Job Overview

This job announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11 Feb 2025.

AFRL/RDS, Space Electro-Optics division seeks to hire a senior-level, DR-04 Chief Engineer in Kirtland AFB, NM.

• Position duties include, but are not limited to:
• Establishes, enforces, assesses, and revises system engineering processes and practices for all Space EO Division programs.
• Applies in-depth space systems and DAF acquisition management knowledge to position AFRL to provide near and far term space domain awareness transition and support to operational users.
• Guides program managers and division researchers in defining technical goals and exploring feasibility of research to USSF and DoD space partner technology needs.
• Specifically initiates, directs, assesses, and documents component, sub-system, and system-level technology maturation efforts for active tracking, adaptive optics, and quantum communication/PNT programs. Ensures that AFRL/RDS R&D efforts are aligned with customer and program requirements.
• Chairs Division resource and configuration management forums and strives for and enforces common division-wide resource strategies and innovative methods to lower overall support costs at Maui, the Starfire Optical Range, and the Satellite Assessment Center.
• Advises AFRL management on technical progress, briefs major organization heads, and presents programming and technical results to external customer agencies.

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

• 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 hold a DoD TS/SCI clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant science or engineering field
• 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 or optics, directed energy, software development, quantum mechanics, and spacecraft design.
• The ability to promote and maintain productive relationships across directorates, with other laboratories, and with personnel from external entities.

Req No. 65071

Series

0801

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.