Launch Your Career at the Tactical Edge: Developing Resilient Communications and Digital Transformation Foundations for the Next-Gen Warfighter!

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Information and Spectrum Warfare Directorate (RF), Multi-Domain C3 Division (RFC), Digitally Resilient Multi-Domain Networked Operations Branch (RFCD) is seeking an innovative, forward-thinking entry-level Computer Scientist, Electrical Engineer, or Data Scientist to launch their career at the leading edge of national security.

In this role, you will help design, develop, test, and demonstrate next-generation information management, communications systems, and software/network architectures. Your work will directly overcome tactical communication constraints and enable advanced, resilient, integrated tactical sensing and communications. By joining our team, you will contribute directly to the Air Force’s critical vision of pulsed operations and rapid sense-making at the tactical edge for our Warfighters.

As a DR-01 (GS-11 equivalent) professional, you will be paired with world-class mentors at our premier Rome Research Site in Rome, NY, transitioning your academic knowledge into real-world, high-impact defense solutions. As an entry-level member of our multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to both the lab bench and the operational field.

Under the guidance of senior scientists and engineers, your duties will include:

Assist in delivering technical solutions for decentralized, secure information dissemination, utilizing information provisioning layers, agile communication systems, and data analytics to support mobile tactical operations.

Serve as an active technical contributor on collaborative, multi-organization research teams, applying core concepts in computer/data science, programming, probability and statistics, algorithm development, and modern AI/ML.

Partner with senior researchers and military warfighters to translate operational constraints into clear technical requirements, contributing to the design and verification of data ingestion, digital engineering, human-machine interfaces, and decision-making tools.

Write, design, and document clean software interfaces, APIs, and libraries that enable the seamless ingestion, integration, transformation, and dissemination of raw data into usable tactical knowledge.

Execute and analyze bench-level tests, software simulations, and end-user demonstrations, and participate in live operational experiments as technology matures.

Assist in the preparation of technical reports, papers, and briefings to share research progress and programmatic milestones with peers and senior personnel.

US Citizenship.

Ability to obtain/maintain a Secret clearance as a condition of employment.

Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.

Applicants must be able to meet the OPM Qualification Standards of the position being filled: possess a professional Science or Engineering (S&E) degree, in a relevant technical field, from an ABET accredited academic institution.

This is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position requiring Level/Tier 1 (Intermediate) 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.

Experience in supporting, collaborating, and mentoring among teams.

Excellent oral and written skills for formal and informal communications.

Passion for developing innovative approaches and solutions.

Experience working with or within the Department of Defense research community.

Cultivates and sustains a professional environment of cooperation, cohesion and teamwork.

Technical background in research, development, testing of systems and prototypes.

Ability to excel working independently and as a member of a diverse cross-functional team.

Ability to evaluate and support engineering and technology efforts.

Ability to deal with complex, non-standard situations, environments, and priorities.

Ability to support and enable organization and program mission and vision.

Ability to travel up to 10% of the year, including potentially international travel.

Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) employs approximately 11,500 military, civilian and contractor personnel, and manages a $7 billion portfolio of investments. The lab supports external customers and partners with industry while investing in basic research, applied research and advanced technology development. As one integrated lab, AFRL seamlessly supports the Science & Technology needs of two services: the Air Force and the Space Force.