Director of Contracting

Job Overview

This announcement is open to all Federal Civilian Employees and will be accepting applications until 11:59 pm EDT on 21 May 2026.

Summary:

As AFRL/PK, you will lead a 450‑person contracting workforce across 7 Technology Directorates and multiple international locations — including teams in Tokyo and London — driving more than $4.9B in annual obligations and enabling a $50B research and development portfolio that defines the future of air and space dominance.

You will serve as AFRL’s Senior Contracting Official, the Commander’s principal advisor, and the architect of contracting strategy for 11,000+ active contractual actions. Your leadership will directly shape how the United States innovates, competes, and wins.

In this role, you will:

• Set enterprise contracting strategy and execute Senior Contracting Official authorities delegated by SAF/Contracting.
• Advise AFRL’s Commander and senior leaders, ensuring seamless integration of procurement strategy across a global enterprise.
• Develop and empower a world‑class contracting workforce, driving talent growth, competency development, and future‑ready capability.
• Partner with mission leaders and senior contracting officials across the USAF and USSF to accelerate cross‑organizational innovation.
• Build customer‑focused performance systems that elevate speed, agility, and mission outcomes.

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

• US Citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI
• APDP Level/Tier 1 (Foundational) certification in Contracting (C).
• This is a Critical Acquisition Position requiring the incumbent to sign an agreement to be in this position for at least three years. Applicants must list any acquisition certifications and status as an acquisition corps member in their resume.
• This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to pre-employment drug testing as a condition of employment and participation in random drug testing.
• This position has been designated a Key Leadership Position. The selectee will be required to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) affirming acceptance of the KLP terms.
• This position requires occasional travel.
• At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade (DO‑03/GS‑14 for DO‑04), or equivalent experience in other pay systems.
• Applicants are required to meet all OPM Qualification Standard requirements for the applicable occupational series and grade.

Desired Qualifications

• 10 years of acquisition experience or equivalent, at least 4 years of which were performed while assigned to a Critical Acquisition Position (or equivalent).
• Technical Depth and Breadth. Experience at the journeyman level or higher in at least two of the following technical areas (at least 24 months cumulatively): Research and Development, Operational, Test and Evaluation, System Sustainment, or Information Technology.
• Corporate Breadth. Assignments at more than one base/installation/operating location and MAJCOM HQs, or Office of Secretary of Defense (OSD) or Joint Staff or HAF/SAF, with at least one geographic relocation.
• A strategic mindset and the ability to lead at enterprise scale.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, interpret and implement enterprise-level contracting policy.
• Passion for developing people, strengthening organizations, and driving mission‑focused outcomes.
• Proven ability to develop or review complex, non‑precedent procurement strategies, especially in high‑risk or high‑visibility programs.
• Deep knowledge of FAR, DFARS, AFFARS, and DoD acquisition policy.

Additional Information

Req# 24819

Series

1102