Command the High Ground: Space Systems Command Is Recruiting the Next Generation of Space Force Innovators Published July 10, 2026 By Lisa Sodders Space Systems Command EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Space Systems Command is hiring. Space Systems Command (SSC) is attending hiring events across the country to do its part to meet the U.S. Space Force’s (USSF) goal of bringing in close to 6,000 new employees by this September. For the acquisition-focused Space Force command, that’s 100 new positions to be filled every month until the end of this year. The U.S. Department of War also is looking to increase the hiring of military spouses following the most recent Active Duty Spouse Survey which identified the unemployment rate for military spouses at 20 percent. SSC is committed to increasing employment of military spouses by 30 percent and reducing the amount of time it takes to hire them by 25 percent. Military spouses may be eligible for remote work, if the position qualifies, which expands hiring flexibility. Recently, Sam Look, director of Human Capital, Lt. Col. Jarvora Duncan, acting deputy director of Human Capital, and Rachel Morgan-Baladez, chief of HR Support and Personnel Programs for SSC, sat down with SSC Public Affairs, to discuss the Command’s hiring effort, and how people who are interested can apply. Q: What "only-at-SSC" opportunities or projects can civilians work on that they wouldn't find in the private sector? Morgan-Baladez: SSC civilian employees’ duties focus on the entire Department of War (DoW) warfighting mission. Often, these projects involve both local and international mission partners to complete and implement specific projects. We are not bound by private sector or publicly traded companies’ limitations, and the success of our military projects have international impacts. Additionally, one of the more poignant differences between working at SSC versus private sector is having “a seat at the table” for overall military program ownership. Q: How do civilian roles at SSC directly contribute to the national security space mission compared to traditional defense contractor roles? Morgan-Baladez: Civilian employees serve as the “buyers” or “decision-makers” with the government authority to obligate funding, direct portfolios, manage program baselines, and drive strategic integration whereas defense contractors serve as the “builders and executors” of those plans. Q: How does the USSF cultivate a unified team culture among military "Guardians" and government civilians? Morgan-Baladez: Establishing all members as Guardians from USSF’s inception emphasizes the importance of our joint roles and collaboration as equal teammates. SSC organizations include both military and civilian leadership, highlighting the importance of joint leadership mindsets and career progression for all. Additionally, the 2026 SSC Command Plan establishes a specific line of effort regarding workforce development, calling to equip our SSC warfighters to ensure all Guardians have an emphasis on developmental opportunities. Q: Can you describe how the "flat" organizational structure of the Space Force empowers civilian personnel to influence decision-making early in their careers? Morgan-Baladez: The USSF’s three-tiered command structure differs significantly from the traditional five-tiered echelon in our sister services. The decreased number of command layers increases accountability and flexibility, provides junior members access to senior leadership, and decreases approval process timelines. Flexibility is truly the differentiator. Our culture empowers collaboration and merit-based promotion which provides more opportunities and awareness early in a Guardian’s career. Q: Beyond the federal benefits package, what unique quality-of-life or career stability selling points are you emphasizing during this civilian hiring surge? Morgan-Baladez: While SSC is headquartered at Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, Calif., its footprint extends across the United States, including operating locations in Cape Canaveral and Patrick Space Force Base in Florida; Huntsville Ala.; Washington D.C.; Colorado Springs Colo.; and Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. These locations offer a unique advantage for some employees who might not want to relocate. Additionally, SSC is rapidly growing with new mission requirements and projects that will increase our workforce dramatically over the next 5 years. The opportunities for career progression and entry-level positions during this surge are only beginning as the organization continues to grow. Once on board, a civilian Guardian has the freedom to explore and pursue opportunities across a broad range of career fields. It is our job to help them identify their passion and grow into future roles. For me – I served active duty and in the Guard, and when that chapter in my life ended, coming back on board as a civilian employee was a way for me to continue to serve my country, just in a different capacity. Duncan: What makes this a unique and exciting experience is that the Space Force is still very young, so