Division Chief, Facilities and Engineering, HQSF/S4

Office of Chief of Space Operations; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 144,000 - 197,000; Full time

Job summary

Office of Chief of Space Operations seeks a Division Chief of Facilities and Engineering for HQSF/S4. The role leads engineering operations, asset management, and defense infrastructure strategy for space operations, launches, training, tests, and evaluations.

Ideal candidate has 10+ years of senior leadership in defense engineering, with PE/RA credentials preferred and PM credentials valued. Masters in engineering management or MBA is a plus.

Qualifications

• Requires a robust, highly technical background in defense engineering operations and civil engineering.
• Experience directing complex engineering directorates or civil engineering squadrons.
• Strong track record in overseeing facility and asset management portfolios and large defense budgets.

Responsibilities

• Serve as engineering Division Chief for HQSF/S4 to direct a team of professionals.
• Provide centralized oversight of engineering operations and facility portfolios.
• Collaborate with AFCEC and AFIMSC to resolve complex technical challenges.
• Advise General Officers and SES leaders with data-driven engineering recommendations and risk mitigation.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Asset management

Strategic infrastructure planning

Cross-agency collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture

Master's degree in engineering management or MBA

Job description

Division Chief, Facilities and Engineering, HQSF/S4

• Hiring Agency: Office of Chief of Space Operations
• Department: Department of the Air Force
• Hiring Path: Public
• Number of Openings: 1
• Security Clearance: Sensitive Compartmented Information

Key Responsibilities

The United States Space Force (USSF) Headquarters Space Force / Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Installations Logistics is searching for a Division Chief, Facilities and Engineering, S4 (NH-0801-04, GS 14/15 equivalent). Description: We are seeking a leader with deep expertise in engineering operations, asset management, and defense infrastructure strategy to serve as the Engineering Division Chief for HQSF/S4.

As the principal engineering advisor for HQSF/S4, you will direct a team of engineering professionals to support space operations, launch, training, test and evaluation. We're seeking a leader that moves at the speed of relevance - strategic enough to set direction and tactical enough to execute at the point of need.

Energized, rather than overwhelmed by a high-ops tempo environment, this leader brings innovative thinking and transformational concepts to the engineering enterprise, pushing beyond incremental improvement to redefine what's possible. The successful candidate will provide centralized oversight of engineering operations, manage complex facility portfolios, and steward critical defense resources.

By synchronizing efforts with key enterprise partners (such as AFCEC (Air Force Civil Engineer Center) and AFIMSC (Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center)), you will resolve highly complex technical challenges and ensure that our physical infrastructure rapidly adapts to support the cutting-edge demands of the Space Force mission.

Ideal Candidate: Possess a robust, highly technical background in defense engineering operations, civil engineering, facilities asset management, and strategic infrastructure planning within the Department of War (DoW). Educationally, this individual should hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture, with a master's degree in engineering management or business administration.

Professionally, they will bring at least 10 years of progressive senior-leadership experience directing complex engineering directorates or civil engineering squadrons. They must demonstrate a commanding track record of overseeing multifaceted facility and asset management portfolios, successfully executing massive defense budgets (including POM development), and building highly cohesive military and civilian engineering teams, with many stakeholders.

Familiarity with supporting operational programs is essential. A deep working knowledge of DoW financial guidelines, defense engineering regulations, and complex engineering policies is required. Professional credentials such as a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) are strongly preferred, along with certifications like Project Management Professional (PMP) or defense-specific Facilities Engineering credentials.

The ideal candidate will also have a proven history of high-level strategic collaboration with installations and agencies such as AFCEC (Air Force Civil Engineer Center), AFIMSC (Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center) and the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: In-depth understanding of engineering principles, techniques, and processes across multiple disciplines (electronic, mechanical, aerospace, civil) as applied to Space Force test, evaluation, and facility management programs.

Exceptional leadership and personnel management skills to supervise a multi-disciplinary division, establish clear performance metrics, resolve workplace grievances, and systematically mentor staff to enhance technical capabilities. Ability to serve as an authoritative senior advisor, providing General Officers (GOs) and Senior Executive Service (SES) leaders with frank, data-driven engineering recommendations and operational risk mitigation strategies.

Comprehensive knowledge of Department of War (DoW), federal, and military design/construction codes, standards, and safety regulations-specifically including Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, and explosive/range safety mandates.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to perform independent technical risk assessments, evaluate contractor engineering deliverables, and diagnose systemic program deficiencies without relying on contractor-provided analysis. Ability to manage multiple high-priority, cross-functional engineering initiatives simultaneously within a fast-paced and high-scrutiny headquarters staff environment.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Office of Chief of Space Operations, Department of the Air Force.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $143913 - $197200/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-09-24.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.