Job Overview

OPEN TO CURRENT AFRL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES ONLY.

This job announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 29 December 2025.

The AFRL Rocket Science & Technology Division (AFRL/RQR), Aerospace Systems Directorate, seeks to fill a senior-level position at the DR-04 level as the Division Chief. The position is located at the AFRL Rocket Laboratory at Edwards AFB, CA.

For more than 60 years, the AFRL Rocket Laboratory at Edwards AFB has contributed to several technology developments in rocket engines, including those of Saturn, Titan, Space Shuttle, and all major intercontinental ballistic missiles and current space launchers. Today, the site continues to enable technology leaps in hypersonics, solid rocket boosters, in-space propulsion, and liquid rockets for defense and commercial space in support for the Air & Space Forces.

Position duties include, but are not limited to:

• Serves as Chief of the Rocket Science and Technology Division.
• Leads the division in formulating, implementing, and directing complex multi-million research programs ranging from 6.1 to 6.4.
• Guides the research and development of rocket propulsion systems.
• Vectors resources to advance critical priorities for the Department of War.
• Supervises civilian, military, and contractor workforce.
• Executes a large annual budget to develop and deliver new capabilities for the warfighter.
• Interfaces with high-ranking officials and stakeholders in government, industry, and academia.
• This position is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position requiring level 2-Practicioner, Non-Critical certification in Engineering & Technical Management. The selectee will have 24-months to meet APDP requirements or a waiver must be obtained. Government applicants for this position must list any acquisition certifications and status as an acquisition corps member in their resume.
• Must be able to travel <10>

Telework

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

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

Yes

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
• Ph.D. degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or other technical field of relevance for rocket propulsion technologies.
• Must have at least 1 year of experience at the DR-03 (or equivalent) grade level.

Desired Qualifications

• Excellent track record in scientific research revealed through scholarly publications, grants, patents or awards in technical fields of relevance for rocket propulsion.
• Experience in managing large multi-faceted research organizations.
• Experience in leading large effective teams of scientists, engineers, technicians, and support personnel.
• Experience in leading solutions for US Space Force’s technical needs for rapid and sustained maneuver.
• Experience in leading solutions for US Air Force’s technical needs for hypersonic weapons, nuclear deterrence, and augmentation of munition stockpiles.
• Experience in executing multi-million dollar budgets for research programs.
• Experience in delineating strategy of complex technical organizations.
• Experience with technology development cycles, finances, strategic execution, and management of programs for defense acquisition.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Genuine interest in working with a diverse team to solve multi-disciplinary applied engineering problems and advance the mission of the Air & Space Forces.

(Requisition No. 84069)

Series

0801

0806

0830

0861

1310

1330

1520

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.