Space Systems Analyst

Air Force Research Laboratory; Albuquerque (NM); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Situational telework

Job summary

Air Force Research Laboratory (SatAC) at Kirtland AFB, NM, advances space-domain awareness through modeling, simulation and analysis. This federal role requires US citizenship and the ability to obtain a DoD clearance. Telework may be considered situationally.

The candidate will work with a diverse team to deliver M&S tools, evaluate satellite systems, and support USSF mission decisions, including IP-sensitive work and cross-organizational collaboration.

Qualifications

• Must possess a professional science or engineering (S&E) degree from an accredited academic institution.
• Must be a United States citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Critical Sensitive security clearance.
• Specialized experience is required at DR-02 level or education equivalent per OPM GS standards.

Responsibilities

• Assists in researching effects of directed energy on space systems and develops physics-based modeling and simulation software.
• Plans and executes M&S, analysis, and experiment activities to support USSF decisions.
• Applies scientific knowledge to satellite and electro-optical system assessment activities.
• Evaluates satellite systems and architectures, and leads IPTs for studies and experiments.
• Prepares contractual documents, technical reports, and evaluations for USSF acquisitions.
• Promotes IP development, protection, and transfer or commercialization where appropriate.

Education

Professional science or engineering (S&E) degree

Job description

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS.

This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 MDT, 6 November 2026.

Job Overview

As part of AFRL's Information and Spectrum Warfare Directorate, Ground-Based Space Domain Awareness Division, the Satellite Assessment Center (SatAC) has the mission to deliver advanced space domain awareness (SDA) modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) capabilities, subject matter expertise, and directed energy effects assessments for USSF space superiority. We are co-located at Starfire Optical Range (SOR) with the DoW's 2 nd largest telescope; located on a hilltop 1,900 meters (6,240 feet) above sea level on Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. 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.

SatAC 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, maintain, and deliver world class software and tools. 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.

• Assists in performing research into the effects of directed energy on space systems, developing physics-based modeling and simulation (M&S) software tools to perform technical analyses, performing laboratory and optical field measurements to validate the M&S software and assessing and quantifying susceptibility of space systems to directed energy sources.
• Prepares, plans, and executes M&S, analysis, and experiment activities enabling USSF and mission partner operational decisions.
• Applies a wide range of scientific knowledge and analytical skills to the planning and execution of satellite and electro-optical system assessment activities.
• Participates in evaluations of real and conceptual satellite systems, electro-optical sub-systems and architectures against expected measures of performance or program requirements. Leads and participates in cross-organizational Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to plan and execute studies and experiments.
• Communicates and coordinates out briefs and study results within defined technical area to leadership, the branch, the division and/or external customers.
• Specific duties include but are not limited to preparing contractual documents, technical reports, authoring requirements, evaluating technical proposals, evaluating satellite systems, conducting trade studies and assessments for USSF acquisition decisions, and building space system models.
• Promotes a culture where intellectual Property (IP) is developed, documented, protected and encouraged. Inherent in the technical publication review process is a thorough screening for potential IP. Scientific knowledge will be will be utilized to effectively assist in IP transfer, transition or commercialization.

Required Qualifications

• United States Citizenship
• Must possess a professional science or engineering (S&E) degree from an accredited academic institution
• To qualify at the DR-02 level, candidates must have at least 1 year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level or equivalent grade level (DR-01 or GS-07, 09 or 11). Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Or, applicant may have directly related education with superior academic achievement, or, a combination of education and experience as specified in the OPM General Schedule Qualification Standards https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=Group-Standards
• To qualify at the DR-01 level, candidates must posses relevant education or experience that provides them skills necessary to perform the work of this job. Specialized experience is not required at the entry level.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Critical Sensitive security clearance

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced Degree in relevant science or engineering field
• Experience with modeling and simulation software and tools, spacecraft systems and subsystems, directed energy, and/or computer engineering
• Strong and effective communication skills, critical thinking skills, and practical problem-solving
• Enthusiasm to embrace new missions, capabilities, methods, improve processes, self-educate, and work closely with a technical team

Telework

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

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Series

• 0801
• 0830
• 0850
• 0855
• 0861
• 1301

Additional Information

• This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent will be subject to random testing.
• Certifications: not required but will be considered if applicable.
• Licenses: N/A
• Travel: required on a semi-frequent basis

Requisition Number 95522

Posting End Date

11/06/2026