Frequently Asked Questions - Hiring and Human Resources:

Where is SDA?
The SDA Headquarters is located in the Pentagon, Washington, DC. However, a majority of our work will be performed in Chantilly, VA, about 25 miles outside of Washington, DC. We also have sites in Los Angeles, CA; Huntsville, AL; Colorado Springs, CO; and Melbourne, FL.

How can I learn more about positions available?
Please visit USAJobs.gov and search ‘Space Development Agency’. Follow SDA on LinkedIn where we promote current openings. You may also submit your resume directly to SDA, here. Once you submit your resume, you’ll receive an automated response that it was received. Should your experience match an open position, SDA HR will reach out to determine further interest and set up relevant discussions.

What is involved in the application process? How long does it take?
Because SDA positions require security clearances, our hiring process can take a little longer than one might expect. Depending on a candidate’s personal circumstances, such as the frequency of residential and employment moves and overseas travel, the total process may take as little as two months or more than a year. The following steps are part of the SDA hiring process after a candidate is given a tentative offer of employment:
• Background Investigation and Adjudication
• Drug Screen

What are the eligibility requirements to work at the SDA?
All candidates looking to work at SDA must be a citizen of the United States of America, 18 years or older, and be able to obtain, and maintain a Security Clearance. SDA does not assist individuals in applying for US citizenship.

Will I need to get a security clearance?
SDA employees must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance from the DoD.

If I do not have a degree, will experience count?
The degree requirements depend on the position description. If a degree is required it will be clearly identified in the Job Opportunity Announcement under requirements. If not specified as a requirement, having an undergraduate degree is not mandatory, but may be highly desired. Relevant professional experiences are taken into consideration.

What if I used drugs or still use drugs; will this disqualify me from employment?
To be considered suitable for employment with any government agency, applicants must not have used illegal drugs or misused prescription drugs within the last 12 months. The issue of illegal drug use prior to 12 months ago is carefully evaluated during the medical and security processing. Drug abuse is one of the common reasons applicants are denied a security clearance. Many jobs within the DoD require the applicant to be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. All SDA jobs also require drug testing for safety or national security reasons.

Is the SDA an Equal Opportunity Employer?
Yes, SDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or sexual orientation. SDA supports the hiring of people with disabilities in a variety of ways to include providing Personal Assistance Services (PAS) and complying with the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (ABA).

What can I do if I feel I have been discriminated against during the hiring process?
Applicants or employees who believe they have been discriminated against on the basis of race, national origin, color, age (40 and over), religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a parent, disability, genetic information, and/or reprisal for prior participation in the EEO process can raise their concerns through DLA’s EEO Office (571-767-6777). To preserve the full range of your rights under federal law in the Federal EEO Complaint Process, you must contact an EEO counselor within 45 calendar days of the date the alleged discriminatory action(s) occurred, or when you knew or reasonably should have known of the discriminatory action(s). For more information about the Federal EEO Complaint Process, please visit the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) EEO/Diversity & Inclusion page.

How does SDA approach reasonable accommodation?

The duty to provide reasonable accommodation is a fundamental statutory requirement because of the nature of discrimination faced by individuals with disabilities. Although many individuals with disabilities can apply for and perform jobs without any reasonable accommodations, there are workplace barriers that keep others from performing jobs which they could do with some form of accommodation.

These barriers may be physical obstacles (such as inaccessible facilities or equipment), or they may be procedures or rules (such as rules concerning when work is performed, when breaks are taken, or how essential or marginal functions are performed). Reasonable Accommodation removes workplace barriers for individuals with disabilities.

If you would like more information on Reasonable Accommodation or are an employee or applicant who needs a reasonable accommodation, please visit the DLA Reasonable Accommodation page.  DLA manages the Reasonable Accommodation program for Space Development Agency.