Electronics Engineer, SYD 89

Air Force Civilian Service; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Force Civilian Service's Space Systems Command unit at Peterson Space Force Base seeks an Electronics Engineer (NH‑0855‑03, GS 12/13 equivalent) to lead and advise on advanced space and intelligence programs with a focus on RF communications.

The role requires a professional engineering degree, strong systems engineering background, and the ability to coordinate across DoD partners while mentoring junior staff and delivering mission-critical documentation and analyses.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Top-Secret security clearance with SCI access.
• Drug testing is required; random urinalysis.
• Handle sensitive/classified information per regulations.
• Extended hours and recall; TDY possible.
• ABET-accredited engineering degree at bachelor level.
• File Confidential Disclosure Report within 30 days and annually by Oct 31.
• Non-critical APDP designation.
• Situational telework only.
• Temporary Duty Assignment ~60 days per year.
• PCS is authorized; incentive may apply.
• Position closes after 5 business days or 75 applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex technical efforts across the full acquisition lifecycle, from requirements to testing.
• Direct and support space and intelligence programs focusing on RF communications.
• Serve as primary technical interface to USSPACECOM, DoD agencies, and senior stakeholders.
• Mentor junior personnel and ensure high-quality technical documentation.
• Represent the organization in high-level forums and guide program development.

Skills

RF communications

Systems engineering

Hardware integration

Technical leadership

Proposal and advisory skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering (ABET accredited)

Job description

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) Space Systems Command (SSC) System Delta 89 (SYD 89) Rapid Reaction Branch (SDR) at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado is searching for an Electronics Engineer (NH‑0855‑03, GS 12/13 equivalent). Description: As an advanced Electronics Engineer within the Rapid Reaction Branch, this position serves as a key scientific and technical advisor directing and supporting critical space and intelligence programs designed to disrupt adversaries in a contested domain. The engineer will independently lead and guide complex technical efforts across the full acquisition lifecycle, from translating requirements and performing hardware/software trade studies to overseeing test and evaluation, with a distinct emphasis on RF communications. Functioning as the primary technical interface to USSPACECOM, other COCOMs, and DoD agencies, the role involves leading integrated product teams, resolving controversial technical issues, and developing novel concepts for space communications systems. This expert will also ensure the quality of all technical documentation, represent the organization in high-level forums, and provide mentorship to junior personnel, directly influencing system development and the rapid delivery of joint warfighting capabilities. The ideal candidate for this role is a seasoned electronics engineer, holding a professional engineering degree, who serves as a functional and technical expert in advanced engineering theories and their application to complex space and defense systems. This individual possesses extensive, hands‑on experience in the complete project lifecycle, from development to testing and evaluation, with a strong background in RF communications, hardware/software integration, and modeling and simulation. Demonstrating a comprehensive knowledge of systems engineering practices and standard acquisition regulations, the candidate has a proven ability to lead technical teams, serve as a subject matter expert, and act as a primary technical interface with senior stakeholders across the DoD. An expert communicator, they are adept at translating complex technical requirements, devising innovative solutions, and providing decisive technical advice to guide program development and ensure mission success in a dynamic, high‑stakes environment.

Key Skills and Abilities:

• 1. 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.
• 2. 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.
• 3. 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.
• 4. 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.
• 5. 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.
• 6. 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.

Requirements:

• 1. Must be a U.S Citizen.
• 2. Employee must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance with SCI access.
• 3. This position has been designated for drug testing. Incumbent is subject to random urinalysis testing as a condition of employment.
• 4. Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
• 5. Employee may be required to work extended or other than normal duty hours to include evenings and weekends and may be subject to recall. Incumbent may be required to report to work during base exercises, contingencies, or emergency situations and overtime/comp time/credit hours may be required to accomplish assigned duties.
• 6. A professional engineering degree at the bachelor’s level from an ABET accredited institution is required.
• 7. Employee must within 30-days of assuming this position and by 31 October annually thereafter, file an OGE-450, “Confidential Disclosure Report.”
• 8. This position is designated a non-critical APDP position.
• 9. Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed “Unscheduled Telework”.
• 10. Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 60 days per year.
• 11. PCS is authorized. Incentive is authorized.
• 12. This position will close after 5 business days or 75 applications, whichever comes first. LI-DNI