Contract Specialists/ Contracting Officers

Air Force Research Laboratory; United States; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Force Research Laboratory seeks experienced contracting professionals to accelerate the delivery of advanced technologies by partnering with scientists, engineers, and program teams across multiple bases. You will lead acquisition efforts from concept to award and manage a broad range of contract actions to support AFRL priorities.

Successful candidates will apply sound business judgment, negotiate effectively, and collaborate with legal, financial, and operational stakeholders to balance

Qualifications

• Experience performing federal contracting work across pre-award, post-award, or full lifecycle.
• Knowledge of federal contracting principles, procedures, methods, and regulations.
• Ability to develop acquisition strategies, evaluate risks, and support or lead complex contracting actions.
• Experience preparing and reviewing acquisition documentation and contract files.
• Strong communication with technical, legal, financial, and operational stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute contracting strategies to accelerate delivery of advanced research, development, and prototypes.
• Serve as a trusted business advisor to scientists, engineers, program teams, and senior leaders.
• Plan, negotiate, award, and administer a broad range of agreements across the lifecycle.
• Apply sound judgment to balance mission speed, innovation, compliance, and stewardship of public resources.
• Build partnerships across technical, legal, financial, and operational teams to deliver acquisition solutions.
• Exercise Contracting Officer authority for warranted positions within allowed limits.

Skills

Federal contracting

Acquisition strategy

Negotiation

Contract administration

Stakeholder communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS.

Job Overview

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS. This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PM EST, 23 October 2026. AFRL is seeking experienced contracting professionals to serve as mission enablers at the forefront of national defense innovation. In this role, you will help accelerate the delivery of advanced technologies and capabilities by partnering with scientists, engineers, program teams, and industry to move groundbreaking ideas from concept to reality. You will support research, development, prototyping, testing, and acquisition efforts that shape the future of the Department of the Air Force. This is an opportunity for agile, thoughtful acquisition professionals who enjoy solving complex challenges, exercising sound business judgment, and working in a collaborative, mission-focused environment. Successful candidates will help lead contracting strategies and acquisition efforts that support some of the Air Force's most innovative and technically advanced programs.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead and execute contracting strategies that accelerate delivery of advanced research, development, and prototype capabilities supporting AFRL mission priorities.
• Serve as a trusted business advisor to scientists, engineers, program teams, and senior leaders, shaping acquisition approaches for complex and high-visibility efforts.
• Plan, negotiate, award, and administer a broad range of agreements and/or contract actions across the acquisition lifecycle, from requirement development through closeout.
• Apply sound judgment to solve complex business and acquisition challenges while balancing mission speed, innovation, compliance, and stewardship of public resources.
• Build strong partnerships across technical, legal, financial, and operational teams to turn emerging ideas into executable acquisition solutions.
• For warranted positions, exercise Contracting Officer authority to enter into, administer, and manage contractual actions within warrant limitations.

Required Qualifications

• Experience performing federal contracting work in support of pre-award, post-award, or full lifecycle acquisition activities.
• Knowledge of federal contracting principles, procedures, methods, and regulations.
• Ability to develop acquisition strategies, evaluate business risks, and support or lead complex contracting actions.
• Experience preparing and reviewing acquisition documentation and contract files.
• Skill in communicating clearly and effectively with technical, legal, financial, and operational stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Current or prior experience as a government unlimited Contracting Officer.
• Experience supporting research and development, science and technology, prototyping, or other complex acquisition environments.
• Experience with large, complex, or high-visibility contracting actions.
• Familiarity with innovative acquisition approaches, nontraditional contracting methods, or fast-paced mission support environments.
• Experience advising senior leaders, program managers, and technical teams on acquisition strategy and execution.

Telework

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

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Series

1102

Additional Information

The incumbent of this position will be required to file annual financial disclosures to ensure there are no conflicts of interest in the performance of these duties. AFRL Contracting has openings at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio; Kirtland AFB, NM; Eglin AFB, FL; Rome, NY; and Arlington, VA. This announcement may be used to fill future vacancies.

Posting End Date

10/23/2026