Job Description

THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION: Serves as a senior computer engineer and technical expert to senior USNORTHCOM leadership for computer engineering responsibilities in the J6 Directorate. Plans, organizes, implements, and oversees computer engineering architecture and solutions in response to Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4) mission and enterprise information technology (IT) requirements. Provides authoritative guidance on cyberspace systems’ engineering capabilities; recommends potential exploitation of new technologies, and develops strategies for meeting changes in mission requirements.

PRIMARY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SERVES AS A SENIOR COMPUTER ENGINEER PROVIDING TECHNICAL GUIDANCE, EXPERTISE, PLANS, PROCEDURES, MANAGEMENT, AND DIRECTION FOR UNIQUE COMMAND IT ENGINEERING INITIATIVES WHICH SPAN USNORTHCOM’S ENTERPRISE AND MISSION SETS TO INCLUDE COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, AND COMPUTERS (C4) SYSTEMS. Provides senior leaders advice and recommendations based on expert knowledge and mastery of advanced computer engineering theories, methods, advancements, principles, concepts, analysis, design , development and testing of hardware, software, and system architectures. Establishes, develops, and maintains effective working relationships with Joint Task Forces, special program offices, CYBERCOM, HQ AF, Joint Staff, DIA and DISA. Coordinates IT engineering resources and/or leads computer-engineering efforts across the enterprise and/or in direct support of C4 mission systems to achieve unity of engineering efforts in support of strategic plans to maintain mission readiness for strategic deterrence planning, space operations, and global operations. Directs and oversees contractor development of IT roadmaps in accordance with DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF) and publishes integrated master plans. Ensures all IT engineering efforts and in-depth analyses of hardware, software, and system designs are aligned, prioritized, and programmed to meet strategic and operational IT planning, architecture selection, and resource allocation goals and objectives of USNORTHCOM, Joint Task Forces, other COCOMs, HQ AF, Joint Staff and other Department of Defense (DoD) agencies. Participates in cross-functional management boards related to the command’s ongoing and planned engineering efforts (e.g. USNORTHCOM IT Governance Board, Engineer Review Board, Resource Management Board, Change Management Board, Configuration Control Board, and DoD-level boards such as the Joint Information Environment Executive Committee) to reduce overlap and redundancies, ensure Joint Information Environment compliance, and maintain situational awareness on various command engineering efforts.

DEVELOPS AND/OR OVERSEES THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROGRAMS OR IT SYSTEM PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS, OBJECTIVES AND INTEGRATION, AND THE ESTIMATION OF TIME AND RESOURCES FOR COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, AND COMPUTERS (C4) AND ENTERPRISE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) SYSTEM DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, AND SUPPORT. Functions as a USNORTHCOM J6 senior technical expert and has significant responsibility for defining major/critical problems related to IT systems supporting operations and planning for the command in both fixed and disconnected operational environments, NC2, Space Operations, Missile Defense, and other Unified Command Plan (UCP) assigned missions and for advising leadership regarding the advantages or disadvantages of various alternatives. Applies computer engineering expertise and extensive knowledge of technology areas such as networks, stand-alone computers, operating systems, applications, datacenters, cybersecurity, audio/video, and telecommunications to identify system deficiencies. Resolves unique or novel problems related to design and development engineering encountered when developing nonstandard IT designs for ‘no-fail’ missions. Performs systems and component-level technical analysis for mission and enterprise IT systems and integrates technical requirements, directives, and program plans in support of assigned projects/programs in computer engineering. Uses knowledge of standard acquisition regulations, practices, and procedures in order to prepare or review detailed specifications, drawings, and other technical document supporting system acquisition and technical baselining.

PERFORMS COMPLEX AND COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEMS AND COMPONENT-LEVEL TECHNICAL ANALYSES OF IT INFRASTRUCTURE, ARCHITECTURES, AND ENTERPRISES AND USES SYSTEMATIC, DISCIPLINED AND QUANTIFIABLE APPROACHES TO REVIEW AND EVALUATE IT RELATED ENGINEERING PROJECTS. Evaluates current IT procedures and employs innovative techniques, experimental theories, and/or new applications and methods to achieve strategic IT related goals. Integrates equipment installation and operating schedules to minimize or mitigate operational impacts to the mission. Leads engineering reviews and/or panels to assess the technical justifications of feasibility, practicability, and technical soundness of engineered IT solutions with consideration to priorities as well as the urgency of the situation. Manages the designs and development of high-level architectures providing products to outsource IT service-contracted organizations. Evaluates contracted engineering technical solutions for architectural conformity and documents, validates, and scores incentive fee plans for all engineering efforts (baseline and expansion tasking). Analyzes IT solution performance and cost data with regard to synthesized requirements and government developed cost estimates. Assesses technical ramifications in order to identify risks and takes action to mitigate situations posing a threat to the accomplishment of engineering projects and to strengthen the security posture of the organization.

