Installation Energy Research Scientist or Engineer

Air Force Research Laboratory; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 82,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Situational telework

Job summary

The Air Force Research Laboratory's Energy Branch seeks a qualified Installation Energy Research Scientist or Engineer to lead technology development at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, OH.

This role focuses on installation energy resilience, including advanced nuclear technology, energy storage, zero-trust architecture, and multi-fuel power generation, with potential 5-year term appointment.

Qualifications

• US Citizenship is required.
• Specialized experience in installation energy tech and digital materiel management.
• OPM qualifications for the applicable occupational series and grade.
• APDP Tier 2 certification in Engineering & Technical Management required, with 5 years to meet requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead technology development for DAF installation energy projects, including Advanced Nuclear Technology.
• Direct near-/mid-/far-term technology plans aligned with DAF Installation Energy priorities.
• Provide SME guidance on roadmap development and implementation.

Education

S&E degree

Job description

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS.

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

Job Overview

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS.

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

The AFRL Energy Branch, within the AFRL Foundational Technologies Directorate, seeks to hire a motivated and experienced scientist or engineer to serve as an Installation Energy Research Scientist or Engineer.

This position will lead technology development and demonstration for Department of the Air Force (DAF) installation energy projects, including Advanced Nuclear Technology development projects.

This position will be filled at the DR-02 (GS-12/13 equivalent) or DR-03 (GS-14 equivalent) level and is located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH.

The position may be filled as a 5-year Flexible Length Term appointment (new government hires, current government term employees, etc.) with the option to later extend or convert to a permanent appointment.

Position Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Providing subject matter expertise and thought leadership on DAF and Department of War energy and power science and technology with a specific focus on installation energy resilience: including, but not limited to, advanced nuclear technology, energy storage, zero trust architecture, and multi-fuel capable power generation.
• Directing the development of near-/mid-/far-term plans identifying technology areas for science & technology (S&T) and to provide solutions aligned to DAF Installation Energy priorities.
• Providing thought leadership and subject matter expertise regarding technology roadmap development and implementation.
• Overseeing and providing subject matter expertise on the implementation of model-based systems engineering, digital materiel management, and agile program management to accelerate S&T evaluation, adoption and transition of technologies for improved installation energy; includes the required test planning, test documentation, and approval processes.
• Coordinating test assets and land availability with Installations and DAF Major Commands, and coordinating technology transition to the operational units.
• Facilitating interactions with industrial, international, and academic communities as well as other US Government agencies on matters pertaining to new technologies and their applications.

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship.
• To qualify for a DR-02, applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the DR-01/GS-11 (or equivalent pay system). To qualify for a DR-03, applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the DR-02/GS-13 (or equivalent pay system). Specialized experience includes experience managing technical, schedule and financial aspects of large or complex projects, and demonstrated technical experience in one or more of the following areas: Installation Energy Science & Technology, advanced nuclear power technology, and Digital Materiel Management.
• Position will be filled using occupational series within the Scientist and Engineering career field. Applicants are required to meet all OPM Qualification Standard requirements for the applicable occupational series and grade.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Secret clearance as a condition of employment.
• Possess a professional science or engineering (S&E) degree, in a relevant technical field, from an accredited (or ABET accredited for engineering) academic institution.
• This is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position requiring Level/Tier 2 (Practitioner) certification in the Engineering & Technical Management stall. Applicants must list all completed APDP certifications on resume. Selectee will have 5 years to meet the APDP certification requirements of the position.

Desired Qualifications

• Possess an advanced degree in a relevant field (science or engineering) from an accredited academic institution.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in one or more of the following: Installation Energy Science & Technology, advanced nuclear power technology, and Digital Materiel Management.
• Demonstrated ability to transition technologies to industry and government customers.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams to achieve organizational goals.
• Ability to facilitate workshops with multiple stakeholders to align incentives and build consensus.
• Excellent verbal, oral, and written communication skills for technical and senior leader audiences.

Telework

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

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Series

• 0801
• 0830
• 0840
• 0850
• 1310

Additional Information

• Required to submit annual Confidential Financial Disclosure (OGE Form 450).
• Ability to perform occasional TDY travel.

Requisition Number 06812

Posting End Date

09/25/2026