Deputy Principal Assistant Deputy Administrator (DPADA) for Research Development Test & Evaluation

Summary NNSA

• building careers while securing the future through engineering, science, and national security in an environment where your contributions make a difference.

The Office of Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) stewards the science, technology, and engineering capabilities that underpin our confidence in the nuclear deterrent. This job is open to The public U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S. Senior executives Individuals looking for an executive-level job and who meet the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). Clarification from the agency Applications will be accepted from all United States citizens. You do not need to be a current or former federal employee to apply. Duties As the Deputy Principal Assistant Deputy Administrator (DPADA) for Research Development Test & Evaluation you will have the following duties: Leads the development and advancement of

U.S. RDT&E

capabilities crucial for the design, certification, and assessment of a safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent. Ensures these efforts are strategically aligned with and responsive to the Stockpile Stewardship Management Plan, the RDT&E Strategic Framework, the DOE Strategic Plan, the NNSA Strategic Vision, and Congressional Budget Justification. Strategically strengthens science, research, technology, and engineering capabilities across the entire Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) in support of the 'OneNNSA' vision. Fosters collaborative partnerships across internal and external organizations, actively contributing to NNSA governance, eliminating duplication and inefficiencies, and leading transformative enterprise-wide initiatives. Drives continuous improvement in RDT&E quality and efficiency through robust programmatic and technical integration. Ensures all RDT&E activities are meticulously planned and executed in accordance with Office Management & Execution Plans and fully supported by the Congressional Budget Request. Accelerates the transition of critical RDT&E technologies, ensuring their readiness at appropriate Technical Readiness Levels (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL). This supports Stockpile Management and Production Modernization activities and rapidly advances capabilities to meet Department of Defense (DoD) requirements and counter emerging national security threats. Shapes and implements a cohesive organizational vision for NA-11 that seamlessly integrates key strategic goals, priorities, and values. Proactively anticipates and responds to evolving challenges, fostering a culture of innovation and implementing adaptive solutions from incremental enhancements to significant strategic shifts. Balances continuity with necessary change, consistently driving improvements in service and program performance, and cultivating a transparent, collaborative, and creative work environment that maintains steadfast program focus even amidst adversity. Establishes and executes human capital strategies that maximize employee potential, foster an inclusive and high-performing workplace, and uphold the highest ethical standards. Connects organizational elements horizontally and vertically, ensuring robust collaboration, effective conflict resolution, and full employee participation. Oversees the development and implementation of performance management systems that align individual goals with NA-11's mission, provide constructive feedback, ensure realistic appraisals, and hold employees accountable. Leads efforts to recruit, retain, and develop a diverse and skilled workforce, reflecting national demographics, to accomplish organizational objectives while championing workforce diversity, workplace inclusion, and equal employment opportunity. Directs the comprehensive assessment, analysis, acquisition, and administration of human, financial, material, and information resources, ensuring optimal stewardship and public trust to achieve NA-11's mission. Leverages advanced technology and data analytics to optimize processes and enhance evidence-based decision-making. Manages and executes the operating budget, including the preparation of meticulous budget requests with thorough justifications and the strategic allocation of resources. Cultivates and maintains robust relationships with a broad spectrum of internal and external stakeholders, actively soliciting and integrating diverse feedback to strengthen support and foster open dialogue. Serves as a primary advocate and negotiator, persuasively explaining and justifying NA-11's initiatives and decisions to various audiences. Proactively develops and leverages professional networks across relevant organizations, demonstrating acute awareness of the intergovernmental and interagency dynamics that influence the mission and operations of NA-11. Requirements Conditions of employment

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR THIS VACANCY

This is a career position in the SES. Unless the selectee is already a member of the SES with career status or are a graduate of an Office of Personnel Management (OPM) certified SES Candidate Development Program, your executive qualifications must be assessed and approved by OPM before you can be hired.

HOMELAND SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE

(HSPD-12): A selectee's appointment is contingent upon compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD-12) governing personal identity. May be required to pass a pre-employment drug test, random testing after appointment.

PUBLIC FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REPORT

(OGE 278): If you are selected for this position, will be required to file this report prior to entry on duty in accordance with the Ethics of Government Act of 1978.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

You may be required to complete a one-year SES probationary period. Probationary periods are required for new employees appointed to a Senior Executive Service (SES) position for the first time. Employees serving on probationary period may be terminated at any time during the probationary for performance, conduct, or business-related reasons in the interest of Federal service.

SELECTIVE SERVICE

If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.

SECURITY CLEARANCE

Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance.

