DATA & ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ADVISOR

Summary

The USSTRATCOM Data and Artificial Intelligence Advisor serves as a Highly Qualified Expert (HQE) and principal advisor to the Commander and senior leadership. The role drives the strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and emerging technologies to secure an asymmetric warfighting advantage and advance nuclear force modernization, while strictly enforcing "human-in-the-loop" nuclear command and control.

Duties

As an eminent technical authority and recognized subject matter expert, the Data and AI Advisor provides authoritative counsel to USSTRATCOM's senior leadership, including the Commander, Deputy Commander, and Chief of Staff. The primary focus of this advisory role is the strategic application of artificial intelligence, machine learning, autonomous systems, and advanced data analytics to strategic deterrence, Joint Force integration, and Nuclear Command and Control (NC2). By introducing these cutting-edge capabilities, the advisor helps preserve the President's decision space and ensures the Joint Force possesses a diverse array of options to shape critical strategic outcomes. A cornerstone of this responsibility is establishing robust AI governance to ensure that all AI-enabled systems strictly preserve the inviolable principle of keeping a human-in-the-loop for any decisions regarding nuclear employment. To build the foundation for these technologies, the advisor provides expert recommendations on data architecture, data governance, and data management strategies, enabling secure AI exploitation across all classification levels and security domains. Additionally, the advisor injects technical foresight into military planning, tactical development, and operational experimentation. This foresight is leveraged to address the Commander's five priority threat vectors, utilizing tailored AI and data capabilities to counter cyber threats, defend against adversary space capabilities, operate in contested electromagnetic spectrums, defeat novel missile systems, and secure defense supply chains against vulnerabilities.

Qualifications

Eligibility 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. Applicants must demonstrate an extensive background and proven expertise in the following areas: Deep Technical Advisory & Governance: Advanced expertise in AI, machine learning, data science, and autonomous systems, with a proven ability to apply these technologies to strategic deterrence and Nuclear Command and Control (NC2) while strictly preserving "human-in-the-loop" decision-making. Strategic Project & Portfolio Alignment: Proven track record of aligning organizational efforts with the Department of War's AI acceleration strategy, specifically guiding high-impact initiatives (such as Swarm Forge, Agent Network, and Ender's Foundry) to scale capabilities at pace. Acquisition & Bureaucratic Problem-Solving: Demonstrated capability to overcome complex institutional blockers (including legacy IT constraints, ATO bottlenecks, and contracting impediments) using agile methods and implementing Modular Open System Architectures (MOSA) at commercial velocity. Operational & Exercise Integration: Extensive experience providing expert AI and data counseling to senior leaders during high-stakes wargames, operational planning events, and crises, ensuring the meaningful incorporation of AI decision-support tools. Executive Influence & Consensus Building: Exceptional communication skills to advise Combatant Command leadership, translate highly complex technical concepts into strategic military options, and build consensus across interagency partners, industry, and National Laboratories.

Education

A bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited institution is highly desired.

How you will be evaluated

Applications will be evaluated against the position requirements. Failure to meet the position duties and qualifications will eliminate a candidate from further consideration.

Required documents

In accordance with new OPM requirements to streamline hiring, applicants are no longer required to submit length application packages. 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. A complete application includes the items specified below. If you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible. APPLICATION DOCUMENTS: Some documents may not apply to all applicants. Please carefully review for applicability. Do not combine documents. Upload documents in pdf format. 1. Resume (Required): PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER. Your resume must be 2 pages in length (or less), type written, and formatted using no smaller than 1/2-inch margins, no smaller than 10-font, and uploaded as a pdf. Do not include borders, photos, or your social security number. 2. Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50 (Required): Current/Former SES Members: Must provide SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility. Current Federal Civil Service Employees: Must provide a copy of SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting status as a current Federal Civil Service employee. 3. Statement of Service/DD-214 (As applicable): Active Duty/Retired Service Members must submit a DD-214 or statement of service printed on command letterhead and signed by the command. The statement of service must provide the branch of service, rate/rank, all dates of service, the expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). 4. Performance Appraisal (Optional): Applicants are encouraged to provide their most recent performance appraisal or equivalent performance evaluation document. 5. College transcript(s) (As applicable): Applicants must provide transcript(s) which demonstrate the acceptable combinations of education and experience as noted by OPM (if applicable). A copy is acceptable. 6. License(s) or certification(s) (As applicable): Applicants must provide copies of any licenses, certifications, or professional credentials required by the position (e.g. Bar membership, medical license, CPA certification, DAWIA certification, etc.) with their application. * Applicants are responsible for providing documentation that supports the eligibility and qualification claims made in their resume and/or assessment questionnaire. Applicants must submit the applicable documents listed here and those listed with the eligibilities selected in the announcement questionnaire with the application package. Applicants who do not provide supporting documentation that fully support their claims will not be referred to the hiring manager.

How to apply

Please follow the below instructions to submit applications. Any applications received that do not include all of the required documents or do not meet format requirements will not be forwarded for consideration. The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/27/2026. To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant. PREFERRED RESUME FORMAT: 2 pages in length (or less), type written, and formatted using no smaller than 1/2-inch margins, no smaller than 10-font, and uploaded as a pdf. (Do Not Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder) Job Information: Announcement number (MRL26-00399) and title of the position to which you are applying. Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), day and evening phone numbers (with area code) and complete e-mail address where you would like to receive correspondence regarding your application. DO NOT INCLUDE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER. Active-Duty/Retired Military: State highest rank held, date of promotion and date eligible to retire or date of retirement, (e.g., Colonel/June 2006/December 2014). NOTE: IAW 5 U.S.C. 3326, a 180-day waiver will be required for retired or retiring members of the armed forces during the period of 180 days immediately after retirement. Please note: you will be ineligible for consideration if your statement of service is not submitted with your application or it shows an expected discharge or release date greater than 120 days from the date of the submission of the certification. Education: Include the name, city, and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degree received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html Work Experience: Provide the following information for paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying: position/job title (include pay plan, series and grade or military rank), employer/company name and address, supervisor's name and contact information (indicate if we may contact), salary, and start/end ending dates (month and year). When supplying work experience, applicants should focus on recency of experience. Recruitment Panels, Executive Resources Boards, and Hiring Officials may consider experience over 10 years outdated. References: Provide the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three individuals who can comment on your qualifications for this position. Please do not list supervisors already listed above. References may be provided upon request. This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify this office. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis.

Other information

HQEs may be hired to mentor, lead, oversee, direct, manage, and or consult on DoD programs and initiatives, including high profile and fast track assignments. HQEs serve at the pleasure of the Appointing Official and may be terminated at any time. Salary: $151,662.00 - $209,600.00 per annum. Area of Consideration: Applications will be accepted from all qualified persons. Veterans' Preference: Does not apply Relocation Authorized: Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: May be offered. Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoW Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information. Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit GSA Bulletin FTR 20-04 here for additional information. Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

What to expect next

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration. To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position. If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.