Lead Systems Engineer - Hypersonic Weapon Systems

Job Overview

This job announcement will be accepting candidate applications until 26 Dec 24.  This announcement is open to U.S. Citizens.

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is seeking an experienced and skilled Systems Engineer to guide the execution of a critical research and development program focused on addressing technology gaps in hypersonic weapon systems. The program's primary objective is to improve the accuracy of lethality modeling and simulations by generating high-fidelity data through ground testing. As the Lead Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for overseeing the technical direction of the program, supporting cost and schedule objectives, ensuring that the team's efforts are aligned with the Air Force's strategic objectives, and collaborating with stakeholders to integrate the program's results into existing lethality assessment tools and operational systems.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in systems engineering, research, development, test, or lethality analysis with a focus on weapon systems; experience leading teams of engineers and researchers on complex technical programs; strong understanding of lethality modeling and simulation; experience with ground testing and data collection systems; and familiarity with hypersonic vehicle design, development, and testing.

Position duties include but are not limited to:
• Lead the technical direction in the development and execution of a comprehensive hypersonic technology research, development, and test program to generate data for updating lethality modeling and simulations.
• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of hypersonic weapon systems, including their design, development, and operational characteristics.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify technology gaps and develop strategies to address them, ensuring that the program's efforts are aligned with the Air Force's strategic objectives.
• Oversee the design, development, and testing of experiments and data collection systems to generate high-fidelity data for lethality modeling and simulation.
• Analyze and interpret data from ground testing and simulations to inform lethality modeling and simulation updates.
• Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including Air Force program offices, other government agencies, and industry partners.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to integrate the program's results into existing lethality assessment tools, such as Endgame Framework, Air Force Targeting Effects Software (AFTES), Maritime Lethality Assessment Tool (MLAT), Joint-Service approved Advanced Joint Effectiveness Model (AJEM), and others.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including reports, briefings, and presentations, to communicate the program's results and progress to stakeholders.

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

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
• Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise; employee must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance.  
• This is a drug testing designated position.  The incumbent will be subject to random testing.
• This position has been designated as an acquisition position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP).  The successful candidate must have the ability to attain the level of Practitioner in APDP Engineering and Technical Management (ETM). 
• Employee may be required to work overtime.
• PCS expenses if authorized, will be paid IAW JTR and Air Force Regulations, more information on PCS benefits/requirements may be found at the following link: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
• Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 
• Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.  For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.
• Education must also be commensurate with OPM guidelines for the job series 0801.  Please see link for education requirements for 0801 series:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0801 
• Must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the DR-02/GS-13 or equivalent grade level in other pay systems.  Specialized experience is knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of engineering and their practical applications.
• Must file an OGE Form 450, Confidential Disclosure Report, upon appointment and will be required to file annually.

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in a relevant field.
• At least 10 years of experience in systems engineering, research, development, test, or lethality analysis with a focus on weapon systems.
• Proven experience leading teams of engineers and researchers on complex technical programs.
• Strong understanding of lethality modeling and simulation, including the development and application of predictive models.
• Experience with ground testing and data collection systems.
• Familiarity with existing lethality assessment tools, such as Endgame Framework, AFTES, MLST, AJEM, and others.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels. 
• Experience working in government research organizations.
• Familiarity with hypersonic vehicle design, development, and testing.
• Experience with data analysis and interpretation, including statistical methods and data visualization tools.
 

Additional Information

• Label application documents in the following format:  Req No_15995_Last Name_First Name_Type of Document (Resume, Transcripts, SF 50). 
• Include transcripts with submission. If the candidate is a current government employee, you must submit your most recent SF 50 and SF 50 showing date of last promotion. 
• Include Acquisition Professional Development Program certifications in resume.
• If required documents are not submitted, your resume may not be considered. 
• This announcement may be used to fill like-vacancies for 120 days after the closing date.  Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

(Req No. 15995)

Series

0801