This is a non-status, non-permanent Personal Service Contract (PSC) position. You do not acquire competitive or excepted service status from this position. You are encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application package. Your application may not get full consideration if you do not follow the instructions as outlined.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
U.S. Citizenship is required.
Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Obtain/maintain eligibility to access Sensitive Compartmented Information.
Requires a valid FAA Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating to legally operate and oversee UAS activities.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Travel, domestic and international, required - 25%.
TELEWORK
Position is telework eligible, but must be approved at manage.
Job Responsibilities
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
This position is located in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Countermeasures Directorate, Office of Security Technology, Security Systems Integration Division (DS/ST/SSI).
You will serve as a Technical Security Specialist providing Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) training development, delivery and operational support for the DS C-UAS program.
Conducts comprehensive technical, operational and regulatory analyses to support program strategy and ensure alignment with DS, FAA, and ICAO UAS/C-UAS integration initiatives.
Develops technical reports, compliance assessments, and operational analyses to support program decision-making and strategic planning. Monitors regulatory developments and emerging legal frameworks affecting UAS/C-UAS operations.
Implements quality control practices and procedures for monitoring system productivity, reliability and customer responsiveness. Provides technical guidance on system design, installation standards and integration methodologies to ensure compliance.
Develops technical documentation, user guides, and training materials to support technology implementation and sustainment. Develops and maintains guides, templates, checklists, training materials and other resources that promote quality control and operational consistency. Oversees operational risk management protocols and ensures compliance.
Serves as spokesperson at meetings and briefings with federal agencies on technical security project management activities and strategies. Coordinates with stakeholders to advance technology development and represents DS technical interests.
Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement.
Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service which provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
Experience applying federal aviation law, airspace management and flight authorization processes to the administration of an unmanned systems program AND
Experience conducting technical feasibility assessments, operational suitability analyses, and risk evaluations for technology acquisitions plus at least 1 of the following:
Experience administering a federal budget or acquisition program in support of a security program OR
Experience conveying technical information to a variety of stakeholders.
In addition, you must upload sufficient supporting documentation verifying your possession of the applicable FAA pilot certification.
There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for the GS-13 position.
HOW TO APPLY:
Submit a detailed resume. Applications must be received electronically by 11:59 pm on the closing date of this announcement, November 2 , 2026.
Your resume or application must clearly reflect the requirements of this position. If your resume does not meet these requirements, your application may not be considered. Resume limited to two pages showing relevant work/volunteer experience, education and training. Include the start and end dates (from month/year to month/year) and the number of hours per week worked/volunteered.
Upload a copy of your valid FAA Remote Pilot Certificate applicable to this position. .
Resumes longer than two pages will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered further.
Applications which are incomplete, not received by the deadline stated above will not be considered. All materials submitted will become property of the Department of State.
For any questions, please contact DS HRM at DSPSC@state.gov.
As the law enforcement and security arm of the U.S. Department of State, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) is responsible for leading worldwide security and law enforcement efforts to advance U.S. foreign policy and safeguard national security interests. DS fulfills its mission through the hard work of its committed and highly trained security professionals-special agents, engineers, technical specialists, diplomatic couriers, Civil Service specialists, and contractors-who work together to ensure that their State Department colleagues can carry out their foreign policy missions safely and securely.
AGENCY BENEFITS:
Personal Service Contracts are eligible to participate in the PSC Health Insurance Reimbursement Program which allows for a contribution of 72 percent against the contractor’s health insurance premium costs toward either an individual or family policy, provided that such costs may not exceed the maximum U.S. Government contribution for personnel as announced annually by the Office of Personnel Management. Supplemental insurance, such as dental and vision, is not eligible for this reimbursement under this program. The Department’s PSC Life Insurance Reimbursement Program allows for PSC’s to be provided a contribution of 50 percent against the actual costs of an individual annual life insurance policy not to exceed $500.00 per year.
Personal Service Contractors entering on duty with prior qualifying service, as defined by OPM, may have their service computation dates updated to credit their years of applicable prior service for higher annual leave accrual rates. PSC leave accrual rates are explained in 3 FAM 9116.1
Benefits for PSC’s in the Department of State are outlined in 3 FAM 9116.
OTHER INFORMATION:
For reasonable accommodation at the U.S. Department of State, pleasecontact the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations at (202) 663-3474 or OAA@state.gov.
If eligible, telework agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
Skills
Knowledge of federal aviation law, airspace management and flight authorization processes.
Ability to assess and evaluate emerging unmanned systems technologies.
Skill in the administration of budget or procurement activities in support of security programs.
Ability to conduct research, analyze, evaluate and make effective recommendations.
Ability to communicate complex data in a concise and organized manner.
Skills
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)unmatched
Security Clearanceunmatched
Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)unmatched
Top Secret Clearanceunmatched
United States Citizenunmatched
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)unmatched
Willing to Travelunmatched
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