Principal Deputy Director; PPD), Advanced Systems & Technology; AS&T

WE ARE THE NRO

For over sixty years, the NRO has developed, acquired, launched and operated the satellites that are the foundation for America’s advantage and strength in space. Using a diversified architecture of spacecraft, NRO collects and delivers the best space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance content on the planet.

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• You must be a U.S. Citizen
• You must be 18 years of age or older
• You must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance
• You will be subject to pre‑employment and periodic drug testing
• You will be subject to pre‑employment and periodic polygraph examinations

The Principal Deputy Director (PDD), Advanced Systems & Technology (AS&T) leads the technical and financial management of the entire NRO Technology Enterprise. The PDD/AS&T plays a leadership role in formulating and implementing the strategic direction of AS&T and its constituent mission areas: allocating and executing resources, setting performance measures, and evaluating mission impact. The PDD/AS&T provides oversight and guidance in prioritizing and executing AS&T programs and activities, and outreach to mission partners.

The PDD/AS&T reports directly to the Director (D), AS&T, and provides expert advice and recommendations directly to the D/AS&T on all NRO acquisitions and operations.

Working with the D/AS&T and the AS&T leadership teams, the PDD/AS&T provides organizational and mission leadership. The PDD/AS&T collaborates across the NRO to provide Research and Development to build an excellent technology enterprise that evolves current capabilities to meet near‑term needs and develops revolutionary new concepts and advanced technology for the future. AS&T technology developments span from concepts to prototypes to complete space‑based operational demonstration systems.

This is a full‑time position that is open from 09 JAN 2026 through 28 JAN 2026. Applicant packages must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.

• This position is open to current GG/GS‑15, Private Sector, and Federal civilian employees who are senior officers.
• The NRO is only accepting external applicants through this job announcement.

In coordination with D/AS&T, directs the formulation and execution of long‑range, strategic plans for the entire AS&T Directorate, which have far‑reaching implications for national security, the safety of DoD personnel across the globe, and are instrumental in providing key intelligence information that guides the US multi‑trillion‑dollar defense acquisition enterprise. Ensures key national and NRO goals, priorities, and values are part of the planning process.

Forecasts for technology advancements and integrates these advances into strategic plans.

Directs reviews and adjustments of strategic plans as needed based on changes in national goals, technology, and resource constraints. Communicates challenging goals, translates vision into specific initiatives, and effectively delegates, coordinates and motivates individuals to achieve results. Directs the development and promulgation of policies and programs to achieve long‑range strategic plans. Establishes the organizational strategic direction and day‑to‑day operations of the Directorate;

manages the integration and execution of Directorate activities and resources across AS&T; and provides management, guidance, and day‑to‑day oversight of AS&T personnel in achieving the mission and goals of the NRO Strategic Framework. Evaluates AS&T’s management control processes and objectives for alignment with the NRO Strategic Framework. Manages the AS&T portfolio to ensure the NRO Technology Enterprise executes a technically rigorous R&D portfolio to enable that vision.

Provides accurate, complete and timely reporting. Ensures the development and execution of the AS&T portion of the NRO budget; prepares thorough estimates of financial and personnel resources required to execute AS&T programs; ensures lifecycle costs are appropriately considered. Determines long‑term R&D strategies, coordinates DNRO approval of the strategies,…