Technical Director Air Force Cost Analysis Agency

Summary Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The purpose of this position is to serve as Technical Director of the Air Force Cost Analysis Agency, (Cost and Economics), with the primary responsibility to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Financial Management and Comptroller, in the performance of official functions. Learn more about this agency Duties As the chief authority for the Department of the Air Force's cost analysis enterprise, this individual holds comprehensive accountability for all cost-related activities across both the Air Force and Space Force. The role demands rigorous leadership in the review and validation of all major weapon system cost estimates, including their underlying data, methodologies, and supporting documentation, to ensure disciplined adherence to the highest standards. A primary function is directing the Air Force Cost Analysis Agency (AFCAA) in producing critical, unbiased assessments such as Independent Cost Estimates (ICEs) and Service Cost Positions (SCPs), which are foundational to major acquisition milestone decisions and congressional reporting. In their capacity as a strategic leader, this person serves as the primary consult to or as acting (when requested) for the Chairman of the Cost Review Boards, influencing or being the final decision-maker on official cost positions. They also provide essential counsel to the most senior DAF and DoW leadership on matters of policy and regulation. This strategic advisory extends externally, where they represent the department's interests to key government bodies like the OSD, OMB, and CBO. Concurrently, the role is intensely focused on innovation, spearheading research into next-generation analytical programs, advanced data analytics, and automated cost-estimating models tailored for complex, transformational systems. This includes managing a robust research portfolio, overseeing collaborations with partners like the RAND Corporation, and implementing a modern knowledge management capability to foster seamless data sharing across the cost community. Finally, this leader is charged with securing the future of the discipline by directing a comprehensive talent management program focused on the recruitment, training, and continuous professional development of a cadre of expert cost analysts. Requirements Conditions of employment U.S. Citizenship Required If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/ Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov Position is designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP). Position requires the incumbent sign a Drug Testing letter and pass urinalysis testing prior to appointment. Must have or be able to obtain a TOP SECRET/SCI Security clearance Must file an Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report PROBATIONARY PERIOD. An individual's initial SL career appointment becomes final only after the individual successfully completes a 1-year probationary period. Active Duty Military Members must indicate retirement eligibility Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be offered Disclosure of Political Appointments EXECUTIVE PERSONNEL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REPORT (Standard Form 278). Selected candidate must file this report in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978. Veterans' preference is applicable to Air Force Senior Level (SL) positions. Qualifications Eligibility will be based upon a clear showing the applicant has training, education and experience of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry-out the duties of the position. Candidates must exemplify the corporate perspective, leadership vision, broad experience and character needed in the SES corps not only to satisfy the immediate vacancy, but future vacancies which will occur in a variety of organizations, functions and locations. A. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Education Requirement: a. Degree: in operations research; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus. 2. Certification Requirements: This a Financial Management Level III Certified position IAW the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2012, Subtitle F-Financial Management, Section 1599d. Incumbent shall comply with the requirement of this certification program. This is a Critical Acquisition Position (CAP). Unless specifically waived by the appropriate component official (i.e., the Director of Acquisition Career Management for the Component, the Service Acquisition Executive, or the Service Secretary), the following are statutorily mandated requirements (Reference 10 U.S.C. 1731 and 1737): a. 10 years of acquisition experience or equivalent, 4 of which were in a Critical Acquisition Position (CAP) or equivalent position. b. Selectee must execute, as a condition of employment, a written agreement to remain in federal service in this position for at least three years. In signing such agreement, the employee does not forfeit any employment rights, nor does such agreement alter any other terms or conditions of employment. c. Selectee must meet Advanced level certification requirements in Business - Cost Estimating or must be able to meet Advanced certification within 2 years (24 months) of assignment. d. Selectee must have 6 years in acquisition financial management leadership billet (within acquisition major program office, PEO, or Service/Component/HQ/equivalent level). e. Selectee must meet 80 hours of continuous learning requirements within the designated timeframe (80 hours of continuing learning (CL) every 2 years (with a goal of engaging in 40 hours annually)). f. 80 hours of Continuous Learning every two years. B. MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Applicants must reflect superior technical qualifications demonstrated through leadership and management in the following: 1.Comprehensive professional experience in cost analysis and possession of outstanding qualities of leadership, integrity, mature judgment, and originality. Demonstrated experience and ability to analyze complex situations and to develop practical recommendations which can be understood and supported by senior leaders. Thorough knowledge of and comprehensive experience in performing and leading the application of the principles, theories, and methods of cost analysis, operations research, data analytics, economic analysis and resource management to defense acquisition issues, and in designing and performing innovative cost/financial analyses in support of trade studies, strategic planning, and program development activities. Thorough knowledge and experience of modeling and simulation techniques, analytic tools, and data development, organization and analysis for use in studies and analyses. 2.Expert knowledge and experience within in defense acquisition systems and processes, including an in-depth understanding of the interrelationships among costs and the military capabilities that result from the systems acquired by the DoW, and expert knowledge of the physical and performance characteristics of various weapon system types, including aircraft, missiles, munitions, space, C5ISRT, and information systems. Expert knowledge of the DoW acquisition and operational processes, including requirements, planning, programming, budgeting, development, and approval processes, in order to assure compliance with the goals and objectives of the integrated technical architecture program plan. Knowledge of the operations, practices, production processes and cost data reporting systems of major firms and their subcontractors in the defense industry. A separate narrative statement is not required--this information should be embedded within the resume. Education Education: A bachelor's degree in operations research from an accredited institution; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics is required. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus. Also, a master's or advanced degree in a quantitative and/or finance field (e.g., Operations Research, Business Administration, Data Science, Statistics, Engineering, etc) is highly desired. Additional information Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference is applicable to Air Force Senior Level (SL) positions. 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 DoW Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information. Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here. Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.