Optical Systems Engineer

Air Force Research Laboratory; Albuquerque (NM); Remote; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Force Research Laboratory is seeking qualified professionals to operate and support the Starfire Optical Range’s state-of-the-art ground-based Space Domain Awareness system. The role includes night-shift operations with real-time tracking of space objects and coordination with engineering teams to transition advanced technologies.

A professional S&E degree and ability to obtain a security clearance are required.

Qualifications

• Requires a professional science or engineering degree from an accredited institution.
• 1 year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level or equivalent.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Special Sensitive security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as operator during night-time crewed operations for ground-based Space Domain Awareness system.
• Operate an advanced system to enable real-time tracking of space objects.
• Monitor a complex system of systems to provide real-time feedback to operators and directors.
• Write operational test summaries, document experimental findings, and track system reliability.
• Use judgement and ingenuity during crewed operations to analyze system shortfalls.
• Coordinate with engineering staff to implement development and transition of complex technology solutions.

Skills

Telescope control

Test and experimentation

Scientific data analysis

Project management

Education

Computer Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Engineering Physics

Physics

Computer Science

Mathematics

Job description

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS. This announcement will be accepting applications until 11:45 PM MDT, 16 October 2026.

Job Overview

As part of AFRL's Information and Spectrum Warfare Directorate, Ground-Based Space Domain Awareness Division, the Starfire Optical Range (SOR) is a vital resource in achieving the U. S. Space Force’s mission to operate freely in space. This world-class research facility is located on a hilltop 1,900 meters (6,240 feet) above sea level on Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.

SOR’s primary mission is to develop optical sensing, imaging, and atmospheric compensation technologies to support Space Domain Awareness missions.

This facility is the world leader in research in laser-beacon adaptive optics for military uses and civilian applications, and technologies originating at SOR are regularly proliferating across the world-wide astronomical community. It is a major component of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s support to the U.S. Space Force.

SOR is an integrated team of professional military, civil service, and contractor personnel. The nature of the work necessitates a willingness to learn and adapt in order to develop and operate cutting-edge technologies.

New employees are onboarded in technical areas that are within their ability to learn and understand, and in line with mission needs.

New employees are expected to actively shadow and learn from more senior government personnel until they gain the necessary knowledge to independently contribute to mission needs. In line with the AFRL Lab Demo personnel management system (ref. AFRLMAN 36-104), new employees are expected to contribute across four categories: Problem Solving, Communications, Technology Management, and Teamwork and Leadership - enabling whole-person individual growth while executing duties to develop state-of-the-art capabilities for the Department of Defense.

Employees participate in a maximum flexibility timecard schedule and are compensated an additional 10% pay for every hour worked during night shift.

Position Duties May Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Serve as operator during night-time crewed operations for state-of-the-art ground-based Space Domain Awareness system comprised of 3.5m, 1.5m, and 1.0m optical telescopes
• Operate an advanced system to enable real-time tracking of space objects
• Monitor a complex system of systems to provide real-time feedback to operators and operations directors, enhancing system performance
• Write operational test summaries, document experimental findings, and track system reliability
• Use judgement and ingenuity during crewed operations to analyze system shortfalls
• Coordinate with dedicated engineering staff and implement the development and transition/transfer of complex technology solutions into the operational system

During operations downtime, this position requires one of two daytime focuses:

Engineering Focus

• Apply scientific and engineering expertise to develop, integrate, and transition novel system capabilities into the operational contingent
• Execute advanced technology projects and interface with program management staff to meet cost, schedule, and performance requirements
• Brief internal and external management and present programming and technical results to internal and external customers

Project Management Focus

• Lead technology partners in highly complex technical areas to develop strategies for operational system improvements
• Monitor evolution of cost, schedule, and resource risk; anticipate changes in resource requirements, and develop and advocate for solutions
• Exploit external technologies to enhance operational system performance
• Discover funding opportunities, manage funds, serve as a Contracting Officer Representative, and lead source selection teams
• Brief leadership and stakeholders, and lead interactions with partner countries and U.S. Government agencies to leverage mutual technologies

This position can be staffed at the grades of DR-I (GS-7/11 or equiv.), DR-II (GS-12/13 or equiv.), and DR-III (GS-14 or equiv.) depending on the best applicants’ academic backgrounds and years of relevant experience, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, optics, optical sensors, scientific data processing, electrical control systems, telescope systems, lasers, electrical engineering, physics, computer engineering, mathematics, and mechanical engineering.

Required Qualifications

• United States Citizenship.
• Must possess a professional science or engineering (S&E) degree from an accredited academic institution (if applicable).
• Must have at least 1 year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (DR-01/02/03) or equivalent grade level. Specialized experience is experience that equips the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is in or related to the work of the position to be filled.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Special Sensitive security clearance.

Desired Qualifications

Degree Type – Computer Engineering/Electrical Engineering/Engineering Physics/Physics/Computer Science/Mathematics or other relevant degree.

Experience: 1+ year of specialized experience or graduate level education.

Experience in activities relevant to the described job duties, which could include but are not limited to:

• Telescope control and operations
• Test and experimentation
• Scientific research or engineering
• Technology transitions
• Project or program management
• Employment in test organizations
• Software and/or electronic hardware engineering Scientific data analysis

Advanced degrees in engineering, research, or computer disciplines are not required but may strengthen the application.

Certifications: not required but will be considered if applicable.

Licenses: N/A

Other: work/school/hobby projects with relevant systems.

Current security clearance granted by a U.S. department or agency.

Telework

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

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Series

0801 0855

Additional Information

• This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent will be subject to random testing.
• Travel may be required but may likely be infrequent.
• Relocation costs or other incentives may be available and considered by the organization.

Resume requirement: Resume may not exceed two pages, and font size should be no smaller than 10pts. Resume with relevant start/end dates in MM/DD/YY format, per experience.

Transcripts/SF-50 requirement: redact all Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

Requisition Number 59089

Posting End Date 10/16/2026