Senior Leader Software Directorate

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information. The Senior Leader Software Directorate provides executive oversight for more than 5,500 software professionals within the Air Force Sustainment Center Software Directorate (AFSC/SW). The role is essential to national security, ensuring the delivery of secure, resilient, and war-winning software capabilities that power critical U.S. warfighting systems.

Duties

• This high-profile position serves in a dual capacity as a nationally and internationally recognized software authority and as the Headquarters Air Force Chief Software Officer (CSO). Operating as a critical national asset, the incumbent establishes the common vision, strategy, and overarching development methodologies for highly complex air, space, and cyber weapon systems. In the CSO role, the individual directly supports SAF/AQ and AFMC/CC, leading the force-wide transition to DevSecOps and agile cultures, while actively identifying enterprise-wide software services, eliminating duplicate platforms, and utilizing strategic contracts to expedite procurement. A cornerstone of this position is ensuring the absolute security and cyber resiliency of warfighting software, its development environments, and the associated supply chain. The incumbent guides Air Force policies for secure code development, directs major engineering studies, and advises on fund expenditures for complex weapon, avionics, and automatic test equipment software. To counter sophisticated global threats to the U.S. industrial base, the individual collaborates closely with intelligence agencies-including the FBI, NASIC, and OSI-to build robust program protection plans and shield critical software intellectual property from exploitation. As a premier technical emissary, the incumbent represents AFSC, AFMC, and HQ USAF across high-level national and international forums, committees, and advisory boards. This includes serving on and chairing panels like the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board and joint defense committees to coordinate software initiatives with the Army, Navy, NASA, FAA, industry, and academia. By presenting technical papers and leading global discussions on software integrity, the individual aligns sustainment and modernization efforts with international allies to preserve U.S. warfighting superiority.

Qualifications

Eligibility will be based upon a clear showing the applicant has training, education and experience of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry-out the duties of the position. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. In accordance with new OPM requirements to streamline hiring, applicants are no longer required to submit lengthy narrative essays, including those for Technical Qualifications (TQs) or Senior Professional Qualifications (SPQs), when applying. Instead, the initial application will be resume-only, capped at two pages. This change streamlines the application process and more closely aligns with private industry practices. Applicants identified for potential selection will have their qualifications assessed by undergoing a structured interview conducted by a panel. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Technical and Senior Professional Qualifications related to this position within your resume (not to exceed 2 pages). Resumes over the 2-page limit will be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of your qualifications, you may not receive further consideration for the position. EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: This position has the following education requirement: General Engineering (0801) series requires: a) A degree in professional engineering orb) A combination of education and experience, at least 60 hours of college-level education, in the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineers combined with specialized training and/or technical experience (as demonstrated by registration as a professional engineer or successful completion of the Engineer-in-Training examination). For more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/general-engineering-series-0801/. Operations Research (1550) series requires: A degree: in operations research; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/operations-research-series-1515/ TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that satisfy the technical qualifications. TQ1. Leadership of Software Development and Teams of major software engineering efforts supporting Department of the Air Force (DAF) mission capabilities, with recognized national-level contributions. Demonstrated success in leading software teams and providing technical oversight to ensure solutions meet enterprise-level standards, incorporating modern engineering practices, and advanced DAF objectives. Skilled in guiding cross-functional teams, making independent technical decisions, and effectively communicating strategies to senior stakeholders and government leadership. TQ2. Demonstrated senior-level software engineering expertise with significant personal contributions to software methodologies, architectures, and technologies that improved system performance, reliability, and mission impact across weapons, ground, and support systems. Known for integrating emerging technologies, driving innovation, and applying advanced software techniques to solve complex problems-earning recognition as a technical leader in the DAF/DoW software community.

Evaluations

Applications will be evaluated against the qualifications requirements. Candidates will be evaluated for this position by a screening panel composed of senior executives and/or general officers selected for organizational and/or functional backgrounds relevant to this position. The panel will reach consensus on the applications demonstrating a high degree of the technical competencies to select for interviews. Post interview, the panel will make a recommendation of those Best Qualified candidates to refer to the selecting official, in priority order. Final selection is contingent on approval by the Under Secretary of the Air Force. REMINDER: Before uploading your required PDF documents (Resume), please ensure they DO NOT EXCEED the noted 2 page limits.

How to apply

Please follow the below instructions to submit applications. Any applications received that do not include all of the required documents or do not meet format requirements will not be forwarded for consideration. The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/27/2026. To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant. PREFERRED RESUME FORMAT: (Limit 2 pages/Times New Roman 10-font) (Do Not Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder) - Please submit a typewritten resume (upload as a PDF), including the following information: Job Information: Announcement number (MRL26-10090) and title of the position to which you are applying. Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), day and evening phone numbers (with area code) and complete e-mail address where you would like to receive correspondence regarding your application. **PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER** Active-Duty/Retired Military: State highest rank held, date of promotion and date eligible to retire or date of retirement, (e.g., Colonel/June 2006/December 2014). NOTE: IAW 5 U.S.C. 3326, a 180-day waiver will be required for retired or retiring members of the armed forces during the period of 180 days immediately after retirement. Please note: you will be ineligible for consideration if your statement of service is not submitted with your application or it shows an expected discharge or release date greater than 120 days from the date of the submission of the certification. Education: Educational information, including the name, city and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degree received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html Work Experience: Give the following information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying: (Do not send job descriptions). - Starting and ending dates (month and year) - Job title (for government position, include civilian series and grade or military rank) - Employer's name and address - Supervisor's name and phone number, please indicate if we may contact your current supervisor - Salary (current) * Applicants should focus on recency of experience - Recruitment Panels, Executive Resources Boards, and Hiring Officials may consider experience over 10 years outdated. References: Provide the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three individuals who can comment on your qualifications for this position. Please do not list supervisors already listed above. This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify this office. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis. SAF/MRL CONTACT INFORMATION: Questions regarding this announcement may be directed to Ms. Hannah Lugo-Ascorbe at [email protected] or (385) 680-0552.

What to expect next

Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent. If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration. To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position. If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.

Required documents

To receive full consideration, each applicant must submit the MANDATORY documents in the format as designated. Packages that do not include all of the required documents or meet format requirements will not be forwarded for consideration. **************ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE UPLOADED IN PDF FORMAT******************* The Qualifications Documents must be formatted using Times New Roman, size 10 font, with 1-inch margins. Do not use borders, provide photos, or list a Social Security Number on any of the Qualifications Documents. DO NOT COMBINE DOCUMENTS. A. (Mandatory) Resume in the preferred format (Limit 2 Pages Total). Upload in PDF format. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER. B. (Optional) Most recent Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50, noting your current position, grade level and salary level (applies only to current or former civilian government employee). C. (Optional) Most recent completed Performance Appraisal (current and/or former federal employees). D. (Mandatory) College transcript(s) (copy is acceptable) which demonstrates the acceptable combinations of education and experience as noted by OPM. E. (Optional) Military Retired - a copy of your DD214 and/or Retirement orders; Active Duty - Are you an active duty service member with a statement of service showing that you expect to be honorably discharged or released from the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after submitting your application? PLEASE NOTE: you will be ineligible for consideration if your statement of service is not submitted with your application or it shows an expected discharge or release date greater than 120 days from the date of the submission of the certification.Documents are required.

Other information

Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference is applicable to Air Force Senior Level (SL) positions. Relocation Authorized: Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: May be offered. Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoW Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information. Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit GSA Bulletin FTR 20-04 here for additional information. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.