Chief Technology Officer

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to provide senior executive technical leadership and strategic advisement to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) to establish rigorous standards and guide the design, selection, and architecture of DC3 enterprise systems.

Duties

• The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) provides senior executive technical leadership and strategic advisement to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) to establish rigorous standards and guide the design, selection, and architecture of DC3 enterprise systems. The incumbent leads the development of the agency's IT Strategic Plan and oversees the evolution of its enterprise architecture, guiding the deployment of scalable, cloud-native models across secure platforms to support complex governance and executive decision-making. Operating as the premier technical authority, the CTO directs the research, development, and operational integration of advanced AI/ML algorithms, Large Language Model (LLM) ecosystems, and data science methodologies to process petabyte-scale datasets and extract actionable cyber intelligence. Additionally, the incumbent drives the technological evolution of digital and multimedia forensics operations, pioneering novel exploitation techniques for emerging technologies and advanced malware while maintaining strict evidentiary integrity. By bridging the gap between innovative cyber capabilities and tactical operations, the CTO collaborates across the Department of War (DoW), the Intelligence Community, and international partners to transition state-of-the-art capabilities to operational elements. Finally, the incumbent represents the agency at the highest levels, chairing joint committees, advocating for research and development resources, and ensuring technical execution aligns with critical national security mission objectives.

Qualifications

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 must exemplify the corporate perspective, leadership vision, broad experience and character needed in the Civilian Senior Executive Service corps not only to satisfy the immediate vacancy, but future vacancies which will occur in a variety of organizations, functions and locations. Basic Requirement: You must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the five competencies listed below: 1. Information Management - Identifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems. 2. Decision Making - Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change. 3. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. 4. Reasoning - Identifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions. 5. Technical Competence - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues. AND TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must reflect superior technical qualifications demonstrated through leadership and management in the following: TQ1: Demonstrated executive-level technical experience leading enterprise IT strategy, cloud architecture, and the operational integration of advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) solutions. This includes proven expertise in designing scalable architectures (e.g., cloud platforms, containers, microservices) and overseeing the deployment of Large Language Model (LLM) ecosystems and Natural Language Processing (NLP) frameworks to process petabyte-scale datasets. Experience must demonstrate the ability to align complex technology architectures with strategic mission goals, establish rigorous enterprise standards, and ensure AI/ML systems are secure, reliable, and compliant with organizational governance to extract actionable cyber intelligence. TQ2: Demonstrated expert-level experience pioneering digital forensics methodologies and driving technological innovation to support multi-domain cyber operations (Law Enforcement, Counterintelligence, and critical infrastructure protection). This includes experience anticipating adversarial threat shifts (e.g., APT malware, IoT exploitation) and translating highly complex operational capability gaps into deployable technical specifications. Experience must demonstrate the ability to serve as a senior technical authority who successfully fosters strategic interoperability and champions technical initiatives across interagency, defense, academic, and private sector partnerships. A separate narrative statement is not required--this information should be embedded within the resume. The ideal candidate would possess the following: - Proven expertise architecting, deploying, and scaling advanced AI/ML models (including LLM ecosystems, NLP, and vector databases) over petabyte-scale datasets. - Extensive experience pioneering novel technical techniques, leading the development of innovative tools or concepts for emerging technologies (IoT, cloud infrastructure, and APT malware), and driving R&D projects. - Demonstrated ability to operate credibly at both highly strategic and deeply technical levels, with a track record of building coalitions across the Department of War (DoW), the Intelligence Community, National Laboratories, and private-sector tech executives.

Education

Education: A master's or advanced degree from an accredited institution in Computer Science, Data Science, Cybersecurity or a related highly technical field is highly desired. An undergraduate technical degree or an advanced degree in either a technical or management field is highly desired.

Evaluations

Applications will be evaluated against the foregoing qualification requirements. Failure to meet any one of the mandatory technical or senior professional qualification standards will eliminate a candidate from further consideration. A screening panel will evaluate the candidates for this position composed of senior executives selected for organizational and/or functional backgrounds relevant to this position. The panel members will individually review each of the applications in terms of the qualifications criteria contained in this announcement. The qualifications stated are the minimum requirements of the position to be Qualified, a rating schedule will be applied by a screening panel to determine which candidates are considered to be Best Qualified. Then, they will meet to discuss each application, and reach a consensus decision as to the best qualified, qualified or not qualified candidates. The panel will interview all of the best-qualified candidates based upon consistently applied criteria. The panel will then make a recommendation of those best-qualified candidates who should be referred to the selecting official, in priority order. Final selection of a candidate is contingent upon USecAF approval.

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 09/29/2026. 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 12-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 (MRL2026-328571) 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, 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 Air Force Senior Executive Management Office at [email protected]

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 12 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 (Limit 2 pages). Upload in PDF format. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER. B. (Optional) Most recent completed Performance Appraisal (current and/or former federal employees) or Performance Report (OPR or EPR). For applicants in the private sector, please provide a copy of your equivalent Evaluation Report. C. Most recent Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50, noting your current position, grade level and salary level and a SF-50 reflecting the highest grade held if different from your recent SF-50 (applies only to current or former civilian government employee). D. College transcript(s) (copy is acceptable) which demonstrates the acceptable combinations of education and experience as noted by OPM. E. (Mandatory) 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. DO NOT SUBMIT ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Extraneous materials such as copies of position descriptions, award certificates and transmittal letters will not be forwarded for review.

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 DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information. Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.