Operational Energy Research Scientist or Engineer

Air Force Research Laboratory; Dayton (OH); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Occasional TDY travel

Job summary

Air Force Research Laboratory in Dayton, OH, seeks anOperational Energy Research Scientist/Engineer to lead the Operational Energy Working Group and drive technology development for DAF energy priorities. The role requires coordinating multi-disciplinary teams and managing complex, funded projects with a focus on accelerating S&T adoption and transition.

The position is based at Wright‑Patterson AFB with potential for situational telework and a Flexible Length Term appointment, offering

Qualifications

• Specialized experience in Operational Energy S&T, Aerospace Systems, or Digital Materiel Management.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams to achieve goals.
• Experience managing technical, schedule, and financial aspects of large or complex projects.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Operational Energy Working Group to plan, coordinate, and execute energy-related S&T efforts.
• Direct development of near-/mid-/far-term technology plans aligned to DAF priorities.
• Provide leadership on technology roadmap development for weapon system programs.
• Oversee model-based systems engineering, digital materiel management, and agile program management implementation.
• Coordinate test assets and range availability with test organizations and Major Commands.
• Lead technology transition to System Program Offices and operational units.
• Engage with industry, international and academic communities on new technologies and applications.

Skills

Operational Energy S&T

Aerospace Systems

Digital Materiel Management

Leadership

Program/Project Management

Education

Engineering or Science degree (ABET-accredited for engineering)

Advanced degree in a relevant field

Job description

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS. This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 EST, 16 October 2026.

Job Overview

The AFRL Foundational Technologies Directorate seeks to hire a motivated and experienced scientist or engineer to serve as an Operational Energy Research Scientist or Engineer. Individual will serve as the Operational Energy Working Group Lead, leading the technology development and demonstration for Department of the Air Force (DAF) operational energy projects. This position will be filled at the DR-2 (GS-12/13 equivalent) or DR-3 (GS-14 equivalent) level and is located at Wright‑Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. This 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

• Leading the Operational Energy Working Group in planning, coordinating, and executing Operational Energy Science and Technology to maximize combat capability for the warfighter. Working Group members include O-5/GS-14 (or equivalent) level of personnel across DAF Major Commands, program offices, test organizations, SAF/IEN.
• Directing the development of near‑/mid‑/far‑term plans identifying technology areas for science & technology (S&T) to provide solutions aligned to DAF Operational Energy priorities.
• Providing leadership and subject matter expertise regarding technology roadmap development and implementation for weapon System Program Offices, Program Executive Officers, Program Acquisition Executives, and DAF Major Commands.
• 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 operational energy; includes the required test planning, test documentation, and approval processes.
• Coordinating test assets and range availability with test organizations and DAF Major Commands.
• Leading and coordinating technology transition to the System Program Offices and 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 in one or more of the following: Operational Energy Science & Technology, Aerospace Systems, and Digital Materiel Management; experience working with multi-disciplinary teams to achieve organizational goals, and experience managing technical, schedule and financial aspects of large or complex projects.
• 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: Operational Energy Science & Technology, Aerospace Systems, 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
• Demonstrated ability to lead workshops with multiple stakeholders to align incentives and build consensus
• Demonstrated ability to manage technical, schedule and financial aspects on a portfolio of projects
• 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
• 0850
• 0861

Additional Information

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

Posting End Date

10/16/2026