Job Overview

This job announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 04 Feb 2024. Resumes must be in DD/MMM/YYYY format.

Position duties include, but are not limited to:

• Serves as a research chemical engineer exercising technical leadership and scientific responsibility for energetic material and propellant formulation and testing to expand state-of-the-art solid rocket motor and spacecraft liquid propellant technologies.
• Conducts investigative studies in propellant development and serves as an authorative specialist in propellant formulation and mixing, ballistics, mechanical property, and hazards testing.
• Maintains awareness of the development of novel energetic materials and is actively involved in their assessment.
• Serves on DoD boards and committees, as well as authors and presents papers at professional organizations such as JANNAF.

Other Significant Facts:

• Regular travel (~10%) will be required for the position.
• Telework options may be possible.
• Relocation or other incentives may be offered for this position.

Telework

Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy

Remote Work (CONUS)

No, this position is not approved for remote work.

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Required Qualifications

• United States Citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain the required security clearance
• Must have one year of experience at the DR-01 (or equivalent) grade level
• BS, MS, or Ph.D. in chemical engineering, or related field.

Specific Roles and Responsibilities:

• The candidate will formulate propellants incorporating novel energetic materials to support the development of rocket propellants.
• The candidate will characterize and test propellants for appropriate applications.
• The candidate will work as a member of a DoD overarching team to mature new propellants and new rocket motor concepts.
• The candidate will employ new process techniques to more rapidly produce rocket motors and rocket motor components.
• The candidate will be expected to present results in the form of reports, patents, conference presentations, and/or program reviews.

Desired Qualifications

• Background in energetic materials desired.
• Expertise or experience with propellant formulation, modern mix methods, and propellant characterization and testing desired.
• This is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position requiring level 2-Foundational, Non-Critical certification in Engineering and Technical Management (N).
• The selectee will have 24 months to meet APDP requirements or a waiver must be obtained.

Competency: Energetic Materials:

• Formulates and tests propellants and employs novel processing of energetic materials.
• Involved in the synthesis and scale-up of novel energetic materials.
• Work in a team to demonstrate new rocket motor technologies in full-scale rocket motor firings.

Competency: Written communication:

• Composes and compiles information, concepts, and ideas in a clear, concise, well-organized manner.
• Authors or contribute to technical reports, proposals, briefing materials, and/or conference presentations on assigned research activities.
• Records research activities and compiles data according to scientific standards.

Competency: Oral communication:

• Presents technical briefings or conference presentations on activities related to research project(s).
• Consults with co-workers and other groups or organizations for ideas on issues/concerns to obtain diverse viewpoints and/or recommended solutions.
• Prepares and presents briefings/presentations on consultations, studies, or investigations.
• Promotes interchange of information on mission requirements, capabilities, deficiencies, and/or technology applications with peers, customers and/or other agencies.
• Share knowledge and expertise on newly developed analytical methods with others.

(Req No. 13233).

Series

0893

Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) employs approximately 11,500 military, civilian and contractor personnel, and manages a $7 billion portfolio of investments. The lab supports external customers and partners with industry while investing in basic research, applied research and advanced technology development. As one integrated lab, AFRL seamlessly supports the Science & Technology needs of two services: the Air Force and the Space Force.