Job Overview

This job announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 07 Nov 2024. The Satellite Assessment Center (SatAC) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced mid-to-senior level professional to serve as our Technical Advisor (TA).

The SatAC TA will track and assess branch technical objectives, maintain knowledge of customer requirements, identify technology gaps, maintain awareness of emerging technologies relevant to Space Domain Awareness (SDA), and work closely with the branch leadership to map future technical milestones to the Electro-Optics Division Strategic Plan. They advise the branch chief and program managers on research goals and priorities and drive the technical direction of the branch. They are accountable for excellence in the science and technology that is developed within the branch.

Position duties include, but are not limited to:

• Creating and convening multifunction teams to develop and evolve modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) capabilities relevant to Directed Energy systems
• Mentoring junior scientists and engineers
• Providing guidance to align branch technical efforts with operational objectives
• Ensuring quality of technical reports, briefings, conference presentations, and refereed publications
• Convenes technical reviews of programs, offers recommendations for improvement, provides input for test reports, and updates experimental/developmental milestones
• Collaborates with scientists and engineers across the directorate and AFRL on major projects associated with material composition of current and future satellites
• Advocates at all levels for funding to support in-house research and development
• Develops branch strategic plan that is consistent with the DEEOSS Core Technical Competency (CTC) leads strategic plan, and proposes PCCs to the CTC lead.
• Briefs internal and external management, including the Chief Scientist or Director as requested, and presents programming and technical results to internal and external customers
• Maintains cognizance of the current state-of-the-art technologies and tools relevant to the branch mission
• Interfaces with other branch TAs and Principal Investigators to deconflict technical approaches and create integrated Division technology road-maps

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
• Advanced Degree in a relevant science or engineering field from an accredited academic institution. For example, but not limited to, Astrophysics, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or Physics.
• Possess a minimum of 5 yrs of specialized experience in this or a comparable field.
• Experience working with/within the Department of Defense research community.
• Strong and effective communication skills, critical thinking skills, practical problem-solving, and team-building skills.
• The ability to recognize significant research opportunities and engage multiple parties in exploring these opportunities.
• Enthusiasm to embrace new missions, improve processes and self-educate.
• Ability to coach and mentor early-career personnel.
• Applicants must currently hold, or have the ability to obtain a DOD TS/SCI clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• A PhD in a relevant science or engineering field would be a plus!
• Top Secret Clearance.
• Experience working with the Air Force Research Labs.
• Experience in the space domain awareness enterprise, including research, development, acquisition, or operations.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary programs and leading teams of researchers with diverse expertise.
• Experience with the basic principles of optics, directed energy, software development, and spacecraft design.
• The ability to promote and maintain productive relationships across directorates, with other laboratories, and with personnel from external entities.
• Experience of writing grant proposals

(Requisition No. 02255)

Additional Information

Our branch is located at Kirtland AFB, at Starfire Optical Range, where we are able to equip, inform, and improve Space Superiority research and development. If you want to work with a high-performing, high-tempo, close-knit team, co-located with the 2nd largest DoD telescope, then this job might be for you!

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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.