Job Overview

This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 28 February 2025.

As part of AFRL’s Directed Energy, Space Electro-Optics Division, the Starfire Optical Range is a vital resource in achieving the Department of the Air Force’s mission to operate freely in space. This world-class research facility is located on a hilltop 1,900 meters (6,240 feet) above sea level on Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. Starfire’s primary mission is to develop optical sensing, imaging, and atmospheric compensation technologies to support Space Domain Awareness missions.

This facility is the world leader of research for laser-beacon adaptive optics for military uses and civilian applications, and technologies originating here are proliferated across the world-wide astronomical community. This facility is a major component of the Air Force Research Laboratory presenting capabilities to the U.S. Space Force.

This position is focused on day and night test and experimentation activities in support of internal and external customers utilizing the Starfire Optical Range. The Test & Experimentation Lead is responsible to learn about and understand the available range assets, equipment, crew positions, and interface requirements to enable customers’ experimentation activities. This position provides exposure to state-of-the-art technologies like laser beacons, adaptive optics, telescope mount control systems, and a variety of cutting-edge scientific & technology experiments. Familiarity with the listed technologies would be a strength but is not a prerequisite for this position. Regular participation in night-time activities and test campaigns is required and is managed under a maximum-flexibility work schedule. This position also requires executing program management activities that include management of cost, schedule, & performance for existing government research and development contracts.

Starfire is a team of professional military, civil service, and contractor personnel. This position is civil service and is managed under AFRLMAN 36-104, the AFRL Lab Demo system. The selected candidate will be given an offer commensurate with their level of education and years of relevant experience. Employees are expected to contribute to Problem Solving, Communications, Technology Management, and Teamwork and Leadership, enabling whole-person individual growth while developing state-of-the-art capabilities for the Department of Defense.

Position duties include, but are not limited to:

• Leads internal and external customer system test preparation and execution
• Interfaces with external customers to provide test and experimentation support using available range assets, equipment, and crew
• Participates in night and day crew operations during system test campaigns
• Responsible for planning, organizing, and executing scientific and engineering program content within defined cost, schedule, and performance constraints
• Ensures customer technical needs are met and facilitates technology transition
• Assesses and manages risk
• Interfaces with Starfire Optical Range partners across the Air Force Research Laboratory, Department of Defense, nation, and internationally to promote knowledge sharing and technology transition activities
• New hire relocation costs or other incentives may be available and considered by the organization

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain required Top Secret security clearance
• This position has been designated as an acquisition position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). The employee must meet, or be capable of meeting Defense Acquisition Work Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.
• Bachelor or higher degree from an accredited institution, unofficial transcripts are required to verify the degree.
• This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent with be subject to random testing.
• Travel is a requirement.

Desired Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor’s Degree in a scientific or engineering field
• Experience in activities relevant to the described job duties, which could include:
• Test and experimentation
• Project or program management
• Scientific research or engineering
• Technology transition
• Advanced degree in an engineering or research discipline not required but may strengthen the application

Req No 07156

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.