Chief Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Situational telework

Job summary

Air Force Research Laboratory is seeking a seasoned Chief Engineer to serve as the Technical Engineering Authority for the 711th Human Performance Wing. This role provides authoritative engineering guidance, shapes policy, and drives enterprise-wide engineering governance.

You will mentor staff, define engineering standards, and lead investigations to resolve complex cross-disciplinary challenges. Telework eligibility is situational; security clearance is required for this role.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship required and must obtain/maintain security clearance.
• Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
• ABET-accredited engineering degree required; foreign degrees reviewed as needed.
• Drug testing designated position with random checks.
• Travel and/or additional duties may be required.
• One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior Technical Engineering Authority for the 711th HPW, guiding systems engineering and decision-making.
• Define and enforce engineering standards, processes, and best practices across the Wing.
• Resolve complex technical challenges to deliver high-confidence solutions to Air Force customers.
• Lead ETM process development, ensuring alignment with enterprise policy and standards.
• Hold OSS&E accountability for Wing systems and ensure safe, effective solutions.
• Mentor and develop future engineering leaders within the organization.

Skills

Systems engineering

Technical leadership

Mentorship

OSS&E awareness

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Job description

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS. This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PM EST, 4 December 2026.

Job Overview

The Chief Engineer serves as the Technical Engineering Authority (TEA) for the 711th Human Performance Wing, providing authoritative systems engineering guidance to ensure the technical rigor and integrity of a diverse science, technology, and medical portfolio. The incumbent shapes engineering policy, directs enterprise-aligned Engineering and Technical Management (ETM) processes, and resolves complex technical challenges that influence major programmatic decisions. As the Wing's ETM Organizational Senior Functional (OSF), the TEA develops future engineering talent and represents the organization as its primary engineering authority across Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and with external partners.

Major Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Serve as the senior Technical Engineering Authority for 711th Human Performance Wing, providing authoritative systems engineering counsel to ensure technical rigor and mission-aligned decision-making across the Wing's portfolio.
• Influence major technical and programmatic activities by defining, implementing, and enforcing engineering best practices, standards, and quality processes.
• Resolve complex, multidisciplinary technical challenges to ensure delivery of robust, high confidence solutions to Department of the Air Force customers.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of 711th Human Performance Wing's ETM processes, ensuring alignment with enterprise policy and standards.
• Hold full accountability for Operational Safety, Suitability, and Effectiveness (OSS&E) of 711th Human Performance Wing systems, ensuring safe, effective, and technically sound solutions.
• Foster a culture of mentorship, technical excellence, and professional growth to develop future engineering leaders and strengthen the workforce.
• Represent the Wing as its primary engineering authority, building collaborative relationships and providing authoritative recommendations as a key member of the Technology Advisory Council (TAC).
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to ensure engineering decisions, processes, and products support mission needs and enterprise priorities.
• Provide supervision and personnel management of team to maintain mission readiness.

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Must obtain and maintain the appropriate clearance for the position.
• Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) is required.
• This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
• A bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline is required and must be obtained from an ABET accredited institution recognized by the Office of Personnel Management https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/general-engineering-series-0801/. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.
• Travel and/or performance of additional duties may be required.
• One year of specialized experienced experience at the next lower grade level or equivalent in the Federal System.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience serving as a technical authority or senior engineering leader in a complex organization.
• Demonstrated success implementing engineering standards, systems engineering processes, or enterprise level technical governance.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams or resolving complex technical challenges across diverse mission areas.

Telework

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

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

Yes

Series

0801

Additional Information

Requisition Number 48819

Posting End Date 12/04/2026