Energy Deposition & Target Defeat Branch Chief

Air Force Research Laboratory; Valparaiso (FL); On-site; USD 105,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Job summary

Air Force Research Laboratory at Eglin AFB, FL seeks a Branch Chief to lead the Energy Deposition and Target Defeat team within the Mission Effects Division, Air Warfare Directorate. The role centers on guiding fast-running models and simulations for air-delivered capabilities while aligning with mission objectives and regulatory standards.

The incumbent will supervise a diverse workforce, drive strategic planning, resource allocation, and risk mitigation, and collaborate with internal and

Qualifications

• Must hold an ABET-accredited science or engineering degree.
• Specialized experience at DR-III/DR-IV level or GS-13/GS-14 equivalent required, including leading multi-functional teams.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
• APDP program requirements with Practitioner level non-critical certification in Engineering & Technology Management (N).

Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary workforce and manage day-to-day operations and performance.
• Provide strategic leadership, vision, and direction to ensure mission execution and organizational effectiveness.
• Allocate resources and ensure compliance with laws and organizational standards.
• Translate mission and division goals into executable strategies; guide workforce accordingly.
• Identify risks, assess impacts, and implement mitigation for resilience and continuity.
• Drive data-informed decision making and process improvements.
• Foster partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to accelerate mission outcomes.
• Promote technical excellence and continuous learning within the team.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Program management

Supervision

Communication

Acquisition knowledge

Education

ABET-accredited S&E degree

Job description

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS.

This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 EST, 25 September 2026.

Job Overview

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS.

This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 EST, 25 September 2026.

Energy Deposition and Target Defeat Branch Chief within Mission Effects Division, Air Warfare Directorate, Eglin Air Force Base, FL, at the grade of DR-III/DR-IV for the 0801 engineering series. The Energy Deposition and Target Defeat Branch Chief is responsible for leading the workforce in planning and executing a diverse portfolio of projects to discover, develop, integrate, and transition fast running models, algorithms, concepts, and methodologies that support lethality modeling, simulation, and analysis for air-delivered capabilities that ensure the Warfighter wins again, again, and again. This position provides supervisory oversight and drives alignment with organizational priorities, mission objectives, and statutory requirements. The incumbent will lead a multidisciplinary workforce and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver high‑impact results.

• The primary role of this position is to lead people! Provides supervision to the workforce to include, but not limited to: contribution/performance management, day-to-day operations, communication, employee development and recognition, expectation management, and conflict resolution.
• Provides strategic leadership, vision, and direction - responsible for ensuring mission execution and organizational effectiveness, while building consensus, clarity, and excitement around an artificial intelligence-enabled future.
• Allocates resources and ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational standards.
• Drives the translation of directorate and division mission and vision into executable strategies by providing critical guidance to the workforce.
• Identifies risks, assesses impacts, and implements mitigation strategies to ensure operational resilience and mission continuity.
• Drives data‑informed decision‑making and champions process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Forges and guides dynamic coalitions with partner organizations, stakeholders, and external agencies to accelerate mission outcomes.
• Fosters a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning to build, grow, and maintain the deep, multi-disciplinary expertise essential for a premier lab mission.

Required Qualifications

• Must possess a professional science or engineering (S&E) degree from an ABET accredited academic institution.
• Minimum requirements for a DR-III, must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-13/DR-II or equivalent grade level. Minimum requirements for a DR-04, must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-14/DR-III or equivalent grade level. Specialized experience is defined as working independently, leading multi-functional teams, working in teams and using these approaches to find and solve complex problems, leading process improvement, and developing long-term strategies.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
• This position is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position requiring Practitioner level non‑critical certification in Engineering & Technology Management (N). The selectee will have 24 months to meet APDP requirements or a waiver must be obtained. Applicants for this position must list any acquisition certifications and status as an acquisition corps member in their resume.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or PhD in appropriate career field.
• Experience leading teams in a research and development environment.
• At least one year of prior supervisory experience.
• Experience working within the Department of War research community.
• Demonstrated ability to lead people, build consensus, and identify and resolve conflicts/problems within the workforce.
• Ability to motivate, develop, and grow technical and non-technical teams.
• Passion for developing people and innovative approaches and solutions.
• Demonstrated success leading cross‑functional teams or enterprise‑level initiatives to resolve technical and business challenges.
• Attention to detail, ability to prioritize multiple competing tasks, and excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Some advanced knowledge in lethality analysis and fast-running, engineering level modeling and simulation activities is preferred.

Telework

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

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Series

0801

Additional Information

Requisition Number 75408

Posting End Date

09/25/2026