Technical Director, SLD 45/1 ROPS

Technical Director, SLD 45/1 ROPS

Department: Department of the Air Force

Location(s): Cape Canaveral AFS, Florida

Salary Range: $132626 - $195200 Per Year

Job Summary: 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.

Major Duties:

• The United States Space Force (USSF) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida is searching for a Technical Director for SLD 45/1 ROPS (NH-0301-04, GS-14/15). Description: The 1st Range Operations Squadron is seeking a highly skilled and experienced leader to serve as Technical Director. This mission-critical position includes a supervisory role and active participation as a key member of the squadron leadership team. It demands expert technical knowledge, decisive leadership, and an unwavering commitment to safety and mission success. The Technical Director will play a pivotal role in shaping operational strategy, guiding personnel, and ensuring the squadron's continued excellence in supporting national security space launches and commercial spaceflight operations. As the 1 ROPS Technical Director, you will be at the forefront of enabling launch service providers to deliver United States Space Force and Department of War payloads to orbit, while also supporting the growth and success of the commercial spacelift industry. You will orchestrate complex launch operations in a dynamic, time-sensitive environment and serve as a key technical leader ensuring continuity through changes in leadership. In this role, you will mentor, motivate, and appraise staff through subordinate supervisors, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. A strong operational understanding of range activities, including training, training currency, and crew force management, is essential. You will also support the squadron commander and help advance the unit's mission and vision through strategic leadership and technical expertise. If you're a strategic thinker with a passion for space operations and the ability to anticipate future mission needs, we want to hear from you. Ideal Candidate: This supervisory position requires expert knowledge of range operations and the ability to serve as the technical continuity between changes in leadership. The candidate should be capable of forecasting future operational needs and defining the unit's role in evolving mission sets. A strong grasp of acquisitions and the ability to follow and influence the requirements process is essential, as is active participation in Delta-wide conversations as a stakeholder representing the unit executing the Delta's operational mission. While prior experience as a Mission Flight Control Officer (MFCO) is not required, familiarity with MFCO responsibilities and launch termination authority is beneficial. Knowledge of autonomous flight safety systems and mobile-based flight termination systems is highly desirable. The candidate must possess a thorough understanding of range services, launch/spacecraft programs, tenant range user requirements, and knowledge of industrial/manufacturing, logistical, and engineering/scientific applications related to space transportation, space technology, and orbital mechanics. Strong leadership capabilities are essential for planning, organizing, and directing organizational functions while mentoring, motivating, and appraising staff through subordinate supervisors. The position demands expert-level communication skills for oral and written representation of the Space Force as a senior consultant and recognized authority to internal and external organizations. A comprehensive understanding of Eastern Range Systems architecture, radar fundamentals, computer hardware/software, algorithm development, telemetry data processing, RF communications, space launch vehicle flight dynamics, structures, pneumatics, hydraulics, material properties, toxic commodities, explosive ordinance, lasers, and satellite navigation technology is expected. A Bachelor of Science degree in technical or business management is desired, along with the ability to obtain and maintain Secret clearance, handle classified information per regulations, travel via military or commercial aircraft for TDY assignments, and work unscheduled overtime or emergency hours as needed.

Qualifications: The 0301 series does not have an individual occupational requirement that must be met. You can view the experience level requirements here. Please scroll down to the 3rd section titled Administrative and Management Positions.

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

Application Deadline: 2025-11-20