Chief Modeling and Simulation Officer

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information. The primary purpose of this position is to develop and execute the Department of Air Force (DAF) Enterprise Modeling & Simulation Strategy. This is an Interdisciplinary position. Upon selection, the hiring manager may choose to place the selectee into the series they are best qualified.

Duties

The Director is responsible for the comprehensive development and execution of the Department of the Air Force (DAF) Enterprise Modeling & Simulation (M&S) strategy. The incumbent will review and update the M&S strategy for an enterprise-wide ecosystem while overseeing policy, defining key roles, and managing DAF participation in M&S forums and publications. The Director will develop and manage policy to create a formal M&S Certification process. This duty ensures that M&S-related systems, devices, and programs are compliant with established policies and that development efforts leverage existing products and standards. This is a critical mechanism for enforcing best practices and architectural principles in collaboration with the DAF M&S Steering Committee. The Director monitors, analyzes, and manages current and planned M&S investments across the DAF to identify opportunities for increased capability, return-on-investment, and mission effectiveness. The Director will assess M&S lifecycle costs and value, while also monitoring global M&S technology trends and best practices within the DoW to inform + SecAF about Modeling and Simulation Investments.

Qualifications and evaluation

A Resume-based Senior Executive Service (SES) Hiring Method will be used for this recruitment. This method provides an alternative to traditional submissions that requires applicants to submit a resume and 10-page written Executive Core Qualification (ECQ) narrative statement. A well-written resume for this announcement should demonstrate to Senior Hiring Officials that you possess the essential ECQs with supporting accomplishments. Applicants should incorporate ECQs and technical competencies as they write their resumes and can refer to the following OPM Link for additional guidance on SES Executive Qualifications: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/reference-materials/guidetosesquals_2012.pdf. In addition, the Department of the Air Force highly encourages applicants to seek mentoring assistance from a current SES member in preparing and/or reviewing their package. PLEASE NOTE: This position will be filled under the FY2021 NDAA Section 1118, "Pilot Program for Initial Appointments to Senior Executive Service Positions in the Department of Defense (DoD)." This authority allows us to appoint qualified individuals to initial career appointments into the Senior Executive Service of the DoD without regard to 5 U.S.C. 3393(c). A career SES appointment made under this authority does not guarantee that you will be eligible to transfer to another career SES appointment outside of the DoD without the need for you to compete. Other Federal agencies may require you to submit ECQs to OPM's QRB prior to your appointment in that agency. Applications will be evaluated against the qualification's requirements. Failure to meet the Mandatory Technical Qualifications standards will eliminate a candidate from further consideration. 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 discusses each application and reaches consensus on the resume packages demonstrating a high degree of the executive core qualifications and technical competencies. Only those applicants whose packages demonstrate a mastery of ECQs and technical competencies are selected for interviews. Post interview, 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 is contingent upon the Air Force Executive Resources Board and the Under Secretary of the Air Force. REMINDER: Before uploading your required PDF documents (Resume, Technical Qualification narrative), please ensure they DO NOT EXCEED the noted page limits.

Education

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): All new appointees to the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the five mandatory ECQs: ECQ 1. Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: Demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. ECQ 2. Driving Efficiency: Demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. ECQ 3. Merit and Competence: Demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. ECQ 4. Leading People: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. ECQ 5. Achieving Results: Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. Please find the full list of ECQs and their definitions on the OPM Website here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/executive-core-qualifications/#url=Overview In addition, DoD requires an Enterprise Perspective. The individual must possess a broad point of view and an awareness and understanding of individual or organizational responsibilities in relation to DoD or government-wide strategic priorities. Executives should demonstrate ability to work with internal and external partners to support national security objectives. This perspective is typically gained through a variety of diverse work experiences. A separate narrative statement is not required--this information should be embedded within the application package [Resume (not to exceed 2 pages). ***Please note: When applying, preference may indicate that a separate narrative for ECQs are required, please note they are NOT required at this time. Education: A professional engineering, statistical analysis, computer science, scientific, or analytic bachelor's level degree from an ABET accredited institution is preferred. An advanced engineering, statistical analysis, computer science, scientific, or analytic degree, such as a master's or a PhD, is highly desired.

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 10/15/2026. 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 (MRL2026-422602) 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) HELPFUL HINTS FOR YOUR RESUME: - Reflect on the ECQs and think about how your past experiences and education relate to each ECQ. - Read the vacancy announcement carefully. - Adhere to the 2-page limitation (in PDF format and 12 point font) - Quantify your accomplishments. * Applicants should focus on recency of experience - Recruitment Panels, Executive Resources Boards, and Hiring Officials may consider experience over 10 years outdated. * Seek mentoring assistance from a current SES or equivalent to review your package before submission. 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.

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 format (Limit 2 Pages Total). Upload in PDF format. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER. B. 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 (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.

Additional information

Multiple positions may be filled from this vacancy. Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES. 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. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.