AFRL/RWTSO Section Chief - DR-0801/0830/0855/1310 (GS-14 Equivalent)

Valparaiso, FL The AFRL Munitions Directorate (AFRL/RW) seeks to hire a Mid-Level multidisciplinary engineer DR-0801-0806/0855/1310 Scientist (GS-14 equivalent) as the Section Chief, Optoelectronics and Photonics Section DR-03: $101,420 - $143,324
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Job Overview

The AFRL Munitions Directorate (AFRL/RW) seeks to hire a Mid-Level multidisciplinary engineer, DR-0801/0806/0855/1310 Scientist (GS-14 equivalent), as the Section Chief, Optoelectronics and Photonics Section Eglin AFB in Valparaiso, Florida. AFRL/RWTSO will be accepting candidate submissions from 25 Jul 2024 to 8 Aug 2024. 
 
Include all APDP Acquisition Certification(s) in the resume.  Provide transcripts with submission. If you are a current government employee, include the most recent SF 50. If transcripts and I/A most recent SF 50 are not included, the candidate will not be referred. This announcement may be used to fill vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur. Meeting the required qualifications is essential, and we value diverse backgrounds and experiences.  

Experience in the following: The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years’ experience leading science and technology, research, and development, with experience in photonics and its applications to include electronics device physics, electromagnetics, meta-materials, quantum science/technology, and IR/RF imagers or seekers.   Additionally, an ideal candidate will have proven leadership, team management, and facility management skills overseeing operations of a specialized laboratory; the ability to effectively communicate complex technical strategies; and skills to foster a safe, collaborative, and innovative lab research environment.  

Position duties include but are not limited to:  

  • Directs, coordinates and oversees work through subordinate employees. The position serves as the Section Chief for the Optoelectronics and Photonics Section of Seekers Branch in the Munitions Directorate (RW), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Eglin AFB, FL.  

  • Performs expert level multidisciplinary professional engineering work involving the application of electronics, mechanical, systems, aerospace, and/or other engineering disciplines.  

  • This is a specialized position that demands a blend of small team leadership skills, lab operations experience, and technical strategic planning abilities.  Leads a team of civilians and contractors to advance basic and applied research in photonics and metamaterials for future weapon seeker systems, ensuring these innovations meet and exceed mission requirements. 

  •  Directs oversight of all technical and personnel management activities; holds final authority on personnel actions, ensuring effective team and lab operations and advancing innovative research in photonics and metamaterials; and provides career development and mentorship, fostering growth and skill enhancement within the team.  

  • Demonstrates a mastery of, and skill in applying, innovative multidisciplinary practices, techniques, and methodology to identify, analyze, and resolve complex issues through innovative approaches, expertise in photonics and its various applications, and an understanding of DoD/USAF lab safety protocols and photonics/materials experimentation methods and measurement devices.  

  • Activities include managing high-visibility and complex research projects; ensuring alignment with program objectives, cost, schedule, and performance criteria; reviewing detailed technical reports and presenting new concepts effectively, showcasing the team's innovative approaches and solutions.

  • Demonstrates creativity and foresight by identifying, preparing, and presenting detailed technical reports and briefings on new concepts and technical directions impacting programs/projects, and defining future technology requirements.  

  • Applies expert communication skills to articulate complex technical concepts and approaches to senior leadership and various stakeholders.

  • Organizes, manages and participates in workshops and technical exchange meetings as required.
The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.
 
This announcement may be used to fill vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur. Don’t think you meet every requirement for this position? Studies have shown that many talented candidates don't apply because they assume that they are not qualified and do not feel like they meet every single requirement. At AFRL we are dedicated to building a workplace with diverse experiences, perspectives and talent that enables us to effectively accomplish and accelerate our mission. So, if you’re excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with the duties, we strongly encourage you to apply! You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

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.

Required Qualifications

  • ​​​​ All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
  • US Citizenship.
  • Being eligible to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance. 
  • This is a drug testing position.
  • This has been designated as an acquisition coded position, Tier 2 - Practitioner Non-Critical in Engineering & Technology Management. Applicants for this position must list any acquisition certifications and status as an acquisition corps member in their resume.

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: You must meet the following qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement and provide documentation to support your qualifications.

To view qualifying educational requirements and specialized experience click on the following link:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=GS-PROF

AND

Click on the following links to view the occupational requirements for this position:

Engineering:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf

Physics: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/physics-series-1310/

       
Minimum Qualifications:
To qualify at the DR-3 GS-14 grade level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-13 grade level, which must include experience with photonics and its applications.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Specialized Experience: 
  • Individuals must have one year of specialized experience, which includes experience with photonics. The definition of specialized experience is typical of work done at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-13/DR/DO-02). For more information related to required qualifications for 0800 series: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf
  • Must have at least one year of specialized related experience at the DR/DO-01/GS-13 or equivalent grade level. 

When applying for vacant positions, applicants must verify that all required documents, as listed in the vacancy announcement, are complete and attached to the application prior to submitting the application package for consideration, thereby decreasing the chances of non-referral to the hiring manager for consideration.

Desired Qualifications

Experience with the technical areas below:

  •  A Master's or Doctoral Degree is highly desired in an electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or materials engineering degree.

  • Experience overseeing/managing a laboratory with specialized equipment and measurement devices.

  • Demonstrated the ability to work within or lead a highly technical team to build consensus, seek alternative viewpoints from others, and identify and resolve conflicts/problems with the workforce.

  • Experience with facilitating and enabling internal/external collaboration and partnerships for research and technology development.

  • Excellent project management skills with contracting, finance, and scheduling.

  • Excellent communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills.

  • The ability to cultivate and sustain a professional environment of cooperation, cohesion, and teamwork in a complex, non-standard, and fast-paced environment.

  • Experience critically thinking about strategic and/or leadership guidance to plan technology development and experimentation.

  • Supervisory experience with a technical workforce.

     

(Requisition No.71016)

Series

0801

0806

0855

1310