IT Specialist - Senior / Expert

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.

Learn more at nro.gov .

Basic Eligibility For A Position With NRO   U.S.

Citizenship is required 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 Where You Will Work Do you enjoy designing, creating, and exploring possibilities?

Do you have experience in Software Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, Cyber Security, or Networking?  Does designing information technology systems to compliment complex and innovative overhead reconnaissance systems interest you? If so, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is looking for you!

The NRO Cadre is collecting resumes via a continuous announcement for consideration against current and future opportunities for senior / expert level (GGS 14-15) IT Specialists, occupational series 2210.

For more information on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) occupational series, click  here .

This is a full time position.

Your resume may be considered for other positions which your skills and experience may be a good match.

Who May Apply   This position is open to the public.

Federal government employees MUST currently be at the grade level or higher as indicated in this announcement.

This is NOT a promotion opportunity for current Federal government employees.

If selected for the position, Federal government employees will transition laterally at their current grade level and step.

Federal applicants who exceed the advertised grade may voluntarily request acceptance at the lower grade IAW DoD 1400.25 Volume 2006.

The NRO is only accepting external applicants for this job announcement.

Current NRO Cadre employees should apply internally.

This position does not qualify for the appointment of a Reemployed Federal Annuitant IAW DoDI 1400.25 Volume 300.

What You Will Be Doing Experienced IT Specialists require specialty in one or more of the following areas :

• Software Engineer / Applications Development - Serve as an expert software engineer / applications developer and consultant, managing and directing multiple highly complex and innovative IT projects and initiatives.
• This includes translating technical specifications into programming specifications; developing, customizing, and / or acquiring applications software programs; and testing, debugging, and maintaining software program.
• Project Leadership - Provide expert technical advice, leadership, and direction on a variety of information technology projects delivering new capabilities, services or platforms.
• Determines project objectives and sets priorities; anticipates potential threats and opportunities.
• Provides expert leadership and guidance in how to use user research findings to influence IT product selection, development and delivery. Establishes a shared understanding across team members and stakeholders. Lead, coordinate, communicate, integrate, and is accountable for the overall success of the program, ensuring alignment with critical agency priorities.
• Leadership to Ad Hoc Teams - Lead cross-functional teams at scale or in highly complex environments to develop innovative software and / or services.
• Focuses team efforts towards current goals and priorities.
• Plan, develop, and execute large scale IT projects that transform the manner in which work is accomplished.
• Determine the size, skills, and roles necessary for an ad hoc team to deliver a product and identifies appropriate team members.
• Relationship Management - Work closely with customer agencies in senior leadership roles and navigates conflicting priorities from senior stakeholders or in complex environments.
• Reinforces, upholds, and advocates core principles for building IT services, including building in the open, developing software using agile and lean methodologies, and using user-centered design methods.

What You Need   Highly desired :

Minimum of 8 years of relative experience outlined in this section Mastery of and directly applicable experience with advanced IT principles, concepts, methods, standards, and practices Experience developing and interpreting policies, procedures, and strategies governing the planning and delivery of services throughout the agency Proven ability to provide expert technical advice, guidance, and recommendations to management and other technical specialists on critical IT issues Significant experience applying new developments to previously unsolvable problems and make decisions or recommendations that significantly influence important agency IT policies or programs Proven ability to manage large-scale projects from end to end to include leading cross functional teams Demonstrated experience communicating with high-ranking stakeholders to resolve issues, provide executive briefings and status updates Experience delivering IT products using Agile and lean methodologies Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies / knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform and is typically in or directly related to the duties of the position as described above.  Experience must be reflected in your resume.

Applicants submitting a resume that exceeds the two-page limit per OPM Memorandum, “Merit Hiring Plan,” dated May 29, 2025, https :

Other Information Cyberspace Workforce and Qualification Management Program :

Professional Development :

Overtime Statement :

Travel Statement :

Financial Disclosure :

Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) coded positions :

DAWIA Functional Area / Tier Required :

Geographic Mobility Agreement :

Emergency Essential :

Should a Cadre employee or candidate earning STEM pay change positions within the organization, they must be assigned to another STEM qualifying position in order to continue to remain eligible for STEM pay.  Otherwise, Cadre employees and Candidates Generally would be transitioned to the DCIPS GG Pay Scale.  For more information on STEM pay, visit https :

To qualify for the position, Federal government employees MUST currently be at the GG 14-15 grade level and may ONLY apply for a lateral reassignment at their current grade level and step.  Federal applicants who exceed the advertised grade may voluntarily request acceptance at the lower grade per IAW DoDI 1400.25 Volume 2006.

Veterans’ Preference DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans’ Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Vol 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement.  If you are a veteran claiming veterans’ preference, as defined by section 2108 of Title 5 USC, you must submit documents verifying your eligibility upon request.

A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.

Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when :

Privacy Act Notice Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579) :