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Chief Architect - Senior Level
National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 11 Jun 2026
💰 $197,200/yr($148,275/yr – $197,200/yr)
About the role
WE ARE THE NRO
For 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 The NRO
As the Chief Architect reporting directly to the COMM Front Office, you'll serve as the principal authority for enterprise IT architecture across all COMM activities, responsible for establishing and maintaining the strategic vision and technical framework that governs how COMM's IT infrastructure, systems, and services are designed, integrated, and evolved to support mission objectives. You'll work alongside dedicated professionals across all COMM Groups and Offices operating worldwide, providing technical leadership and strategic guidance that shapes the future of NRO's communications infrastructure.
This leadership position oversees 100+ civilian and contractor personnel in the delivery of telecommunications, computer system, operations, and Information Technology (IT) maintenance. The position is responsible for ensuring alignment and integration of divisional priorities and initiatives with NRO HQ, the Communications System Directorate, and mission partners. The position serves as a member of the senior leadership team as the ADF-E COMM Division Chief. This supervisory position will lead the workforce through significant cultural and environmental change, IT modernization, and continued mission growth.
The NRO Cadre is collecting resumes for consideration against current and future opportunities for senior level (GG-14 to GG-15), supervisory IT Specialists, occupational series 2210. For more information on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) occupational series, click here.
Your resume may be considered for other positions which your skills and experience may be a good match.
This is a full-time position that is open from June 11, 2026 to June 25, 2026. Resumes must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on June 25, 2026.
Who May Apply
For 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 The NRO
- You must be a U.S. Citizen
- 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
As the Chief Architect reporting directly to the COMM Front Office, you'll serve as the principal authority for enterprise IT architecture across all COMM activities, responsible for establishing and maintaining the strategic vision and technical framework that governs how COMM's IT infrastructure, systems, and services are designed, integrated, and evolved to support mission objectives. You'll work alongside dedicated professionals across all COMM Groups and Offices operating worldwide, providing technical leadership and strategic guidance that shapes the future of NRO's communications infrastructure.
This leadership position oversees 100+ civilian and contractor personnel in the delivery of telecommunications, computer system, operations, and Information Technology (IT) maintenance. The position is responsible for ensuring alignment and integration of divisional priorities and initiatives with NRO HQ, the Communications System Directorate, and mission partners. The position serves as a member of the senior leadership team as the ADF-E COMM Division Chief. This supervisory position will lead the workforce through significant cultural and environmental change, IT modernization, and continued mission growth.
The NRO Cadre is collecting resumes for consideration against current and future opportunities for senior level (GG-14 to GG-15), supervisory IT Specialists, occupational series 2210. For more information on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) occupational series, click here.
Your resume may be considered for other positions which your skills and experience may be a good match.
This is a full-time position that is open from June 11, 2026 to June 25, 2026. Resumes must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on June 25, 2026.
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 per IAW DoWI 1400.25 Volume 2006.
- The NRO is only accepting external applicants for this job announcement. Current NRO Cadre employees should apply internally.
- This position may not qualify for the appointment of a reemployed federal annuitant IAW DoWI 1400.25 Volume 300.
- Partner with C/TD to establish and maintain enterprise IT architecture strategy, including principles, standards, policies, and 10-year roadmap using UAF framework, aligned with COMM mission and DoW/IC mandates
- Provide senior technical leadership to COMM leadership on architecture decisions and technology investments; chair Technology Review Forum for IT change management governance across all Groups/Offices
- Design enterprise integration frameworks and architect technical solutions including cloud-native/hybrid environments, digital engineering platforms, and AI/ML foundations; evaluate and recommend enterprise technologies
- Co-chair NRO Standards Management Group and represent NRO on Joint Enterprise Steering Committee, ensuring review and promotion of emerging commercial and government standards
- Lead enterprise-wide architecture governance, bui
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