SERVES AS A SENIOR ENGINEERING CONSULTANT AND TECHNICAL EXPERT TO SENIOR SUBJECT MATTER SPECIALISTS AND ORGANIZATION OFFICIALS RESPONSIBLE FOR BROAD IT PROGRAM OPERATIONS. Mentors and coaches lower graded engineers to ensure they remain up to date on new IT engineering related advances, changes in research and development, and engineering methodologies. Provides status and advisory services to superiors on problems, issues, and project areas associated with USNORTHCOM mission and enterprise IT systems. Represents the command CIO/J6 Directorate through participation in DoD-wide meetings, conferences, briefings, and seminars related to large scale IT projects, programs, and/or mission support. Recommendations have a direct impact on management plans and decisions regarding IT policies and procedures.

CONDUCTS ANALYSES OF VARIOUS SYSTEMS, RELATIONSHIPS, AND MODELS (I.E. EVALUATING AND/OR REDEFINING THE IMPACT OF NEW IT CAPABILITIES ON CURRENT SYSTEMS AND POLICIES). Documents findings, recommendations, and decisions on IT functional issues to influence processes and procedures used throughout the functional community. Accomplishes professional development and maintains technical proficiency through professional interaction with technical and professional societies, academia, symposia, contractors, research and development (R&D) organizations, and/or participation in formal training programs. Coordinates action plans, test procedures, test reports, design problem reports, risk assessments, position papers, briefings, and/or other technical reports and required documentation.

RECRUITMENT KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSA): (RESUME SHOULD REFLECT THESE IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED)

1. Expert knowledge of professional computer engineering theories, principles, practices, methods, as well as operational procedures and testing techniques and procedures sufficient to analyze and develop new solutions for improving the design, development, installation, operation, and/or maintenance of complex Command, Control, and Communications systems/subsystems and supporting infrastructure or architectures (e.g. Joint Technical Architecture and DoDAF).
2. Mastery of computer engineering sufficient to apply experimental theories and new applications to issues; to provide technical advice and direction in support of systems, subsystems, and/or support equipment; to plan, design, test, troubleshoot, evaluate, and oversee the development and/or sustainment of enterprise information technology infrastructures; as well as engineering models for the purpose of continuous process improvement.
3. Expert knowledge of project management concepts and principles sufficient to establish program goals and priorities, consolidate technical requirements, develop and/or assess potential technical solutions from business case value perspective for selection of the most optimal/sustainable solution, and manage implementation.
4. Knowledge of standard acquisition regulations, practices, and procedures; procurement laws and principles; and a wide range of contracting methods, types, and procedures of acquisition and contract surveillance in regards to their application to IT programs.
5. Skill in diagnosing problems with command, control, and communication systems, software, or hardware; in devising and evaluating criteria, parameters, characteristics, and interrelationships for design approaches; and in assessing the impact of new technology on current systems and processes.
6. Ability to analyze and test complex software/hardware components associated command, control, and communication programs.
7. Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy, both orally and in writing, as well as work in a professional manner with peers, management, contractors, other agencies, the customer and end-users.
8. Ability to plan, organize, direct, and lead the functions and staff of a branch and/or study team tasked to originate new ideas, projects, and methodologies.
9. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; negotiate complex and/or sensitive issues; and maintain good working relations.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.
• In the performance of assigned duties, employee uses tact, diplomacy, and professionalism to promote effective working relationships with a variety of offices and agencies.
• Employee will be required to travel by military or commercial air or overland to conferences, meetings, duty, and other functions away from the primary duty site.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. A professional engineering degree at the bachelor’s level in computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or other related fields of engineering, computer science, or mathematics from an ABET accredited institution is highly desired (SUBMIT TRANSCRIPTS WITH RESUME).
2. Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military and/or commercial aircraft.
3. Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours including evenings, weekends, holidays, recall to duty, overtime, and/or emergency overtime.
4. Incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain Top Secret clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) as a condition of employment.
5. The Air Force designated this position as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. Therefore, incumbent is required to: (a) refrain from the use of illegal drugs, and (b) if requested, submit to urinalysis testing. Incumbent may be selected for random drug testing and may be subject to reasonable suspicion testing and safety mishap or accident testing.
6. This position designated as an acquisition position and covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). The employee must meet or be capable of meeting Defense Acquisition Work Improvement Act (DAWIA) certification requirements applicable to the career category designated on the position description within 24 months of assignment or secure an approved waiver.
7. Information Assurance (IA) Certification is a condition of employment. This position includes information assurance work as a paramount duty requirement. Per DoD 8570.01-M, the incumbent of this position must achieve and maintain the appropriate IA certification within six months of assignment of these duties. A six month waiver may be granted per DoD 8570.01-M, C3.2.4.2 or C3.2.4.3. Failure to receive/maintain the proper IA certification(s) may result in removal from this position.