DRUG TESTING

Subject to pre-employment/pre-appointment testing for illegal drug use under the U.S. Department of Energy Employee Drug Plan. If you are selected you will be provided information regarding drug testing. Failure to undergo testing or positive findings resulting from the test will eliminate you from further consideration for this position. If selected for and appointed to this position you will be subject to random drug testing while employed.

MOBILITY

Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders. Individuals selected for SES positions members may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines, and will be required to abide by NNSA's mobility policy.

E-VERIFY

New employees to the Department of Energy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify . Qualifications 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. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ) related to this position within your resume•

NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES.

Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may 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. Please DO NOT submit separate documents addressing the ECQs or MTQs. Only your resume capped at two (2) pages will be accepted and considered. Any additional documents submitted will not be accepted.

MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS

(MTQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications. There are three MTQs. MTQ 1: Describe your experience leading and managing a complex, multi-year Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) program within a national security or highly regulated environment. Specifically, address how you ensured strategic alignment with overarching organizational missions, managed budgetary requirements across diverse technical portfolios, and utilized program management information systems (PMIS) to drive decision-making and transparency. MTQ 2: The NNSA's RDT&E mission requires expert professional knowledge across various hard sciences and/or engineering disciplines. Provide a detailed overview of your scientific or engineering background and how it has directly enabled you to provide authoritative technical advice, evaluate complex scientific programs, and contribute to strategic technical direction within a high-consequence environment, particularly concerning nuclear security or related fields. MTQ 3: The NNSA's responsibilities are integral to the broader U.S. National Security Enterprise, encompassing stockpile stewardship, nonproliferation, counterterrorism, and naval nuclear propulsion. Discuss your understanding of these interconnected national security missions and provide examples from your experience where you have strategically integrated R D activities or program management decisions to directly advance and protect the national security interests of the United States.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS

(ECQs): In addition to the Mandatory Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and MTQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position. There are five

ECQs:

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. 2:

Driving Efficiency :

Demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. 3:

Merit and Competence :

Demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. 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. 5:

Achieving Results :

Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.

Note:

If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you do not need to respond to the ECQs. Instead, you should attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES. Education You must meet the basic education requirements for at least one of the occupational series (0801 or 1301) identified below. You are required to submit unofficial college transcripts as outlined in the Required Documents section of this announcement. Failure to submit transcripts will result in disqualification for this position. To qualify for the 0801 General Engineering series, you must possess: A.

Degree:

Engineering. Successful completion of a bachelor's or higher engineering degree from an accredited college or university. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e)electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position

• or•B.

Combination of education and experience

• college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering.

The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: (I) Professional registration or licensure

• Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico.

Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions; or (II) Written Test

• Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico; or (III) Specified academic courses
• Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A; or (IV) Related curriculum
• Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.

g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all inclusive.) To qualify for the 1301 Physical Science series, you must possess: A.

Degree :

physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics; OR B.

Combination of education and experience:

education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. You must provide a copy of your unofficial transcript(s). Be sure to include those transcripts directly applicable for meeting the education requirements. Failure to provide proof of education will result in non-consideration for this position. Official transcripts will be required prior to entrance-on-duty for individuals selected. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education . Additional information Veteran's Preference does not apply to the Senior Executive service (SES). OF-306: You may be required to complete an OF-306, "Declaration for Federal Employment" form used to (a) determine your suitability for Federal Employment and/or (b) in conducting an investigation to determine your suitability or ability to hold a security clearance. The U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

Policy Statement:

http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/index.cfm Applications contain information subject to the Privacy Act (PL 93 579, 5 USC 552a). The information is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under Title 5, USC, Section 3302 and 3361. The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged non-compliance by completing the Fair Chance Act Intake Form and submitting it to the Administrative Investigations Program at AdministrativeInvestigations@hq.doe.gov . The selecting official may need to consult Departmental ethics counsel to determine whether any of your former or current employers, affiliations, or financial holdings conflict with your ability to perform the duties of this position. If necessary, ethics counsel will work with you and the hiring office regarding potential mitigation strategies, if available. Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available. This is a non-bargaining unit position. 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. 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 window Learn 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. How you will be evaluated You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. If you meet minimum qualifications, your Application Package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ) listed above. ECQs and MTQs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. Highly Qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration. Upon selection, if not already a member of the SES serving under a career appointment, the individual selected must have his/her executive qualifications certified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB) before appointment to this position. The selected individual's application will be forwarded to the OPM for review and certification by the QRB, unless the selectee provides evidence of their noncompetitive status (i.e., a current

SES, OPM QRB

certified SESCDP graduate, or SES reinstatement eligible). Upon QRB certification, the selected individual will be required to serve a one-year probationary period. For more information regarding the SES, go to https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/ . Required Documents The new SES hiring process requires applicants to submit a two (2

• page resume ( only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications) , which includes information regarding your professional experience and accomplishments that demonstrate you meet the ECQs and required MTQs.

