National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)

Defense and Space Manufacturing1 employeeWebsite

3

Open Roles

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is a key player in the Defense and Space Manufacturing industry. 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. The NRO currently has three open positions. These include: * **Principal Deputy Director (PDD), Advanced Systems & Technology (AS&T):** The PDD, AS&T, leads the technical and financial management of the entire NRO Technology Enterprise. The salary for this on-site position ranges from $151,662 to $209,600 USD. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, 18 years or older, and able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance. The application period for this position is open from 09 JAN 2026 through 28 JAN 2026. * **Director, Technology and Defense System Program Office:** This on-site position reports directly to the Director Survivability Assurance Office (SAO) and is responsible for leading a program office assigned to develop, demonstrate, and deploy survivability and resiliency capabilities to defend National Space Systems. The salary ranges from $169,279 - $197,200 USD. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, 18 years or older, and able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance. The application period is from January 22, 2026 to January 27, 2026. * **Contracts Specialist - Entry Level:** This is an on-site position for entry-level professionals (GG 7 - 9) at NRO Headquarters in Chantilly, VA. The salary range for this position is $57,736 - $91,815 USD. The role is part of a Developmental Program for Contracts Specialist, occupational series 1102. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance. The job postings mention a variety of skills and technologies utilized across different roles within the NRO. These include: * **Principal Deputy Director (PDD), Advanced Systems & Technology (AS&T):** Leadership, Communication, Negotiation, Resource Management, Strategic Planning, Technology Development, Program Management, Personnel Management, Interpersonal Skills, Intelligence Community Knowledge, Acquisition Experience, Budget Management, Collaboration, Problem Solving, Decision Making, Technical Expertise. * **Director, Technology and Defense System Program Office:** Leadership, Management, Acquisition, Budgetary Management, Technical Skills, Communication, Collaboration, Stakeholder Engagement, Program Management, Research and Development, Resiliency Solutions, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Engineering, Science. * **Contracts Specialist - Entry Level:** Contract Management, Negotiation, Cost Analysis, Procurement Planning, Contract Administration, Performance Monitoring, Legal Agreements, Acquisition Strategies, Statement of Work Preparation, Source Selection, Contract Modifications, Business Management, Financial Management, Marketing, Economics, Management. The Principal Deputy Director (PDD), Advanced Systems & Technology (AS&T), Director, Technology and Defense System Program Office, and Contracts Specialist - Entry Level positions are all on-site roles. Telework opportunities are not available for the Contracts Specialist position. Here are some frequently asked questions about working at the NRO and applying for these positions: 1. **What are the basic eligibility requirements for a position with the NRO?** You must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years of age or older, able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, and subject to pre-employment and periodic drug testing, as well as pre-employment and periodic polygraph examinations. 2. **Where will I work if I am selected for the Principal Deputy Director (PDD), Advanced Systems & Technology (AS&T) position?** The Principal Deputy Director (PDD), Advanced Systems & Technology (AS&T) will work on-site in Chantilly, Virginia. 3. **What is the application period for the Principal Deputy Director (PDD), Advanced Systems & Technology (AS&T) position?** The application period is open from 09 JAN 2026 through 28 JAN 2026. 4. **Is the Director, Technology and Defense System Program Office position open to the public?** Yes, this position is open to the public. 5. **Where will I work if I am selected for the Director, Technology and Defense System Program Office position?** The Director, Technology and Defense System Program Office position is located in Chantilly, VA. 6. **Can I telework in the Contracts Specialist - Entry Level position?** No, remote or telework opportunities are NOT available for the Contracts Specialist - Entry Level position. 7. **What is the salary range for the Contracts Specialist - Entry Level position?** The 2026 salary range for the Washington DC Area is GG-07: $57,736.00 - $75,059.00 and GG-09: $70,623.00 - $91,815.00