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 satellites that provide America’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance advantage. Using a diversified architecture of spacecraft, the NRO collects and delivers the best space‑based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance content on the planet. Learn more .

• 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 formulates and implements the strategic direction of AS&T and its constituent mission areas, allocating resources, setting performance measures, and evaluating mission impact. The PDD/AS&T provides oversight, guidance, and outreach to mission partners, reporting directly to the Director (D), AS&T, and offering expert advice 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, collaborating across the NRO to advance technology from concepts to prototypes to operational systems. AS&T technology developments span from concepts to prototypes to complete space‑based operational demonstration systems.

• 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, with far‑reaching implications for national security and the U.S. defense acquisition enterprise. Ensures national and NRO goals, priorities, and values are integrated into planning. Forecasts technology advancements and integrates them into strategic plans. Directs reviews and adjustments of strategic plans, communicates challenging goals, 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, manages integration and execution of Directorate activities and resources across AS&T, and provides management guidance to AS&T personnel. Evaluates AS&T’s management control processes and objectives for alignment with the NRO Strategic Framework. Manages the AS&T portfolio to ensure a technically rigorous R&D portfolio.

Provides accurate, complete, and timely reporting. Ensures development and execution of the AS&T portion of the NRO budget, prepares thorough estimates of financial and personnel resources, and considers lifecycle costs. Determines long‑term R&D strategies, coordinates DNRO approval, and oversees implementation. Allocates resources required to execute the mission throughout the Directorate (civilian, military personnel, federally funded research and development centers, and contract advisory and assistance services).

Ensures subordinate staff and agencies have sufficient funds for acquisition activities. Interfaces directly with congressional members, OMB, ODNI, DoD principals, user communities, and industry to develop, communicate, and defend end‑to‑end solutions or technology options. Promotes continuous improvement by identifying deficiencies and redundancies, facilitating corrective action, communicating procedural changes, and monitoring implementation. Establishes programmatic and mission execution authorities, personnel management responsibilities, and expectations for general conduct.

Provides guidance and direction to AS&T senior leadership team. Serves as a source selection authority unless delegated. Serves as chair of applicable award fee boards. Exercises executive…