Senior Production Manager, National Space Intelligence Center (NSIC)

The United States Space Force (USSF) is at the forefront of defending American interests in the space domain. As the complexity of space operations and the threats within it grow, the need for expert intelligence analysis and production becomes paramount. The National Space Intelligence Center (NSIC), located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, plays a crucial role in providing this essential intelligence. The USSF is currently seeking a highly accomplished and seasoned professional to step into the critical role of Senior Production Manager (GG-0132-13). This direct-hire opportunity offers a unique chance to lead and shape the production of all-source intelligence deliverables that inform national policymakers, combatant commands, and executive leadership. If you possess a deep understanding of intelligence production, a proven ability to lead teams, and a commitment to national security, this position represents a significant career advancement.

About the United States Space Force and NSIC

The United States Space Force, established in December 2019, is the newest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, dedicated to organizing, training, and equipping space professionals to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint force. The Space Force's mission is to deliver space capabilities needed for the U.S. Space Force and the Joint Force, while safeguarding U.S. and allied interests in the space domain, and deterring aggression, in, from, and to space.

The National Space Intelligence Center (NSIC), a key component of the USSF, is the primary organization responsible for providing space intelligence to the nation. Located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, NSIC analyzes foreign space capabilities, threats, and activities to support U.S. national security decision-making. The center's work is vital for understanding the space environment, identifying potential adversaries, and developing strategies to maintain U.S. superiority in this critical domain. NSIC is comprised of highly skilled intelligence analysts, scientists, and engineers who work collaboratively to produce timely and accurate intelligence products.

Job Responsibilities: Leading the Intelligence Production Lifecycle

The Senior Production Manager will serve as the authoritative operational gateway for finished all-source intelligence deliverables. This leadership position is central to the NSIC's mission, orchestrating the entire production lifecycle from initial analysis to final dissemination. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading Production Efforts: Direct and manage the workflow for producing all-source intelligence analysis related to foreign counterspace capabilities, cyber threats, and electronic warfare.
• Team Leadership and Mentorship: Supervise, mentor, and guide junior production managers and intelligence analysts, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Act as the primary liaison between intelligence analysts, collection managers, the Director of Analysis, and various end consumers, including national policymakers, combatant commands, acquisition professionals, and executive leadership.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of all intelligence products, maintaining the highest standards of analytical rigor.
• Customer Engagement: Monitor customer satisfaction and proactively adjust production lines and priorities based on evolving consumer feedback and requirements.
• Strategic Planning: Contribute to the strategic direction of intelligence production, aligning efforts with national security objectives and emerging threats.
• Project Management: Oversee complex intelligence projects, particularly those supporting Science and Technology Intelligence (S&TI) initiatives.

Requirements and Qualifications

To be considered for this Senior Production Manager role, applicants must meet specific educational and experience requirements. The position is classified at the GG-13 grade level within the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel Systems (DCIPS) framework.

Minimum Requirements:

• Education: A Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is a fundamental requirement for this professional category. An advanced intelligence-related or professional/scientific degree is highly desirable and will strengthen an applicant's profile.
• Experience: While the 0132 series (Intelligence) does not have a specific individual occupational requirement beyond general experience, applicants must demonstrate a level of experience equivalent to at least one year at the next lower grade level (e.g., GG-12 or its equivalent in other federal pay systems like GS-12) or its equivalent in the private sector. This specialized experience must be directly related to the duties of the Senior Production Manager and should have equipped the candidate with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the role.

Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

1. Intelligence Research & Collection: Comprehensive knowledge of the full spectrum of intelligence research and collection methods, techniques, and practices. Ability to effectively utilize multi-source intelligence information systems to gather data and make informed recommendations for developing counterspace cyber intelligence capabilities and threat assessments.
2. Advanced Analytical Principles: Expertise in advanced analytical principles, concepts, and methods to produce detailed, high-integrity analyses of complex information and situations derived from multiple sources. This includes proficiency in database manipulation.
3. Intelligence Community Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the national intelligence community, Joint, and Department of Defense (DoD) structures, organizations, missions, functions, inter-relationships, and operations. This includes the application of counterspace cyber and/or electronic warfare elements, their design, mission, and operation.
4. Research & Collection Requirements: Skill in conducting unbiased, complex research, identifying appropriate available systems and data sources, and producing collection requirement assessments that effectively address specific tasks and leverage agency capabilities to support consumers and clients.
5. Communication Skills: Exceptional written and oral communication skills are essential for working out solutions to problems, writing clear and concise intelligence products, and delivering persuasive written and/or verbal presentations to senior-level audiences for decision-making.
6. Decision-Making Under Pressure: Ability to maintain control of classified material, rapidly assimilate disparate data, render knowledgeable and accurate assessments, and make decisions, estimates, and recommendations under conditions of urgency and pressure, demonstrating mature judgment and experience. The capacity to effectively present and defend a position is also crucial.

