Air Platforms Senior Aerospace Engineer

Air Force Research Laboratory; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, seeks a Senior Aerodynamic Nozzle Performance Specialist to lead exhaust nozzle projects and coordinate with contractors and academic partners. This position is filled at DR-03 or DR-04 level (GS-14/GS-15 equivalent) and requires a strong background in aerodynamics and propulsion integration.

Candidate will direct research, assess performance limits, and guide multi-disciplinary teams to deliver innovative nozzle concepts,

Qualifications

• US Citizenship.
• ABET-accredited S&E degree in 0801/0830/0861 or equivalent; Bachelor's required; advanced degree preferred.
• For DR-03: at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-13/DR-02 or equivalent; for DR-04: at least one year at GS-14/DR-03 or equivalent.
• Ability to obtain and maintain at least a Secret clearance; Top-Secret clearance may be required.
• Meet OPM standards; APDP certification in Engineering & Technical Management (N); 24 months to complete.

Responsibilities

• Plans, initiates, and directs in-house and/or contractual efforts in exhaust nozzle aerodynamics and structures, materials, nozzle manufacturing and processing techniques, overall exhaust system performance and integration.
• Establishes exhaust nozzle concept design capability from aerodynamic, structural, and integration standpoints.
• Assess current and achievable exhaust nozzle performance, define practical limits, and propose innovative concepts and new projects.
• Provide technical guidance to contracted and external advanced airframe/propulsion integration work by contractors, OEMs, and labs.
• Recommend adjustments to project schedules and funding to stay within budget guidance.
• Interact with division branches, Directorate leadership, SAF staff, OSW (R&E), and other agencies to execute technology projects.

Skills

Aero design concepts

Programming basics

Project leadership

Education

ABET-accredited S&E degree (0801/0830/0861)

Job description

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS.
This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PM EST, 27 September 2026.

Job Overview
OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS.
This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PM EST, 27 September 2026.
The Air Platforms Division in the Air Warfare Directorate is seeking the ideal candidate to join the team as a Senior Aerodynamic Nozzle Performance Specialist.
This position will be filled at the DR-03 (GS-14 equivalent) or DR-04 (GS-15 equivalent) level and is located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH.
Position Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Plans, initiates, and directs in-house and/or contractual efforts in the areas of exhaust nozzle aerodynamics and structures, structural materials, nozzle manufacturing and processing techniques, overall exhaust system performance and integration potential consistent and aligned with the Directorate investment guidance.
• Primary areas of responsibility include establishing exhaust nozzle concept design capability from an aerodynamic, structural, and integration standpoint.
• Incumbent assesses current and theoretically achievable exhaust nozzle operational performance potential, establishes practical limitations, defines innovative nozzle concepts and defines new projects, when required.
• Provides technical guidance to contracted and external advanced airframe/propulsion integration work performed by weapon system contractors, original engine manufactures, academic institutions, and other government laboratories.
• Recommends adjustments to project schedules and funding when necessary to remain within the budgetary guidance.
• Interacts with division branches, other divisions, Directorate leadership, other Air Force Research Laboratory Directorates, SAF staff, OSW (R&E), and other agencies to execute technology projects and leverage their technology investments.

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship.
• Must possess a professional science or engineering (S&E) degree from an accredited academic institution (ABET) for the 0801/0830/0861 job series. https://www.abet.org/accreditation/find-programs. Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• For DR-03, must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-13/DR-02 or equivalent grade level. For DR-04, must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-14/DR-03 or equivalent grade level.
• Ability to obtain and maintain at least a Secret security clearance. May require the ability to obtain a Top-Secret clearance.
• Applicants must be able to meet the OPM Qualification Standards of the position being filled- https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url-Group-Standards. This position has been designated as an acquisition position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) Non-Critical certification in Engineering & Technical Management (N). The selectee will have 24 months to complete certification.

Desired Qualifications

• An understanding or experiential/educational background regarding aviation engine/vehicle integration design and analysis. Relevant experience/education requires aerodynamics of low- and high-speed inlet and exhaust systems.
• A functional understanding and basic experience with the use of computer programming languages and/or scripting languages and their application to developing aerospace models or visualizing complex aerospace data.
• This position requires a scientist or engineer to reach beyond their technical degrees. Experience as a project engineer or portfolio lead balancing technical, cost and schedule performance is highly desirable.

Telework
Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy
Eligible for a Referral Bonus?
No
Series
0801
0830
0861
Additional Information

• 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.
• Travel and/or performance of additional duties may be required.
• PCS or relocation bonus may be offered.

Requisition Number 80109
Posting End Date
09/27/2026