Optical Systems Operator and Engineer

This job announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 01 July 2025.

As part of AFRL’s Directed Energy Directorate, Space Electro-Optics Division, the Starfire Optical Range (SOR) is a vital resource in achieving the U. S. Space 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. SOR’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 at SOR are regularly proliferated across the world-wide astronomical community. It is a major component of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s support to the U.S. Space Force.

SOR is an integrated team of professional military, civil service, and contractor personnel. The nature of the work necessitates willingness to learn and adapt in order to develop and operate cutting-edge technologies. New employees are onboarded in technical areas that are within their ability to learn and understand, and in line with mission needs. New employees are expected to actively shadow and learn from more senior government personnel until they gain the necessary knowledge to independently contribute to mission needs. In line with the AFRL Lab Demo personnel management system (ref. AFRLMAN 36-104), new employees are expected to contribute across four categories - Problem Solving, Communications, Technology Management, and Teamwork and Leadership - enabling whole-person individual growth while executing duties to develop state-of-the-art capabilities for the Department of Defense. Employees participate in a maximum flexibility timecard schedule and are compensated an additional 10% pay for every hour worked during night shift.

Position duties include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as operator during night-time crewed operations for state-of-the-art ground-based Space Domain Awareness system comprised of 3.5m, 1.5m, and 1.0m optical telescopes
• Operate advanced optical systems to enable ground-based collections on space objects
• Write operational test summaries, document experimental findings, and track system reliability
• Use judgement and ingenuity during crewed operations to analyze system shortfalls
• Coordinate with dedicated engineering staff and implement the development and transition/transfer of complex technology solutions into the operational system

During operations downtime, this position requires one of two daytime focuses:

Engineering Focus

• Apply scientific and engineering expertise to develop, integrate, and transition novel system capabilities into the operational contingent
• Execute advanced technology projects and interface with program management staff to meet cost, schedule, and performance requirements
• Brief internal and external management and present programming and technical results to internal and external customers

Project Management Focus

• Lead technology partners in highly complex technical areas to develop strategies for operational system improvements
• Monitor evolution of cost, schedule, and resource risk; anticipate changes in resource requirements, and develop and advocate for solutions
• Exploit external technologies to enhance operational system performance
• Discover funding opportunities, manages funds, serve as a Contracting Officer Representative, and lead source selection teams
• Brief leadership and stakeholders, and lead interactions with partner countries and U.S. Government agencies to leverage mutual technologies

• Relocation costs or other incentives may be available and considered by the organization.

• This position can be staffed at the grades of DR-I, DR-II, and DR-III depending on the best applicants’ academic backgrounds and years of relevant experience, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Relevant disciplines include but are not limited to optics, optical sensors, scientific data processing, electrical control systems, telescope systems, lasers, electrical engineering, physics, computer engineering, mathematics, and mechanical engineering.

• US Citizenship is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
• 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 will be subject to random testing.
• Certifications: not required but will be considered if applicable.
• Licenses: N/A
• Travel: required but may likely be infrequent.

• Degree Type – Computer Engineering/Electrical Engineering/Engineering Physics/Physics/Computer Science/Mathematics or other relevant degree
• Experience – 1+ year of specialized experience or graduate level education
• Experience in activities relevant to the described job duties, which could include but are not limited to:
  • Telescope control and operations
  • Test and experimentation
  • Scientific research or engineering
  • Technology transitions
  • Project or program management
  • Employment in test organizations
  • Software and/or electronic hardware engineering
  • Scientific data analysis
• Advanced degrees in engineering, research, or computer disciplines not required but may strengthen the application.
• Other – Work/school/hobby projects with relevant systems
• Current security clearance granted by a U.S. department or agency

(Requisition No. 60517)