Job Overview

The AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate seeks to hire an enthusiastic and motivated mid-level engineer to serve as Composite and Polymer Systems process engineer in the Structural Materials Evaluation Section (RXNSR), Composite, Ceramic, Metallic and Materials Performance Division (RXN). This post closes at 1600 hours on 20 Sept 24.

Position duties include, but are not limited to:

• Responsible for providing time-urgent technical support to DAF customers, to include conducting, planning, and performing polymer matrix composite materials and processes laboratory research, investigations, and evaluations.
• Interacts with customers seeking support from the Composite and Polymer Systems Team through project planning, failure analysis, material & process characterization, technology implementation support, and end product deliverables related to urgent high-profile DAF materials and processes needs.
• Interacts with industry partners and polymer matrix composite supply chain components to leverage, develop, and transition technologies and solutions to the DAF.
• Interacts with other technical teams specializing in electrical, metals, mechanical systems, polymer matrix composites, polymer systems, chemical analysis, mechanical testing, and nondestructive characterization to accomplish rapid responsive research for and deliver solutions to demonstration and operational weapon systems.
• Performs quick reaction in-house physical and chemical characterization of materials and systems of materials used in aerospace applications, with emphasis on polymer matrix composite materials and processes.
• Maintains expertise in polymer composite fabrication, research, processing, product formulation, failure analysis, and material characterization techniques to include currency in the operation of analytical tools, lab processing, and test capability.
• Supports mishap investigations, provides expert consultation on materials and processing issues, evaluates emerging technologies, specs and standards, technical orders, and manages programs and contracts.
• Under direction from the Technical Lead and senior engineers, prepares and executes in-house analysis and test plans; generates high quality test and evaluation reports; prepares and presents briefings to all levels of management, leadership, and customers; and participates in activities supporting laboratory operations.
• Position may require periodic travel for aircraft mishap site evaluation, manufacturing process reviews, customer support, industry specifications/standards committees, and professional societies.

This position will be filled at the DR-02 (GS-12-13 equivalent) or DR-03 (GS-14 equivalent) level and is located at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio. This position may be filled as a 5-year Flexible Length Renewable Technical Term Appointment (new government hires, current government term employees, etc.) with the option to later extend or convert to a permanent appointment.

NOTE: Must use MM/DD/YYYY date format for experience entries on resume.

For resume writing tips, facts about the federal hiring process and additional resources, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include/

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.

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship
• Possess a professional science or engineering (S&E) degree, in a relevant technical field, from an accredited (or ABET accredited for engineering) academic institution; if highest earned S&E degree is a Bachelor's, the applicant must also have one year of experience at the DR-01 (GS-11 equivalent) level to be hired as a DR-02 and one year of specialized experience as a DR-02 (GS-13) to be hired as a DR-03.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• This is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position requiring Level II certification in the Science and Technology Manager (N) functional stall. Applicants must list all completed APDP certifications on resume. Selectee will have 24 months to meet the APDP certification requirements of the position.

Desired Qualifications

• Graduate degree in material, chemical, or mechanical engineering or in chemistry from an ABET accredited academic institution.
• Minimum of 2 years related experience in polymers, composites, materials characterization, processing, and/or additive polymeric materials mechanical systems failure analysis
• Expertise across a broad range of aerospace polymer matrix composite materials and processing activities, including manufacturing fabrication techniques.
• Familiarity with aerospace composite system failure analysis or non-conformance identification and corrective actions.
• Working knowledge of standard test methods for evaluating composite materials and material systems, to include hands-on expertise with test specimen fabrication and testing.
• Familiarity with fabrication and testing of adhesively bonded composite and/or metal joints.
• Familiarity with relevant characterization techniques and data interpretation to determine composite physical properties, such as optical measurements; constituent content measurement, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), and thermomechanical analyzer (TMA).
• Experience collaborating with and integrating adhesive and composites research within the acquisition and sustainment communities. Has worked with a network of adhesive and composite professionals within government, industry, and academia.
• Strong communication skills, including written technical reports and oral presentations delivered to technical and managerial audiences.
• Experience with aircraft or aircraft systems
• Experience working with technical orders, industry and/or military material and test standards, and professional composite and bonding organizations

When uploading documents, please utilize the naming convention listed below. The requisition number for this announcement is 42413:

• Resume: Req No_Last Name_First Name_Resume
• Transcript: Req No_Last Name_First Name_Transcript
• Latest SF50: Req No_Last Name_First Name_SF50
Acceptable file types: .docx, .pdf

Series

0806

1320

Other

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.