Salary Overview

This Senior Production Manager position is compensated at the GG-13 grade level. The annual salary for this role ranges from $110,401 to $143,523. This salary range reflects the specialized expertise, leadership responsibilities, and critical nature of the intelligence work performed at the NSIC.

Benefits

As a civilian employee of the United States Space Force, you will be eligible for a comprehensive federal benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. These benefits include:

• Health Insurance: Access to Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, offering a choice of comprehensive health plans.
• Retirement Plan: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave (vacation), sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
• Life Insurance: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
• Disability Insurance: Federal Employees' Group Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and career advancement within the intelligence community.
• Relocation Assistance: Relocation expenses may be authorized for eligible candidates to support your move to the Wright-Patterson AFB area.

Application Process

To apply for this critical Senior Production Manager position, please follow these steps carefully:

1. Review the Announcement: Thoroughly read the entire Job Opportunity Announcement (JOA) to understand all requirements, qualifications, and submission guidelines.
2. Prepare Your Resume: Craft a resume that does not exceed two pages. Use a font size no smaller than 10 points. Ensure your resume is legible and free from inappropriate content, including photographs, personal information (age, gender, religion, Social Security Number), or other extraneous material. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.
3. Include Required Information: Your resume must contain: full name, complete contact information (email, mailing address, phone number), education details (institution names, dates of attendance), detailed work experience (job title, employer name/address, supervisor's name/contact, starting/ending dates, hours worked per week, salary), and any other relevant qualifications such as skills, certifications, licenses, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and job-related training.
4. Upload Documents: Upload your resume and any other required documentation (such as college transcripts, if applicable) through the USAJOBS portal. Note that uploaded documents may take up to one hour to complete the virus scan process.
5. Submit Application: Submit your complete application package via the USAJOBS website by the closing date of October 28, 2026.

Important Note: It is your responsibility to ensure that all information provided and uploaded is accurate, complete, and successfully submitted by the closing date. You can verify the status of your application and uploaded documents within your USAJOBS account.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
What is the salary range for this role?	The annual salary for this Senior Production Manager position ranges from $110,401 to $143,523.
What is the location of this position?	The position is located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
When is the application deadline?	The application deadline is October 28, 2026.
Is this a direct-hire opportunity?	Yes, this is a direct-hire opportunity, which may expedite the hiring process.
What security clearance is required?	Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance.
What does DCIPS mean?	DCIPS stands for Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel Systems. This position is governed by DCIPS regulations, which differ from the General Schedule (GS) system.
Can I apply via email?	No, applications cannot be submitted via email. All applications must be submitted through the USAJOBS portal.
Is relocation assistance available?	Relocation assistance may be authorized for eligible candidates to help with the costs associated with moving to the Wright-Patterson AFB area.
What type of work environment should I expect?	This role operates within a professional intelligence environment, requiring adherence to strict security protocols and a commitment to producing high-quality, actionable intelligence. You will be working with sensitive and classified information.

Application Tips for Success

To maximize your chances of being selected for this Senior Production Manager position, consider the following tips:

• Tailor Your Resume: Meticulously align your resume content with the 'Ideal Candidate' profile and 'Key Skills and Abilities' listed in the announcement. Use keywords from the announcement to describe your experience and accomplishments.
• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate the impact of your work. For example, 'Managed a team of 5 analysts,' or 'Improved production turnaround time by 15%.'
• Address All Requirements: Ensure your resume clearly addresses every minimum and preferred qualification mentioned. Failure to demonstrate a required qualification can lead to disqualification.
• Proofread Carefully: Before submitting, proofread your resume and any other uploaded documents for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and typos. A polished application reflects attention to detail.
• Understand DCIPS: Familiarize yourself with the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel Systems (DCIPS). While the announcement provides a link, understanding its general framework can be beneficial.
• Follow Instructions Precisely: Adhere strictly to all instructions regarding resume formatting, content, and submission methods. Non-compliance can be grounds for removal from consideration.

The Senior Production Manager role at the National Space Intelligence Center offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity for an experienced intelligence professional to make a significant contribution to U.S. national security. By leading critical intelligence production efforts and mentoring a team of analysts, you will play an integral part in safeguarding American interests in the space domain. If you are ready to take on this vital responsibility and advance your career within the United States Space Force, we encourage you to submit your application by the October 28, 2026 deadline. This is your chance to shape the future of intelligence and contribute to a mission that matters.