He is a career acquisitions officer who has worked in special operations, global power projection, missile warning and detection, and counterspace programs.

In 2023, he was nominated and confirmed for promotion to general and appointment as vice chief of space operations .

From 1991 to 1993, he served at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, starting as an AC-130U gunship support manager at the Special Operations Program Office for two years.

[3] From 1996 to 1997, Guetlein was stationed at Hurlburt Field, Florida, first serving as an AC-130U gunship sortie generation flight commander for the 4th Aircraft Maintenance Unit for six months.

He was then assigned at the Pentagon as an intern at the Air Force headquarters, while he was studying at the George Washington University.

[3] In 1999, Guetlein moved to Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, where he was assigned until 2004.

From 1999 to 2002, he served as deputy program manager of the Space-Based Infrared System Ground Segment.

After his stint at the Pentagon, he served as commander of the Rapid Reaction Squadron at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, from 2008 to 2010.

[3] After that, Guetlein went back to Los Angeles, serving as Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow at SpaceX for a year.

[5][6] In July 2023, Guetlein was nominated for promotion to general and appointment as vice chief of space operations.