Job Overview

We will be accepting candidate submissions from 8 Oct 24 to 21 Oct 24. Include all APDP Acquisition Certification(s) in the resume. Provide transcripts with submission. If you are a current government employee, include the most recent SF 50. If transcripts and I/A most recent SF 50 are not included, candidate will not be referred. The AFRL Munitions Directorate (AFRL/RW) seeks to hire a Mid-Level Research Mechanical Engineer DR-0830-02 (GS-12/13 equivalent) in the Energetic Material Characterization Section, Eglin AFB FLA in Valparaiso, Florida.

This announcement may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur. Meeting the required qualifications is essential, and we value diverse backgrounds and experiences. Don’t think you meet every requirement for this position? Studies have shown that many talented candidates don't apply because they assume that they are not qualified and do not feel like they meet every single requirement. At AFRL, we are dedicated to building a workplace with diverse experiences, perspectives and talent that enables us to effectively accomplish and accelerate our mission. So, if you’re excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly to the duties, we strongly encourage you to apply! You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Experience in the following:

• Desired experience for this position includes technical mechanical properties experience in high strain rate testing, dynamic (tension and compression) testing as well as quasistatic (Triaxial-confined) testing; and/or S&T research experience in mechanical properties concerning energetic materials/munitions. A candidate must have experience with mechanical engineering and/or managing technical efforts related to mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science and engineering or related fields.

Position duties include but are not limited to:

• Performs research or other professional engineering and scientific work involving the design, development, commission, manufacture, operation, maintenance, and disposal of mechanical devices and systems and their equipment and/or components.
• Applies thermodynamics, mechanics, and other physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences to analyze and resolve problems concerned with production, transmission, measurement, and use of energy, especially heat and mechanical power.
• Performs analysis and uses systematic, disciplined, and quantifiable approaches to manage projects related to human performance research, education and/or consultation.
• Determines how best to accomplish mechanical engineering objectives, develops and evaluates alternatives, designs and conducts experiments, analyzes and interpret results, publishes papers and technical reports, delivers presentations of results, and monitors in-house
  activities.
• Prepares contractual documents, technical reports, and/or evaluate technical proposals if needed.
• Develops and maintains collaborations within and outside of AFRL.
• Maintains a technical and programmatic cognizance of outside technological and research projects and programs; reports status to peers and senior technical leaders as required.
• Organizes, manages and participates in workshops and technical exchange meetings as required.

The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.

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

• All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
• US Citizenship.
• Be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance,.
• This is a Not Drug Testing position.
• This has been designated as an acquisition coded position, Tier 1 - Foundational, Non-Critical in Engineering & Technology Management
• BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: You must meet the following qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement and provide documentation to support your qualifications.

To view qualifying educational requirements and specialized experience click on the following link:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=GS-PROF

AND

Click on the following links to view occupational requirements for this position:

• Engineering : https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf

Minimum Qualifications:

To qualify at the DR-2 GS-12/13 grade level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, which must include the following experience: Knowledge of standards for DoD/AF explosive safety and/or industry/DOE and/or propellant.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

• Individuals must have one year of specialized experience which includes knowledge of standards for DoD/AF explosive safety and/or industry/DOE and/or propellant. The definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11/DR/DO-02). For more information related to required qualifications for 0800 series: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf
• Must have at least one year of specialized related experience at the DR/DO-01/GS-11 or equivalent grade level.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• This position is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position requiring Level/Tier 1 (Foundational) Non-Critical certification in Engineering & Technical Management (N).
• Applicants for this position must list any acquisition certifications and status as an acquisition corps member in their resume.

When applying for vacant positions, applicants must verify that all required documents, as listed in the vacancy announcement, are complete and attached to the application prior to submitting the application package for consideration, thereby decreasing the chances of non-referral to the hiring manager for consideration.

Requisition # 66624

Desired Qualifications

Experience with the technical areas below:

• Experience related to or supporting energetics mission area concept development, science and technology, research and development, test and evaluation, program management, employment, and/or sustainment.
• At least one year of experience with primary duties in weapons/munitions science and technology, research and development, test and evaluation, program management, and/or employment, sustainment.
• Demonstrated ability leading or guiding cross-functional, multi-disciplinary teams to resolve technical or warfighter challenges.
• Experience distilling strategic and/or leadership guidance into actionable plans or courses of action.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to motivate, develop, and grow technical teams.
• Passion for developing innovative approaches and solutions.
• Ability to support and enable organization program, mission, vision, values, and promote a culture of innovation.
• Experience with facilitating and enabling internal/external collaboration and partnerships.
• Ma ster's or Doctoral Degree is desired in appropriate career field.
• Completion of Intermediate Developmental Education and/or Senior Developmental Education.
• A candidate must have experience with mechanical engineering and/or managing technical efforts related to mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science and engineering or related fields.
• A good candidate will have experience working in a branch (e.g., second-tier work center) and/or division (e.g., third-level work center) in or with a Department of the Executive Branch (e.g. DoD, DoE, OSTP, national labs, etc.). A good candidate also will have worked in a munition or explosive development- and testing-related environment.
• A strong candidate will have experience conducting research and development, and/or managing technical programs in mechanics of materials. Previous experience with these technical areas working in an R&D laboratory leading basic to advanced technology development would be ideal. A strong candidate will also have experience in high strain rate testing, dynamic (tension and compression) testing. The strong candidate will also have experience managing multi-agency collaborations and a portfolio of funding from internal and external sources to drive success and innovation in these technical areas. Experience with aligning technical development of technologies in these areas for the overall organization’s priorities would be ideal.
• An excellent candidate will have experience leading science and technology, conducting research and development and managing technical programs with energetic materials and mechanics of materials. An excellent candidate will also have experience in high strain rate testing, dynamic (tension and compression) testing as well as quasistatic (Triaxial-confined) testing. The excellent candidate will also have experience advising their senior leadership and addressing strategic technology solutions at the national/international level related to these technical areas.”

(Requisition # 66624)

Series

0830

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.