there’s lots of unknowns – being able to work for this new service under the Department of War is pretty awesome. Look: We are empowered to shape new policies and processes for the future of the country, in an environment with untapped opportunities to directly influence the evolution of modern conflict and national defense. In many ways, it’s like being part of a start-up, but we already have a foundation and legs. Q: Is this surge heavily focused on senior or mid-career professionals, or are there significant entry-level tracks for recent college graduates? Morgan-Baladez: SSC is focused on hiring employees at all levels in their professional career. Hiring interns and junior-level positions allows a unique experience for recent college graduates to gain exposure and valuable experience. Hiring mid- and high-level employees allows those unfamiliar with SSC to offer an outside perspective and perhaps to bring private sector experience on processes and projects to expand SSC portfolios. Q: What are the primary occupational series or technical disciplines (e.g., software engineering, acquisition management, cyber defense, AI specialists) driving this hiring surge? Morgan-Baladez: With the rapid growth occurring within SSC, we are recruiting for all occupational series at all levels. This includes Human Resources, Project and Program Management, Logistics, Financial Management, Cyber, Fire Fighters, and Base Security, to name just a few. It takes personnel from all walks of life to support the Space Force! Q: With the Department of the Air Force's recent push to bolster its AI workforce, how is SSC tailoring its technical recruitment to attract cutting-edge data and tech talent? Look: We are using AI to help us shape a recruiting strategy at the right schools and to help us identify talent for positions to include both location preferences and talent needs. Additionally, we are working hand in hand with our cyber FlDCOM Functional Manager to ensure increased intern opportunities and improve developmental pathways of this critical community.. Q: How is SSC recruiting for positions at key geographic hubs like Los Angeles, CA, Patrick SFB, FL, and Colorado? Morgan-Baladez: SSC is attending a wide variety of public and private sector career fairs and recruiting events across the country. We have partnered with the USSF’s Civilian Talent Management Office (CTMO) for an open/recurring job announcement board where applicants can upload their resume with desired location and career field indicated. This allows hiring managers to access near real-time applications and hire employees using Direct Hire Authority (DHA) without waiting for a specific job announcement to post. SSC also is collaborating with NobleReach, an organization that targets more than 450 colleges and universities to increase engagement with upcoming and recent graduates regarding federal employment. Q: Civilians traditionally make up about one-third of the Space Force's total workforce. How does this hiring surge shift or strengthen that ratio as the USSF continues to grow? Morgan-Baladez: This hiring surge will strengthen the civilian-to-military ratio within SSC and will strengthen ongoing collaborative partnerships between all Guardians. Increases to personnel numbers will allow SSC to continue to meet mission requirements and will allow for the execution of additional projects to strengthen national defense/security. That said, the Space Force is growing in all aspects of its force, so we do not anticipate the ratio shifting significantly. Q: How does SSC's "Year of Readiness" initiative translate to civilian personnel, and how are you ensuring civilian staff are operationally prepared for a contested space environment? Morgan-Baladez: Readiness is a mindset and that mindset is incumbent for all Guardians. We ensure civilians are operationally prepared by providing training opportunities and providing real world scenarios to practice accountability efforts. Training platforms are continuously reviewed for applicability to all Guardians and are adjusted as needed. Joint courses are being developed, and Guardians are offered opportunities to attend these updated courses, encouraging teamwork, career development, and real-world impacts. SSC has established Field Command (FLDCOM) Functional Managers (FFMs) and we work directly with Space Force and Air Force Higher Headquarters to assist with streamlining and advertisement for career development opportunities within each career field. Q: How can people apply if they’re interested? Morgan-Baladez: Those interested in a career with Space Systems Command may access our hiring QR code (below) to submit their resume. We manage a resume repository where hiring managers use a PII-protected platform to view resumes and select potential candidates. By using our direct-hire authority, we have the ability to fill roles quickly without the often lengthy process of producing complex job advertisements for every open position. Our objective is to identify the right talent at the right place at the right time, which is right now. United States Space Force Space Systems Command Recruitment