Transionospheric RF Propagation Systems Lead (RVBXC)

Job Overview

This job announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 31 July 2023.  Resumes should be in DD/MMM/YYYY format.

The HQ AFRL Geospace Environmental Impacts and Applications Branch (RVBXC) seeks to hire a mid- to senior-level Physicist or Radio Frequency (RF) engineer in Albuquerque, NM.  Applicants should have a fundamental understanding of the physics of electromagnetic (EM) wave scattering and propagation through random and complex media.  Eventually, the incumbent would serve as the transionospheric RF propagation expert and lead the R&D effort in support of the overall branch technical strategy.

The incumbent will develop, plan and carry out fundamental theoretical physics studies from first principal-based models, including numerical modeling of EM propagation with the objective to understand the impact of ionospheric irregularities on transionospheric signals to develop mitigation strategies that suppress interference on RF links, provide awareness of the ionospheric environment, and develop models forecasting and predicting ionospheric scintillation events for RF military systems.

The incumbent will also develop physics or first-principles based models and state-of-the-art software such as phase-screen, raytrace, or full-wave propagation codes to further enable deep-level scientific understanding and realizations of the space environment. This will include efforts to analyze ground-based and satellite space environment databases to develop novel or enhance current sensor technologies and vigorously validate space environment models and propose mitigation approaches and requested techniques for satellite and ground system design and operations.

Position duties include, but are not limited to:

• Directing other scientists, engineers, and technicians in the development of experimental techniques, laboratory/field measurement hardware, and scientific or first-principles based modeling software. 
• Managing research contracts to broaden, extend, and complement in-house activities in all relevant areas. 
• Communicating results in scientific journals and by presentations at both international and domestic scientific/technical conferences and USAF/DoD briefings and meetings. 
• Seeking, advocating, and securing support for these efforts from customers’ ensuring efforts and customer interactions are closely coordinated with program and supervisory management and lead toward potential operational transitions. 
• Supporting larger program and mission goals. 
• Performing additional duties as assigned.  

Telework

Yes, this position is eligible for telework opportunities; as determined by agency policy

Remote Work (CONUS)

No, this position is not approved for remote work.

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship
• Experience in space environment research, observations, model development, or operations
• Must possess a professional science or engineering (S&E) degree from an accredited academic institution
• Must possess at least one year of specialized experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities/competencies to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled (i.e., one year of specialized related experience at the DR-02/GS-12 or DR-03/GS-14 or equivalent grade level)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOD TS/SCI security clearance

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced Degree in physical science 
• Experience working with national and international research community.
• Familiarity with radio frequency technology and instrumentation, including antenna design and signal processing.
• Experience in research & modeling of the space environment, and experience with the phase screen theory
• Strong and effective communication skills, critical thinking skills and practical problem-solving
• Ability to recognize significant research opportunities, engage in collaborations, and team building
• Experience with data analysis and interpretation, including the use of software and programming languages such as MATLAB and Python.
• Cultivates and sustains a professional environment of cooperation, cohesion and teamwork
• Able to develope and maintaining close relationships with academia and other Government agencies for Basic Research

(Req. No: 56321)

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