If you submit more than two pages, the remainder of the pages will not be reviewed nor considered.

Note:

Applications must be presented in a font size and font style that is legible, preferably Times New Roman font, no less than 11-point size with no less than half an inch margin all around. Reviewers of your application must be able to read your resume, or your application will be disqualified. Thoroughly review the following list to determine the documentation you need to submit. If you fail to submit required documentation before the announcement closes, you will be rated "ineligible." Some documents may not apply to all applicants. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1.

ALL APPLICANTS

• Two (2) page ECQ-based Resume including the following : Full name, mailing and email addresses, day & evening telephone numbers Education information including: Name, city, state of colleges/universities attended, major & type of degree received.

Report only schools accredited by the accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education All work experience (paid and unpaid) including: Job title, duties/accomplishments, employer's name/city and state, start/end dates (include month, day, and year), average hours per week worked, salary Honors, awards, special accomplishments If you are currently serving under a career SES appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into the SES (this means you were previously employed as a Career SES employee and you successfully completed a one-year probationary period) or have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program and been certified by OPM, your resume must clearly state that you are a current career SES, eligible for reinstatement, or SES CDP certified and year of certification. We recommend that your resume emphasize your level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of the programs managed, and your program accomplishments, including the results of your actions. 2. Current or former career SES members must provide a SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility. 3. Applicants who have successfully completed an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program must submit a copy of their certification. 4. Current or former Federal Civilian employees must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (non-award) documenting the following: 1) Full position title; 2) appointment type; 3) occupational series; 4) pay plan, grade, and step; 5) tenure code; 6) service computation date (SCD). 5.

ALL APPLICANTS

• If positive education requirement: you must submit a copy of your transcript(s) or a separate course listing showing the course title, department, hours earned (quarters or semester), and grade.

If you have completed any part of your education outside of the U.S., you must submit the evaluation of your foreign education that has been prepared by an accredited organization. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) can provide a list of who can evaluate your foreign education. For additional information, visit Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education . 6. Optional

• cover letter (one page maximum).

NOTE:

All documents must be uploaded into the system ; USAJobs Resume Builder resumes will not be accepted. Pages submitted in excess of the limits described above will not be considered . Substituting pages for other required documents in the application is not acceptable. Do not use borders, provide photos or list a Social Security Number or date of birth on any attachment. If you are selected for this position, you may be asked to provide additional documentation to verify your responses. How to Apply Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration. Faxed or e-mailed applications and/or resumes will not be accepted. Requests for extensions will not be granted. All statements made in this application are subject to investigation and any false or dishonest answer to any question may be grounds for disqualification and loss of consideration. If your resume does not support the responses in your application questionnaire, or if you fail to submit required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible' or 'not qualified'. The application process is as follows: You must have a login.gov account to sign into

USAJOBS:

USAJOBS Help Center

• How to create a login.

gov account To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation. You must click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date. You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select

Update Application :

USAJOBS

• Login Gov Acknowledgement .

This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: USAJOBS Help Center

• How to see your application and job status.

If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center. If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots, if possible, to aid technical support. Agency contact information Takisha Gray McDowell Email takisha.gray@nnsa.doe.gov Address Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs 24600 20th St SE Kirtland

AFB, NM 87117-5507 US

Next steps You will receive a confirmation notification after you submit your application package. We will continue to update your status and send you additional notifications throughout the recruitment process. You will receive a final disposition notification if you are not selected for the position. 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. National Nuclear Security Administration The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is a separately organized agency of the Department of Energy. We manage highly visible U.S. National Security Programs, enhance U.S. national security through research, development, production, assembly, disassembly, and maintenance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile, promote international nuclear non-proliferation and safety, reduce global danger from weapons of mass destruction, provide the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion, and oversee national laboratories and other production facilities to maintain U.S. leadership in science and technology. Please view the following links for additional information: Explore a world of opportunities at NNSA Working at NNSA.pdf Agency contact information Takisha Gray McDowell Email takisha.gray@nnsa.doe.gov Address Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs 24600 20th St SE Kirtland

AFB, NM 87117-5507 US

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