Job Overview

This job announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 1600 hrs on 26 Dec 2024. Resumes must be in DD/MMM/YYYY format.

The AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate is actively seeking a driven Metallurgical Materials Engineer with specialized expertise in aerospace materials, physical metallurgy, and phase transformation. Join a forward-thinking, interdisciplinary team of innovators within the Metals Branch of the Composite, Ceramic, Metallic, and Materials Performance Division.

Position duties include, but are not limited to:

• Leading and collaborating on impactful research with both internal teams and external partners to develop high-performance metallic solutions for Air Force applications.
• Serve as focal point and technical lead (in-house and external) for physical metallurgy, phase transformations, and microstructural design of advanced aerospace alloys.
• Utilizing experimental techniques (synthesis, processing, testing) and computational tools (ICME, ML, etc.) to discover, optimize, and develop novel alloys, advancing the understanding of microstructure-processing-property relationships.
• Communicate significant research findings with both internal and external communities through conferences, peer-reviewed publications, workshops, and technical exchanges.
• Providing technical expertise on external contracts focused on the development, demonstration, and integration of advanced metals into Air Force systems.

This exciting opportunity will be filled at the DR-2 (GS-13 equivalent) or DR-3 (GS-14 equivalent) level, based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. This position may be filled as a 5-year Flexible Length Term Appointment (new government hires, current government term employees, etc.) with the option to later extend or convert to a permanent appointment.

AFRL/RX Video: https://www.afrl.af.mil/RX/

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.

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

Yes

Required Qualifications

• US Citizen
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• 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 the 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.
• 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 their resume.
• Selectee will have 24 months to meet the APDP certification requirements for the position.

Desired Qualifications

• Masters or PhD in Materials Science/Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or Physics
• Extensive experience in the physical metallurgy of aerospace alloy systems (e.g., Al, Ti, Ni, refractory alloys)
• In-depth knowledge of phase equilibria, phase transformations, and microstructural design for high-performance aerospace alloys
• Experience of leading teams in a research environment and interacting with customers
• Practical experience with digital tools and/or ICME methodologies for alloy discovery, optimization, and microstructural design, blending both experimental and computational approaches
• Preferred experience with cast, wrought, and powder metallurgy techniques
• Familiarity with materials characterization techniques to analyze microstructure, chemistry, and defects (e.g., microscopy, X-ray)
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with experience presenting at conferences, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and leading workshops.
• Proven ability to collaborate across disciplines and define key technical requirements for Air Force-related programs.

When uploading documents, please utilize the naming convention and requisition number listed below.
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

(Req No. 08712)

Series

0801

0806

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.