Energy Projection & Design Branch Chief

Air Force Research Laboratory; Valparaiso (FL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Situational telework

Job summary

Air Force Research Laboratory in Florida seeks an Energy Projection and Design Branch Chief to lead a multidisciplinary workforce in developing, integrating, and transitioning physics-based modeling and AI-enabled mission effects.

You will supervise, set priorities, manage resources, and drive high-impact programs, collaborating with internal and external partners to deliver trusted solutions for warfighter advantage.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited S&E degree required.
• GS-13/DR-II or GS-14/DR-III level experience required.
• Ability to obtain Top Secret/SCI clearance.
• APDP Practitioner level certification or plan to obtain within 24 months.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary workforce and supervise performance, development, and operations.
• Align projects with mission objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Provide strategic direction and guidance to execute AI-enabled mission analysis.
• Allocate resources and manage risks to ensure mission continuity.
• Drive data-informed decision making and process improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Supervision

Strategic leadership

Resource management

Data-driven decisions

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

ABET-accredited S&E degree

Master’s or PhD (desired)

Tools

Acquisition certifications

Job description

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS. This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PM CST, 25 September 2026.

Job Overview

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS. This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PM CST, 25 September 2026.

The Air Warfare Directorate is seeking a visionary leader to serve as the Energy Projection and Design Branch Chief (DR-III/DR-IV, 0801 series) within the Mission Effects Division at Eglin Air Force Base, FL.

The Energy Projection and Design Branch Chief is responsible for leading the workforce in planning and executing a diverse portfolio of projects to discover, develop, integrate, and transition frameworks, algorithms, and methodologies that support high-fidelity, physics-based modeling, simulation, and analysis capabilities for mission effects 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, multidisciplinary 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 high-fidelity, physics-based 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 26852

Posting End Date 09/25/2026