LTRS Technical Program Specialist, SYD 80/AR.

At the Launch Test Range Systems (LTRS) Program Office, we are the eyes and ears of assured access to space. We are chartered with managing and modernizing all mission ground sensors for space launches from Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg. Every rocket, every satellite, and every crewed mission relies on our range instrumentation to safely reach orbit. As the volume and complexity of launch data grows, we are looking for a visionary Data and AI Lead to transform how the Space Force captures, governs, and leverages mission-critical information. We need a pragmatic pioneer to build our AI and data enterprise from the ground up.

About the role

You will be defining the strategic governance, architecting multi-year capability roadmaps, and integrating modern machine learning and agentic workflows into range operations.

Responsibilities

• Define strategic governance for enterprise data and AI initiatives.
• Architect multi-year capability roadmaps for data and AI integration.
• Drive the interoperability architecture roadmap across various Spaceport Space Access databases.
• Identify manual range workflows and propose concrete process candidates for AI and automation touchpoint reductions.
• Oversee IT acquisition lifecycle management, modular contracting strategies, and enterprise systems architecture.
• Provide authoritative technical leadership and direct oversight for highly complex IT procurements within cross-functional Integrated Product Teams (IPTs).
• Implement modern software and systems delivery methodologies (e.g., Agile, DevSecOps) from baseline functional design through Verification & Validation (V&V) and Operational Testing (OT).
• Translate complex, ambiguous mission requirements into comprehensive, actionable acquisition documents (e.g., SOW, PWS, SOO).
• Engineer rigorous technical evaluation criteria and serve as a decisive technical authority during high-stakes source selection activities.
• Oversee the development, integration, and evaluation of complex DoD IT systems, ensuring interoperability, scalability, resiliency, and testability.
• Apply knowledge of DoD cybersecurity policies, Risk Management Framework (RMF), and Zero-Trust Architecture (ZTA) principles to secure and accredit enterprise mission-critical systems.
• Communicate complex IT, systems architecture, and cybersecurity concepts to influence senior leaders, negotiate with stakeholders, and build strategic consensus.
• Track database and software license expenditures to support the Program Objective Memorandum (POM) process.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret / SCI security clearance.
• Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and classified information in accordance with regulations.
• May be required to travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft (approximately 15 days per year).
• May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis.
• Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed "Unscheduled Telework".
• Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY).
• Knowledge of Electronics Engineering (0855 series) principles and practices highly desired.
• This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program.
• Must file an OGE-450, “Confidential Financial Disclosure Report” within 30 days of assuming the position and annually thereafter.
• Required to attend annual ethics and procurement integrity training.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in STEM (Computer Science, Data Science, or Systems Engineering).
• 8 to 10 years of experience in enterprise data architecture, including at least 3 years leading AI/ML initiatives.
• Deep technical expertise in commercial cloud (AWS, Azure, others) and hybrid cloud architectures.
• Proven success in managing both structured and unstructured data across complex systems.
• Track record of building multi-year capability roadmaps.
• Analytical and administrative capability to identify manual workflows and propose AI/automation solutions.
• Specialized knowledge of federal compliance and DoD security standards.
• Business acumen to track database and software license expenditures in support of the Program Objective Memorandum (POM) process.
• Mastery of IT acquisition lifecycle management and modular contracting strategies.
• Expert skill in driving and implementing modern software and systems delivery methodologies (e.g., Agile, DevSecOps).
• Advanced ability to translate complex mission requirements into actionable acquisition documents.
• Comprehensive knowledge of systems engineering principles and enterprise architecture design.
• In-depth knowledge of DoD cybersecurity policies, Risk Management Framework (RMF), and Zero-Trust Architecture (ZTA) principles.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex IT and cybersecurity concepts effectively to diverse stakeholders.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.