Remote-Eligible Chief Engineer, Rocket Test Division

Air Force Research Laboratory; Rosamond (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligibility

Referral bonus

Job summary

Air Force Research Laboratory in California is seeking a Chief Engineer located at Edwards Air Force Base. The role requires US citizenship, a Secret clearance, and APDP Practitioner certification, with the option to achieve it within 60 months.

Expectations include strong systems engineering, leadership, and test program oversight. The position involves leading cross-disciplinary teams, coordinating TRBs, and shaping technical review processes.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Chemical, or Systems Engineering or a related field.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• APDP certification at Practitioner level in Engineering & Technical Management (ETM), or obtain within 60 months.
• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to DR-02/03 or GS-12/13/14 equivalents.

Responsibilities

• Apply Systems Engineering discipline during test facility buildup, sustainment, test planning, and execution with TEA approval.
• Chair Technical Review Boards (TRBs) or delegate duties to ensure technical rigor and identify risks.
• Develop a technical review process with the AFRL/RJ Test Lead to assess technical risk levels for each test activity.
• Chair Design Reviews and supervise the relevant sessions.
• Ensure programs employ necessary disciplines and resources to meet objectives safely and per guidance.
• Oversee post-test data analysis comparing empirical results to analytical models to validate performance.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of engineers across test, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and software disciplines.

Skills

Systems engineering

Technical leadership

Test planning

Risk assessment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Chemical, or Systems Engineering

Master's degree in related field (desired)

Job description

Air Force Research Laboratory in California is seeking a Chief Engineer located at Edwards Air Force Base. The role requires US citizenship, a Secret clearance, and APDP Practitioner certification, with the option to achieve it within 60 months.

Expectations include strong systems engineering, leadership, and test program oversight. The position involves leading cross-disciplinary teams, coordinating TRBs, and shaping technical review processes.