Director of Technology Data and Artificial Intelligence

📍 Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia · 🏛 Department of the Air Force Headquarters · 💰 $151,661–$209,600 per year · 🎓 IP 00 · 🧭 Miscellaneous Administration And Program (0301) · ⏳ Closes Nov 23, 2026 · 12 days left · 🗓 Posted Nov 10, 2026

About this job

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information. The primary purpose of this position is to serves as the senior technical expert and authority for Headquarters Air Force on the architecture, integration, and application of data, artificial intelligence, and advanced communications and ISR-enabling systems.

Duties

The Director, Technology, Data & Artificial Intelligence serves as the senior technical expert and authority for Headquarters Air Force on the architecture, integration, and application of data, artificial intelligence, and advanced communications and ISR-enabling systems. The incumbent drives the technical vision, engineering strategy, and modernization of Air Force digital and communications infrastructure from the enterprise to the tactical edge. The position develops and evaluates resilient, interoperable architectures that integrate warfighter communications systems, satellite constellations, ISR platforms, tactical networks, cyber capabilities, and enterprise data services. The incumbent maintains awareness of emerging technologies and assesses their applicability to Air Force capability gaps, operational requirements, and future modernization priorities. The Director provides authoritative technical advice and recommendations to senior Air Force, DoW, Joint, Intelligence Community, industry, academic, and partner-nation stakeholders. The incumbent leads and integrates multiple complex technical efforts, resolves cross-functional issues, and communicates complex technical concepts and decisions to senior technical and nontechnical leaders.

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. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Director, Technology, Data and Artificial Intelligence Core Qualifications and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit will be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position. A. DIRECTOR, TECHNOLOGY DATA AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CORE QUALIFICATIONS: Contributions: Achievements that impacted the organization's mission and contributed to knowledge advancements in the fields of: Digital Engineering and Enterprise IT Architecture: Defining and implementing large-scale, resilient, and interoperable digital infrastructures. Data Science and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML): Architecting and deploying data-centric solutions and AI/ML applications that fuse disparate data sources (e.g., communications, cyber, ISR) to enable real-time, tactical decision-making in contested environments. Advanced Communications and Networking: Developing and integrating next-generation tactical and satellite communication (SATCOM) systems, resilient networking protocols, and tactical data links to ensure connectivity from the enterprise to the tactical edge. Leadership: Recognized leader in the application of: Converged Technical Architecture: As evidenced by personal impact on translating top-level strategic guidance into executable technical blueprints that bridge the gap between enterprise-level services and tactical warfighter requirements. Technology Prototyping and Integration: As evidenced by leading efforts to identify, prototype, and implement emerging technologies that demonstrably enhance the DAF's technical capabilities and solve complex integration challenges. Authoritative Technical Assessment: As evidenced by guiding significant Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) investments and defending complex architectural decisions before senior DAF, Joint, and DoD leadership. Professional Stature: Recognized standing as indicated by memberships and activity in professional organizations and/or within the larger DoD/Industry professional community. This includes citations, honors, awards, patents, and publications and other forms of recognition, such as requests for professional consultation, which indicate acceptance by peer group as an authoritative source in the field. B. TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQ): Applicants must ensure their resume describes how they meet the TQs and must provide specific examples that address relevant experience and accomplishments. Applicants should focus on recent experience, education, and training, as some Recruitment Panel members may consider experience that's over 10 years old to be outdated. Applicants must reflect superior technical qualifications demonstrated through leadership and management in the following: TQ1: Enterprise Architecture and Systems Integration: Expert knowledge/ experience integrating and operating enterprise IT and communications systems that connect enterprise services to the tactical edge, using SATCOM, tactical data links, resilient networking, Zero Trust architecture, cloud, and DevSecOps to deliver secure, interoperable warfighter capabilities. TQ2: Data, AI, and Strategic Technical Leadership: Demonstrated expertise in data architecture, data modeling, and artificial intelligence/machine learning applications across communications, cyber, and ISR data; ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams and provide authoritative technical advice to senior leaders. TQ3: Technical Governance, Cryptographic Standards, and Strategic Investment Advisory: Demonstrated experience establishing enterprise-wide technical blueprints, enforcing cryptographic and technical standards across a federated architecture, and providing authoritative technical assessments to guide Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) investments in advanced technologies (e.g., Data, AI, SATCOM, and tactical networks). C. JOINT DUTY ASSIGNMENT REQUIREMENT: Joint Intelligence Community (IC) Duty certification is a prerequisite for appointment to senior executive, senior professional, and DCIPS positions classified above GG grade 15. NOTE: Applicants without Joint Duty Credit are still highly encouraged to apply for the position and this requirement can be waived. Candidates for this position will be reviewed for receipt of joint duty credit. You must provide evidence of having obtained joint duty credit by submitting a previously approved Joint Duty Claim Form(s) or by requesting approval of a joint duty claim by submitting the Joint Duty Claim Form with supporting documentation. Your claim will be reviewed, approved/disapproved and returned to you. Information, including forms and instructions on joint duty can be found on the JDA website by clicking the link below. JDA Website and from: https://www.dni.gov/index.php/careers/joint-duty. The ideal candidate will possess the following: Possesses a record of successfully developing and implementing enterprise-level technology architectures or modernization strategies that improve interoperability, resilience, and warfighter effectiveness across communications, cyber, and data domains. Demonstrates exceptional executive communication, negotiation, and consensus-building skills, with experience briefing, advising, and defending technical positions before senior military, civilian, Joint, interagency, industry, or international leaders. Demonstrates mature professional judgment and the ability to independently represent the Department of the Air Force in high-level discussions and negotiations involving complex technology, data, AI, communications, and cyber matters.

