Sensing Autonomy Technical Area Lead

Job Overview

The Multi-Domain Sensing Autonomy Divison (AFRL/RYA), Sensors Directorate seeks to hire a Senior -level Sensing Autonomy Technical Area Lead, DR-04 in Dayton, OH. 

This position is only open to current AFRL Civilian Employees. 

This job announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 2 July 2025. 

The salary range for this position including Dayton, OH locality is DR-04, $131,556 - $162,672.

Your application WILL NOT be considered if all required documents are not submitted. See list of required documents at the bottom of the announcement.

This position is open to candidates currently at the DR-03 (or equivalent grade) level eligible for promotion and/or current DR-04 (or equivalent grade) level candidates for reassignment.

This position serves as the non-supervisory team lead and principal directorate authority for the Sensing Autonomy technology area portfolio:

• Be responsible and accountable for planning and execution oversight of a basic and applied research portfolio pursuing high-priority research aligned to directorate strategic direction, supported by matrixed IPT members 
• Ensure that the investment of people, dollars, and facilities by the directorate into the assigned portfolio produces a technically solid portfolio of work supporting future Department of the Air Force capability needs
• Collaborate across Sensors Directorate technical and capability portfolios and personnel to identify/execute optimal tradespace solutions and align future technology needs with future capability objectives. 
• Lead stakeholder engagement as applied to assigned portfolio including collaborative research organizations
• Synthesize intelligence reporting as it applies to assigned portfolio to identify gaps and opportunities, adjusts portfolio as appropriate to respond
• Direct development of projects in the 6.1 and above funding areas (to include external processes such as AFOSR, SBIR, etc) to meet portfolio objectives
• Provide performance and contribution feedback of IPT team members to the appropriate supervisor
• Manage technology transition plans and agreements that transition technologies from assigned portfolio
• Review scientific quality and progress in addition to execution of portfolio projects, assess impact of cost/schedule/performance, and adjust portfolio as required
• Be responsible and accountable for performing technology horizon scanning and technology-based assessments to derive internal technology area research priorities
• Capture market research, threat data, and other supporting information in a knowledge repository for all team members
• Utilize digital business and engineering tools/processes to perform duties as directed by both policy and best practice
• Expected deliverables include but are not limited to portfolio roadmaps, project proposals, technology based assessments, stakeholder engagement strategies, brain books, and fiscal year execution plans.

Reports to the AFRL/RYA Division Chief with support to the AFRL/RY Chief Scientist.

At the discretion of the Director, RY, a military member may be utilized to fill this position in lieu of a civilian hire. 

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

• United States Citizenship
• Must be eligible for an approved Science and Engineering Career Field Series
• Must be able to obtain/maintain a Top Secret clearance with access to SCI and SAP clearance as condition of employment 
• Ability to perform TDY travel approximately 25% time
• This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent will be subject to random testing.
• Technical expertise in military Sensing Autonomy technology development, maturation, and/or production
• Experience in coordination of classified projects and facilities
• Demonstrated experience leading matrixed teams or Integrated Product Teams (IPT's)
• Excellent verbal, oral, and written communication skills for technical and senior leader audiences

This position is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position requiring Level/Tier 2 (Practitioner) Non-Critical certification in Engineering and Technical Management (N); experience is 4 years; and the selectee will have 60-months to meet APDP requirements or a waiver must be obtained.  *Applicants must list all completed APDP certifications in their resume.

Position is eligible for situational telework and will require routine mission travel, regular classified engagements, and in-person meetings that cannot always be scheduled around a regular/recurring telework schedule. Employee must live within the commuting area of Wright-Patterson AFB.  

Applicants must have least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade DR‐03, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience include the ability to interpret, select, and apply a variety of scientific and/or engineering principles and guidelines. Analyze, investigate, and delineate specifics of the problem encountered and devises ways to meeting technical requirements and develop technical programs to accomplish objectives.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with Top Secret/SCI and Special Access Programs
• Experience collaborating with Department of Air Force Sensing Autonomy technology stakeholders such as program offices, higher headquarters policy departments, other DoD offices, and related commercial industry partners
• Understanding of Model Based Systems Engineering principles
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, build consensus, and resolve conflicts/problems across a collaborative community
• Ability to deal with complex, non-standard situations and environments
• Experience developing partnerships with external sponsors of technology development such as DARPA  
• Knowledge of Department of Air Force technology transition stakeholders including Air Force Research Laboratory, Headquarters organizations, and Major Commands
• Ability to identify process improvement opportunities, define solutions, and iterate towards increased mission effectiveness

When uploading documents please utilize the naming convention listed below. The Requisition Number is located at the bottom of the announcement.

• Resume (PDF): Req No_20599_Last Name_First Name_Resume
• Transcript: Req No_20599_Last Name_First Name_Transcript* (*If uploading multiple transcripts, naming convention should include "Transcript BS" or "Transcript MA" as applicable)
• SF-50: Req No_20599_Last Name_First Name_SF-50 

Required documents include:

• Federal resume with relevant start and end dates in MM/DD/YY, per experience.
• Unofficial Transcripts Required
• Most recent SF-50 for current federal employees; redact all PII
• Requisition Number: 20599

Series

0801

0830

0854

0855

0861

1310

1515

1520

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1530

1550