Associate Director for Foundational Technologies (RE)

Air Force Research Laboratory; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Force Research Laboratory invites applications for an Associate Director role, a temporary promotion position with national scope. You will provide direction for large-scale science and technology programs, shaping the national research agenda and policy guidance for the DoD.

The role includes leading AFOSR/CL operations and advising senior leadership on program direction. This position requires US citizenship, Top-Secret clearance with SCI access, and a track record of managing scientific

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Top-Secret security clearance with SCI access is required.
• PCS expenses, if authorized, paid IAW JTR and AF regulations.
• Recruitment incentives may or may not be authorized.
• Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE 450, required.
• Senior Scientific Technical Manager experience at Directorate/Division level preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represent AFRL in national and international forums.
• Lead execution of AF research investments as civilian leader of AFOSR/CL.
• Advise on major programs to initiate, curtail, or drop; advise senior leadership on strategic impacts.
• Establish and maintain professional and technical standards of quality.
• Apply personnel management practices to build future leaders and ensure compliance with DoD policies.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Policy guidance

Public representation

Education

Bachelor's degree in science/engineering

Graduate degree (technical/scientific/management)

Job description

Job Overview

OPEN TO CURRENT AFRL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES ONLY.

This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PM EST, 21 August 2026.

This position is a Temporary Promotion NTE 5 years and can be extended in up to five-year increments.

The Associate Director is a key Foundational Technology leader providing direction for science and technology programs of exceptional scope and national impact. This role formulates broad policy guidance for large-scale research, navigating significant technical and policy uncertainty to deliver transformational solutions to key DAF/DoW challenges.

Responsibilities Include, But Not Limited To

• The Associate Director represents the organization in high-level national and international forums, serving as a recognized authority while orchestrating technology development and shaping the national research agenda.


• Acts on behalf of the RE Director to lead the execution of the United States Department of the Air Force’s global basic research investment as the civilian leader of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR/CL).


• Advises the Director on which major programs to initiate, curtail, or drop, and advises senior leadership on strategic impacts.


• Establishes and maintains professional and technical standards of quality.


• Applies sound personnel management practices to ensure high morale and efficiency, determining duties, evaluating performance, and initiating personnel actions for key staff. A critical responsibility is building future leaders and ensuring full compliance with Department of the Air Force policies, including EEO, security, and safety.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship Required.


• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.


• Must be able to obtain & maintain a Top-Secret security clearance with SCI access.


• PCS expenses, if authorized, will be paid IAW JTR and Air Force Regulations.


• Recruitment incentives may/may not be authorized.


• Disclosure of Political Appointees.


• This is a Drug Testing Designated Position. The incumbent may be subject to pre-employment drug testing as a condition of employment, and participation in random drug testing.


• Must file a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE 450, initially and on an annual basis.


• Senior Scientific Technical Managers (SSTM – DR-05) provide a continuity of technical leadership and oversight that is needed to ensure long-term stewardship of an organization’s technical capabilities. Candidates are expected to have a graduate degree, significant research, and development experience, and a national or international reputation in his/her field (i.e., recognized throughout the applicable community as a renowned expert).

Specialized Experience

• Applicants must have at least one (1) year or 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to GS-15/DR-04 in the Federal service or equivalent in an alternate pay system. Specialized experience must include professional experience leading and managing scientific or technical organizations at the Directorate or Division level (or at the Wing/Delta or Group or equivalent level), AND experience with applying strategic principles in partnering with other organizations in government, industry, and academia.

Education

• A Baccalaureate degree in science, engineering or a related field AND a graduate degree (technical, scientific, or management) is required.


• General Engineering (0801) series requires: a professional engineering degree from an accredited institution is required. To be acceptable, the curriculum must: (1) be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics; or a combination of education and experience.


• General Physical Science (1301) series requires: A degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that includes 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering sciences such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics; or a combination of education and experience-education equivalent to one of the majors shown in above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.


• General Mathematics & Statistics (1501) series requires: A degree in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science. The degree must be in a major field of study (at least at the baccalaureate level) that is appropriate for the position.

Required Documents

• Resume (Limit 2 pages)


• Mandatory Narrative Statements addressing the Qualifications (Limit 4 pages total)


• Most recent Performance Appraisal or Performance Report


• Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees: Most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level and salary level. Block 24 must contain “1” or “2” AND block 34 must be a “1”. Employees eligible under an OPM-approved interchange agreement may have a “1” OR a “2” in block 34.


• College Transcripts: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit a legible official or copy of your transcripts.

Desired Qualifications

• This is an APDP position requiring Level/Tier 2 (Practitioner) Critical certification in Engineering & Technology Management (N), or ability to obtain certification within 24 months.


• This is a Critical Acquisition Position. Selectee must execute, as a condition of employment, a written agreement to remain in Federal service in this position for at least 3 years. In signing such agreement, the employee does not forfeit any employment rights, nor does such an agreement alter any other terms or conditions of employment.

Telework

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

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Series

0801

1301

1515

Additional Information

IMPORTANT: Your resume, which captures the specialized experience requirements described above, and transcripts will determine your eligibility for referral. Applicants are required to provide separate narrative statements for the THREE categories identified below to describe concisely how your experience supports each of the following requirements. Failure to address these specific qualifications in separate narrative statements will eliminate applicants from consideration.

• Mandatory Leading People Qualification (Limit 1 page)

Demonstrated ability leading individuals and teams at the Division (or equivalent) level or higher for at least 12 months as a first- or second-level Supervisor, with particular emphasis on mentoring/developing team members to achieve the organization's vision and mission; managing performance; providing a workplace that fosters inclusivity and belonging; strategically leveraging diverse expertise and experience; and constructively resolving conflicts.

• Mandatory Technical Qualifications (Limit ½ page per TQ).

TQs must provide specific examples that address relevant experience & accomplishments and clearly demonstrate technical depth & breadth related to this position. Applicants must reflect superior technical qualifications demonstrated through leadership and management in the following:

• Ability to provide strategic and technical direction to lead diverse teams of scientists, engineers and other business professionals in conducting S&T planning and programming activities


• Ability to assist Senior Leadership in the identification and development of Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratory (STRL), Component, and Department of Defense vision/goals/objectives of national scope and impact.


• Ability to build collaborative relationships and advise senior leadership within the DoD/DAF/USAF/USSF S&T community on plans and programs to achieve strategic S&T priorities.


• Other Desired Qualifications: (Limit 1 page.)


• 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): Science and Technology, Test and Evaluation, Product Acquisition, Product Sustainment, Intelligence, or Information Technology.


• Corporate Breadth and Complementary Assignment.


• One or more assignment to any of following: MAJCOM/FIELDCOM/COCOM HQs; Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD); Joint Staff; SAF, Air Staff or USSF Staff; or equivalent HQ organizational level.


• One or more assignment to any positions where primary duties were outside of core Scientist & Engineer (S&E) occupational series such as those found in Program Management, Logistics, Financial Management, etc.

Requisition Number 37138

Posting End Date

08/21/2026