Education

Education: A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is desired. A master's or advanced degree from an accredited institution is highly desired. An undergraduate technical degree or an advanced degree in either a technical or management field is highly desired.

Evaluations

Applications will be evaluated against the foregoing qualification requirements. Failure to meet any one of the mandatory technical qualification standards will eliminate a candidate from further consideration. A screening panel will evaluate the candidates for this position composed of senior executives selected for organizational and/or functional backgrounds relevant to this position. The panel members will individually review each of the applications in terms of the qualifications criteria contained in this announcement. The qualifications stated are the minimum requirements of the position to be Qualified, a rating schedule will be applied by a screening panel to determine which candidates are considered to be Best Qualified. Then, they will meet to discuss each application, and reach a consensus decision as to the best qualified, qualified or not qualified candidates. The panel will interview all of the best-qualified candidates based upon consistently applied criteria. 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 of a candidate is contingent upon USecAF approval.

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 11/23/2026. 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, (e.g., 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 10-12-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 (MRL2026-654204) 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. **DO NOT INCLUDE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER** Military: a) Retired: 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. b) Separating from Active-Duty: 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) This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need 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.

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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 10-12 font, with 0.5-1-inch margins. Do not use borders, provide photos, or 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 Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50, noting your current position, grade level and salary level (applies only to current or former civilian government employee). C. Military: 1) Recently Retired - a copy of your DD-214 and/or Retirement orders if you retired within 180 days of the closing date of this announcement (Note: This includes Retiring Reservists and National Guardsmen); 2) Separating from Active Duty - 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. E. (Mandatory) JOINT DUTY ASSIGNMENT REQUIREMENT: Joint IC Duty certification is a prerequisite for appointment to senior executive, senior professional, and DCIPS positions classified above GG grade 15. Candidates for this position will be reviewed for receipt of joint duty credit. You must provide evidence of having obtained joint duty credit by submitting a previously approved Joint Duty Claim Form(s) or by requesting approval of a joint duty claim by submitting the Joint Duty Claim Form with supporting documentation. DO NOT SUBMIT ANY ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS: Extraneous materials such as copies of position descriptions, award certificates and transmittal letters will not be forwarded for review.

What to expect next

Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent. If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration. To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position. If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.

Other information

The following conditions of employment apply: This position is covered by the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) and as such will subject the incumbent to those examinations and/or tests that are necessary to obtain and retain a security clearance and any special accesses required by the position in accordance with AFI 36-1101 and under authorities of Section 1601, Chapter 83 of Title 10, United States Code and DoD Instruction 1400.25-V2007. Failure to comply with any of the special requirements, when required, will subject the incumbent of this position to reassignment or disciplinary adverse actions, including demotions or removal. A Joint Duty Assignment (JDA) Program certification is desired Joint duty credit is awarded by serving at least 12 months in an Intelligence Community (IC) agency, an organization outside the IC, or joint organization at the pay grade or rank of at least GG/GS-13 beginning after 11 September 2001. In addition, individuals deployed for 179 days or more to a designated combat zone will satisfy the 12-month minimum requirement [or 179-day deployment] so long as that minimum requirement is met within a 24-month period. Relevant military, professional, technical, managerial, and/or leadership experience outside the IC may qualify as the equivalent of a JDA. In addition, a waiver for the Joint Duty Credit may be considered if there are no highly qualified alternative candidates with JDA Program certification. 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. 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. Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit GSA Bulletin FTR 20-04 here for additional information. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

Frequently asked questions

How much does this Director of Technology Data and Artificial Intelligence job pay?

The announcement lists a salary of $151,661–$209,600 per year (IP 00).

When is the last day to apply?

Applications close on Nov 23, 2026 — 12 days from today.

Where is this job located?

This position is located in Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia with the Department of the Air Force Headquarters.

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted through the official announcement on USAJobs. Use the Apply button on this page to go to the official posting — this site never takes applications itself.

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Data: USAJobs (U.S. Office of Personnel Management), retrieved 2026-11-11 · Announcement MRL2026-654204 · Official announcement. FederalJobs is unofficial and is not affiliated with OPM or the agency.
Director of Technology Data and Artificial Intelligence
Nov 23, 2026 deadline
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