Chief, Mission Operations Branch-Aurora, CO

About the Role

For sixty years, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) has developed, acquired, launched, and operated the satellites that form the foundation of America's advantage in space. Using a diversified architecture of spacecraft, the NRO collects and delivers the world's best space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

As the Mission Operations Branch (MOB) Chief, you will provide leadership for the Branch and the Operations Control Center (OCC), serve as a Senior Cadre representative, engage with Division and Site leadership, participate in battle rhythm events, identify personnel requirements, ensure high-quality training materials and timely completion, develop guidance aligned with NRO and ADF-C directives, advocate for OCC operational requirements, and advise the Division Chief on personnel, system, and site health including protection of the site baseline.

This is a full-time position open from November 3, 2026 to November 13, 2026. Resumes must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on November 13, 2026.

Basic Eligibility

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance
• Subject to pre-employment and periodic drug testing
• Subject to pre-employment and periodic polygraph examinations

Who May Apply

• Open to the public
• Federal government employees must currently be at the advertised grade level (GG-14) or higher; this is a lateral reassignment, not a promotion
• Federal applicants exceeding the advertised grade may voluntarily request acceptance at the lower grade per DoD 1400.25 Volume 2006
• Only external applicants accepted; current NRO Cadre employees must apply internally
• May qualify for appointment of a reemployed federal annuitant per DoDI 1400.25 Volume 300

Responsibilities

• Serve as Mission Operations Branch Chief / Operations Control Center (OCC) Supervisory Lead, providing leadership over the Branch/Flight and within the unit
• Schedule 24/7/365 operations position shifts
• Plan and ensure training and evaluation for certified positions
• Advise senior management on all matters involving personnel, system, and site state of health
• Exercise supervisory personnel management responsibilities: direct, coordinate, and oversee work of subordinates
• Advise staff on policies, procedures, NRO directives, DoD, IC, and other guidelines
• Explain performance expectations and provide regular feedback per applicable performance guidance
• Recommend awards for non-supervisory personnel and position changes to higher-level management
• Initiate action to correct performance or conduct problems
• Review developmental needs and encourage individual career development
• Manage work schedules to ensure adequate coverage through peak workloads and holiday periods
• Adhere to NRO Directive (ND) 80-3, Equal Opportunity, Inclusion, Accommodation, and Diversity Management
• Certify as Mission Director (MD); serve minimum shifts per month to maintain currency and resolve schedule gaps
• Maintain up-to-date certified personnel roster
• Serve as Site Representative while on Mission Director duty; provide Site and Enterprise influence as technical subject matter expert
• Maintain liaison with counterpart specialists in the Tri-Agency, Intelligence Community, and space component intelligence entities
• As Denver Mission Director (DMD): provide government oversight of critical Mission Ground Station functions 24/7/365; act as NRO senior representative for Aerospace Data Facility Colorado Commander after duty hours; provide government interface to other mission ground stations and the National Reconnaissance Office Operations Center
• Serve as touchpoint for Mission Operations Directorate leadership and the Director of the NRO during daily operations briefings
• Direct site emergency management and crisis response, prioritizing safety of people
• Provide government leadership for medical emergencies, personnel issues (confrontations, intoxicated on duty), and facilities issues (plumbing/electrical, fire alarms, HAZMAT, total evacuation)
• Craft timely, complete, concise, clear, accurate messages with proper tone, format, and audience tailoring
• Apply strong analytic and critical thinking skills; adapt to competing/changing priorities
• In coordination with Mission Support Branch (MSB), manage and provide input to quarterly training and initial qualification for Denver Mission Directors and other operations certified positions by conducting positional evaluations following Joint Qualification Standardization (JQS) tasks

Requirements

• Proven track record of leading diverse teams, organizational-level leadership, and decision making
• Comprehensive and practical knowledge of space operations
• Expert understanding and prior practical experience in how space operations contribute to Intelligence Community processes and worldwide U.S. military operations
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including ability to distill technical/complex information into concise decision-enabling format
• Ability to pass security clearances and complete necessary qualification training for the Denver Mission Director position

Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job but must clearly demonstrate application of the competencies, knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties described. Experience must be reflected in your resume. Resumes exceeding the two-page limit per OPM Merit Hiring Plan (May 29, 2025) will not be eligible for consideration.

Rotational Assignment

• Three-year rotational assignment agreement required, with possible extensions of two years
• Approved extensions in one-year increments based on mission requirements
• Prior to conclusion, occupant must relocate to NRO Headquarters in Chantilly, VA or another acceptable NRO assignment

Other Information

• Overtime: May be required to work other than normal duty hours, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays
• Travel: May be required to travel in military or commercial aircraft for temporary duty assignments
• Financial Disclosure: May be required to file OGE Form 450 (Confidential Financial Disclosure Report) upon appointment and annually
• DAWIA: If selected for a DAWIA-coded position, must meet appropriate certification requirements within 24 months; maintain minimum 80 continuous Learning Points every 24 months via service acquisition management system
• Geographic Mobility: May be subject to directed reassignment for mission effectiveness and/or career development
• Information Assurance: Must achieve appropriate IA certification within six months of assignment
• Emergency Essential: Certain positions may be deemed emergency essential; incumbents must meet all position requirements

Location

Aurora, CO. Telework is not available; must be able to work at the specified location.

Pay

This position qualifies for Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) Targeted Local Market Supplement (TLMS) STEM pay for NRO Cadre employees and candidates as authorized by OUSD(I&S). Cadre employees/candidates in STEM-designated positions meeting degree requirements are eligible. If a STEM-paid employee changes positions, they must move to another STEM-qualifying position to retain eligibility; otherwise transition to DCIPS GG Pay Scale.

• 2026 STEM Salary Range (GG-14): $148,275 – $197,200
• 2026 Denver, CO Area Salary Range (GG-14): $140,239 – $182,316