructional methods, including all simulator training, taught by all resident (TPS staff) and guest instructors.


• Lead curriculum development and execution of hands-on software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and/or on-orbit test and evaluation of satellites and space-domain ground systems.


• Represent Test Pilot School as a recognized technical expert at national and international symposium and conferences.


• Ensures curriculum aligns with current USSF operations and test & evaluation practices. Knowledge and skills for the position:


• Advanced technical knowledge (to include sufficient depth and breath) and a demonstrated mastery in space domain test and evaluation techniques.


• Expert technical knowledge and demonstrated expert skills to operate, maintain qualification in, and provide advanced test technique instruction in multiple and dissimilar space systems, as required by the training requirement of the USAF TPS.


• Advanced knowledge, skill and ability in test theory, space test techniques/methods/procedures used to evaluate research, prototype and production space domain vehicles and systems.


• Advanced knowledge of all applicable regulations, laws and directives governing the conduct of space test operations.


• Advanced knowledge, skill and ability to conduct basic and advanced ground and on-orbit test instruction to include theory, planning, techniques, and execution and to evaluate students progress throughout all phases of student training.


• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy, both orally and in writing, as well as work in a professional manner with peers, management, contractors, academia, and other agencies; as well as the ability to provide oral briefings, classroom lectures, and highly technical guidance to Test Pilot School students and staff.


• Requirements for the position:


• U.S. citizenship


• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret w/SCI clearance.


• Employee needs to obtain and maintain approval to access the portfolio of Special Access Programs required to perform daily duties.


• This position is designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions present a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. It is required that you (a) refrain from the use of illegal drugs and (b) if requested, submit to urinalysis testing.


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


• This position has been designated as an acquisition position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). Employee is expected to meet Continuing Acquisition Education requirements.


• May be required to travel by military or commercial aircraft in the performance of TDY assignments.


• 10 years of experience (Military, Civil, or combination) in at least two of the following mission areas is required: satellite/space-vehicle operations, space domain awareness, space electronic warfare, missile warning/missile defense, and/or NRO operations.


• 5 years of test and evaluation experience is required.


• It is highly desirable for the incumbent have at least a MS in Astronautical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering, or close equivalents, and/or be a graduate of a military test pilot school (space or flight curricula).


• May be required to perform certain flying duties associated with the teaching of the various multi-domain events. If so, this person will be required to complete appropriate training (egress, ground and water survival, etc.) and may be required to instruct or evaluate student pilots, combat system operators, and flight test engineers to test prototype or substantially modified aircraft; If performing flight operations a flight physical will be required. Flying duties require exposure to a dynamic and physically demanding flight environment. If performing regular flight operations, the incumbent must pass and maintain a Class 3 aviation Service Code (ASC) 9D flight physical (or higher) as directed by AFI 11-402 (paragraphs 1.52 and 2.12). Locality pay is not included. Organization: Delta 12 Mission: Space Delta 12 leads the integrated test and evaluation of USSF capabilities in order to rapidly field combat-credible weapon systems and tactics. The United States Space Force (USSF), Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) 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 War 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. Please review the new Guardian Ideal to learn more about the new talent culture within the new U.S. Space Force, as we have a chance to make history and rewrite some of the rules—we hope you are excited about the opportunities this will present!