Job Overview

This job announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 26 July 24.

As part of AFRL’s Directed Energy Directorate, Space Electro-Optics Division, the Starfire Optical Range (SOR) is a vital resource in achieving the Department of the Air 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 of research for laser-beacon adaptive optics for military uses and civilian applications, and technologies originating at SOR are regularly proliferated 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 a tight-knit team of professional military, civil service, and contractor personnel. The nature of the work necessitates willingness to learn and adopt institutional knowledge driven by the unique, cutting-edge technologies developed at SOR. 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 gaining 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 can expect to contribute to a variety of tasks ranging across 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.

Position duties include, but are not limited to:

• Expected to be part of a team and learn from world-class scientists and engineers.
• Write firmware and software for custom-made electronics boards and systems.
• Document software & hardware for complex, integrated system of systems.
• Serve as night or day crew member and/or responsible systems engineer.
• Create and execute system test plans, track reliability, and brief leadership.
• Ensure customer technical needs are met and facilitate technology transition.
• As needed, interface with existing Starfire Optical Range partners across the Air Force Research Laboratory, Department of Defense, nation, and internationally to promote knowledge sharing and technology transition activities.
• Relocation costs or other incentives may be available and considered by the organization.

Telework

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

Remote Work (CONUS)

No, this position is not approved for remote work.

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a required Top Secret security clearance.
• Bachelor or higher degree from an accredited institution. Unofficial transcripts are required to verify the degree.
• This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent with be subject to random testing.
• Certifications: not required but will be considered if applicable.

DR-II qualifications may include but are not limited to:

• Advanced degree
• 2+ years of specialized experience

Desired Qualifications

• Degree Type - Computer Engineering/Electrical Engineering/Engineering Physics/Computer Science or other relevant degree
• Experience - 1+ year of specialized experience or graduate level education
• Advanced degree in an engineering, research, or computer discipline not required but may strengthen the application.
• Other - Work/school/hobby projects with electro-mechanical control systems
• Current security clearance granted by a U.S. department or agency

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

• Software and/or electronic hardware engineering
• Artificial Intelligence and/or Machine Learning
• Test and experimentation
• Scientific research or engineering
• Technology transitions
• Project or program management
• Employment in test organizations

Req No 82060

Series

0854

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.