Aerospace Engineer

This job announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 2 Oct 2024. Resumes must be in DD/MMM/YYYY format.

The Air Force Research Laboratory’s (at Edwards AFB, CA) Engines Branch, seeks an interdisciplinary mid-career professional to be a Project Manager focusing on Rocket system Research and Development efforts. These efforts encompass Responsive Space, Rocket based Global Logistics (Rocket based Point to Point transport), rocket propulsion testing and other related efforts. 

Job Overview: 

The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Engines Branch (AFRL/RQRE) seeks a highly motivated and experienced mid-career professional to lead efforts to develop the DOD’s implementation of the Responsive Space and Rocket Cargo rocket propulsion areas. Primary focus will be leading and supporting test campaigns, customer interaction, technology development, and program oversight.   

Position duties include, but are not limited to: 

• Assists in conceiving, structuring, advocating, planning, managing and leading major R&D programs designed to advance responsive space access and rocket cargo. Developing program schedules, structuring technical merit and reasoning, analyzing cost and developing technical plans to test and transition ideas, and performing all steps to mature needed technologies to a TRL of 6 or higher. 
• Required to regularly interact with customers/programs on a daily basis. Specifically, working toward tangible products that impact overall efforts, contracts, test campaigns, etc. These products may entail specific rocket vehicle, propulsion system, or subsystem component. 
• Interact with scientist, engineers, and program managers within AFRL and external organizations, to understand and develop technology relevant to responsive space access and point to point-to-point space transport. In those frequent interactions with AFRL scientists, engineers, and program managers, the candidate seeks to understand and develop technology relevant to rocket propulsion research thrusts. These may include all manner of rocket related systems, of particular application to National Security Space Launch, Responsive Space Access and/or Global Rocket Cargo (aka rocket point-to-point) mission areas. 
• Assist in business development, and strategic outreach to carry out the Division's mission with respect to propulsion S&T for Rocket related systems, vehicles, and components. 
• Engaging with external agencies, encompassing both industry and Government to further Technology transition in acquisition, RDT&E efforts within the USAF and USSF rocket propulsion areas 
• Identifies targets of opportunity to leverage existing contracted efforts, in house research activities, and other resources existing in the DoD and AFRL to bring better products to customers. 
• Review results of current research and exploratory development projects to ensure satisfactory progress. Conducts extensive literature reviews and evaluates current technology, processes, and opportunities. 
• Review results of current research and exploratory development projects to ensure satisfactory progress towards defined goal, to help enable the transition of technology of the USAF, USSF, and DoD. 
• Assist others to conceive and implement agreements with other government agencies, universities and industry. Assist others to conceive and implement agreements with other government agencies, universities and industry. Special priority will be placed on customer agencies to facilitate transition of Space Access propulsion technology to the warfighter. 
• Prepares and aids others with technical reports, briefings, proposals, journal articles, conference sessions and symposia presentations. With applicant likely to lead committees, create bullet point papers, senior leader briefings, or classified documentation. Similarly will conceive, develop, and hold special sessions within various forums (conferences, symposia, special meetings, etc.) to advocate, educate and transition the technical efforts within the AFRL. 
• Responsible for test teams performing relevant hot-fire and flight test campaigns. 
• Responsibilities span from minor acquisitions of components, procedure development, to full oversight of test the event and all steps in between. It uses commercial and government engineering tools used in the design, test and analysis of responsive space access and point-to-point space transport research elements. 
• Promotes a culture where intellectual Property (IP) is developed, documented, protected and encouraged. Inherent in the technical publication review process is a thorough screening for potential IP. Scientific/engineering knowledge will be utilized to effectively assist in IP transfer, transition or commercialization. 

Other Significant Facts: 

• Regular travel (~15-30%) will be required for the position. 
• Telework options may be available
• Relocation or other incentives may be offered for this position.

• United States Citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain the required security clearance
• Applicant must have one year of experience at the DR-01 (GS-11 equivalent) level to be hired as a DR-02 or 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. Selectee will have 24 months to meet the APDP certification requirements for the position.

• Independent and proactive. Willingness to tackle issues across a wide spectrum beyond initial tasking. 
• Product focused. Self-driving toward overarching strategic goals laid out. 
• Superior oral and written communication skills. Ability to be concise or digest complex subjects and convey to leadership or 
• Strong analytical / problem solving skills including the ability to manage/direct complex projects. 
• The ability to work with a diverse group of stakeholders to solve problems and achieve shared objectives. 
• Knowledge or experience with rocket propulsion or space access is desired but not required. 
• TS Security Clearance preferred.

(Req# 86053)