About this role
Job SummaryThe Director of Engineering (DOE) serves as the senior engineering authority and executive leader for the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO). In this capacity, the DOE provides technical guidance across the Department of War (DoW) and to International Partners, while serving as the primary civilian executive advisor to the Program Executive Officer (PEO) on all aerospace weapon system matters.
QualificationsEligibility will be based upon a clear showing the applicant has training, education, and experience of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry-out the duties of the position. Candidates must exemplify the corporate perspective, leadership vision, broad experience and character needed in the SES corps not only to satisfy the immediate vacancy, but future vacancies which will occur in a variety of organizations, functions and locations. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. In accordance with new OPM requirements to streamline Senior Executive Service (SES) hiring, applicants are no longer required to submit lengthy narrative essays, including those for Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or Mandatory Technical Qualifications (TQs), when applying. Instead, the initial application will be resume-only, capped at two pages. This change streamlines the application process and more closely aligns with private industry practices. Applicants identified for potential selection will have their ECQs assessed by undergoing a structured interview with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB). To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume (not to exceed 2 pages). Resumes over the 2-page limit will 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 the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position. TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that satisfy the technical qualifications. TQ1. Demonstrated expert-level leadership and comprehensive mastery of systems engineering principles, practices, and methodologies, crucial for overseeing the entire engineering lifecycle of the F-35 program for all variants. Proven track record of successfully leading and managing large-scale, multi-faceted systems engineering organizations, including direct responsibility for requirements management, architecture definition, interface control, verification and validation strategies, configuration control, and risk mitigation. TQ2. Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and motivate diverse, high-performing engineering teams, resolve complex technical conflicts, and foster seamless integration across the Navy, Marines, and international partners to achieve program objectives. EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): All new appointees to the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the five mandatory ECQs: ECQ 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. ECQ 2. Driving Efficiency: Demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. ECQ 3. Merit and Competence: Demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. ECQ 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. ECQ 5. Achieving Results: Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. Please note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program, or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you must attach proof (e.g., SF-50 or Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.
Major DutiesThe Director of Engineering (DOE) serves as the primary engineering management authority for the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO), overseeing the entire lifecycle-development, acquisition, and sustainment-of the aeronautical weapon system while leading a workforce of over 800 personnel and advising senior Department of War (DoW) leadership. The DOE functions as the recognized authority for aeronautical weapon system engineering, managing technology investments and complex systems integration for the F-35 program. This role is responsible for providing high-level technical advice to the DoW, USAF, USN, and International Participants, ensuring that all engineering efforts align with mission requirements and executive policies. By exercising full authority over engineering decisions, the DOE establishes project schedules, evaluates technical risks, and approves the implementation of state-of-the-art technology to overcome unforeseen development or sustainment challenges. Central to this mission is the integration of diverse subsystems-including propulsion, avionics, airframe design, and mission systems-into a unified, effective weapon system that meets military requirements. The DOE develops engineering philosophies to optimize subsystem compatibility while balancing cost, schedule, and performance constraints. This executive leadership extends to maintaining critical contacts across the DoW, Department of the Air Force, Department of the Navy, and international industry partners to ensure that engineering decisions remain accurate and technically sound. As the senior civilian executive advisor to the Program Executive Officer (PEO), the DOE plays a vital role in formulating long-range program objectives and defining mission requirements. The individual represents the PEO at the highest levels of government, including Congressional committees and inter-agency panels, to justify program progress or secure approval for revisions. Furthermore, the DOE manages a significant workforce, directly supervising senior GS-15/O-6 level personnel and providing direction to approximately 800 personnel across various field organizations, while continuously seeking to streamline operations and improve system effectiveness.