Adaptive Optical System Engineer

Air Force Research Laboratory; Albuquerque (NM); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Job summary

Air Force Research Laboratory’s Starfire Optical Range in New Mexico seeks a Science & Technology Program Manager to lead multidisciplinary R&D across Directed Energy, Adaptive Optics, and Space Domain Awareness. You will manage the full life-cycle from concept to field testing, ensuring technical excellence and program integrity.

Citizenship required; S&E degree essential; at least 1 year of specialized experience at DR-02/DR-03; DoD clearance eligibility; situational telework available.

Qualifications

• US citizenship required.
• Professional science or engineering degree from an accredited institution.
• At least 1 year of specialized experience at DR-02 (GS-12/13) or DR-03 (GS-14) level; AO, laser propagation, or pointing/tracking for SDA.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Directs multidisciplinary R&D across Directed Energy, AO, and SDA.
• Manages full life-cycle of programs from modeling to hardware integration and field testing.
• Leads technical specs, design, integration, and testing of adaptive optical and laser systems.
• Oversees beam control, laser safety, and satellite acquisition subsystems.
• Represents programs and briefs progress to senior leadership and external defense partners.

Skills

Adaptive Optics

Space Domain Awareness

R&D program management

Technical leadership

Education

Engineering or science degree

Job description

Job Overview

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS. This announcement will be applications until 11:45 PM MDT, 16 October 2026.

This position will be filled at the DR-03 (GS-14 or equiv) or DR-04 (GS-15 or equiv) grade level.

As part of AFRL’s Directed Energy Directorate, Space Electro-Optics Division, the Starfire Optical Range (SOR) is a vital resource in achieving the U. S. Space Force’s mission to operate freely in space. This world-class research facility is located on a hilltop 1,900 meters (6,240 feet) above sea level on Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. SOR’s primary mission is to develop optical sensing, imaging, and atmospheric compensation technologies to support Space Domain Awareness missions.

This facility is the world leader in research for laser-beacon adaptive optics for military uses and civilian applications, and technologies originating at SOR are regularly proliferating across the world-wide astronomical community. It is a major component of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s support to the U.S. Space Force.

SOR is an integrated team of professional military, civil service, and contractor personnel.

The nature of the work necessitates a willingness to learn and adapt in order to develop and operate cutting-edge technologies.

New employees are on-boarded in technical areas that are within their ability to learn and understand, and in line with mission needs.

New employees are expected to actively shadow and learn from more senior government personnel until they gain the necessary knowledge to independently contribute to mission needs. In line with the AFRL Lab Demo personnel management system (ref. AFRLMAN 36-104), new employees are expected to contribute across four categories - Problem Solving, Communications, Technology Management, and Teamwork and Leadership — enabling whole-person individual growth while executing duties to develop state-of-the-art capabilities for the Department of Defense.

Employees participate in a maximum flexible timecard schedule and are compensated an additional 10% pay for every hour worked during night shift.

Position Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Serves as the Science & Technology (S&T) Program Manager directing multidisciplinary research and development (R&D) across Directed Energy (DE) systems, Adaptive Optics (AO), and Space Domain Awareness (SDA).
• Directs the full life-cycle of advanced technology programs—from basic modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) and source selection to hardware integration, field testing, and technology transition.
• Leads the technical specification, design, integration, and testing of complex adaptive optical, laser propagation, and precision tracking systems. Provides technical oversight for beam control, laser safety, and satellite acquisition subsystems.
• Directs engineering trade studies and Analyses of Alternatives (AoA) to mature Directed Energy capabilities.
• Manages program portfolios across life-cycle phases: requirements definition, source selection, contract monitoring, and financial execution.
• Establishes and monitors management controls, including financial execution rates, technical milestones, and risk mitigation frameworks.
• Represents programs and briefs progress to senior leadership and external defense partners.

Required Qualifications

• United States Citizenship.
• Must possess a professional science or engineering (S&E) degree from an accredited academic institution.
• Must have at least 1 year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level DR-02 (GS-12/13 or equiv)/DR-03 (GS-14 or equiv) grade level. Specialized experience is experience in Adaptive Optics (AO), laser propagation physics, precision pointing & tracking for Space Domain Awareness.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Special Sensitive security clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree or equivalent experience in Aerospace, Optical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Physics, or related applied sciences.
• Comprehensive understanding of defense acquisition processes, source selection boards, contract oversight, and budget execution.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams (contracting, finance, engineering, and industry).
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor junior engineers, and manage complex cross-directorate schedules.
• Demonstrated track record of creating and delivering briefings at the highest levels of the Department of War (DoW).
• Certifications: not required but will be considered if applicable.
• Licenses: N/A

Telework

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

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Series

0801

0830

0850

0855

0861

Additional Information

• This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent will be subject to random testing.
• Travel is required on a semi-frequent basis.

Resume requirement: Resume may not exceed two pages, and font size should be no smaller than 10pts. Resume with relevant start/end dates in MM/DD/YY format, per experience.

Transcripts/SF-50 requirement: redact all Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

Instructions on how to submit your documents are provided in the automated email you will receive once you apply.

Requisition Number 75712

Posting End Date 10/16/2026