Job Overview

This job announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 30 September 2025.

OPEN TO CURRENT AFRL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES ONLY.

Your application WILL NOT be considered if all required documents are not submitted. See list of required documents at the bottom of the announcement.

The AFRL Sensors Directorate seeks to hire a motivated and experienced mid-level Electronics Engineer (0855), Materials Engineer (0806), or Physicist (1310), to serve as the Physical Verification and Validation (V&V) engineer in the Advanced Packaging Section (AFRL/RYDMP) of the Aerospace Components & Subsystems Division (AFRL/RYD) of the Sensors Directorate (AFRL/RY) in the Air Force Research Laboratory.

This position is open to candidates currently at the DR-01 or equivalent level eligible for promotion and current DR-02 or equivalent level candidates for reassignment. This position will be filled at the DR-02 level and is located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.

Position duties include, but are not limited to:

• Lead physical verification and validation methodologies and research in microelectronics.
• Serve as the VIVID and uScope lab manager - maintain microscopy tools, electrical and physical characterization tools, lab logistics, and manage research in respected labs.
• Applies physical analysis utilizing microscopy tools (such as X-ray, SEM/FIB), good understanding of current state-of-the-art (SOTA) methods and processes used today in nanoscale characterization, and capable of defining and leading research with gov-ctr team.
• Works closely with design team to accelerate time to evaluate for assurance and trade-offs with non-destructive and destructive analysis techniques.
• Perform research to develop new tools; leverage commercial SoTA practices; push to new areas of design, physical, functional V&V, directly supporting trust and assured microelectronics mission.
• Understanding of microscopy principles and tools, such as SEM/FIB, X-ray, and microscopes.
• Applies scientific knowledge in analysis of microelectronics hardware utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopes and X-ray CT.
• Knowledge of microelectronic assurance problems and solutions associated with destructive and non-destructive techniques, including microscopy and electrical characterization.
• Applies expert knowledge and advanced engineering methods, theories, concepts, principles and processes to support the Section's mission of proving options for programs to implement various levels of trust and assurance into their systems.
• Oversees in-house and contractual programs ranging from basic research and exploratory development of advanced component demonstration efforts.
• Builds coalitions and interacts internally and externally to foster collaborations, customer interactions and an environment of technology exploitation.
• Actively engages in organizational planning activities within the Section, Branch, Sensors Directorate, Air Force, DoD, and other governmental agencies and provides input into future requirements and roadmaps.
• Acts as a V&V representative, technical and programmatic, assisting lead engineers with engagements with customers and partners on all assigned program-related activities.
• Plans and manages both unclassified and classified research and development.

Telework

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

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship
• Must be able to obtain/maintain a Top Secret clearance with access to SCI and SAP clearance as condition of employment.
• This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent will be subject to random testing.
• Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade, DR-01 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience includes R&D in microelectronics and utilization of lab test equipment; experience on microscopy tools, such as SEM/FIB, X-ray, and acoustic imaging characterization; experience with lab logistics and equipment management.
• Applicants must be able to meet the OPM Qualification Standards of the position being filled. Positions will be filled using the following OPM occupational series:
  • All Professional Engineering Series (0806 and 0855): https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf
  • Physics Series (1310): https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/physics-series-1310/
• Possess a professional science or engineering (S&E) degree, in a relevant technical field, from an accredited (or ABET accredited for engineering) academic institution
• This position is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position requiring Tier 2 (Practitioner) Non-Critical certification in Engineering and Technical Management (N). Selectee will have 5 years to complete certification requirements and must have 4 years of experience to become fully certified.
• Selectee is required to submit annual Confidential Financial Disclosure (OGE Form 450).

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in trust and assured microelectronics principles.
• Experience with microscopy tools, such as SEM/FIB, X-ray, and physical characterization of microelectronics.
• Experience with microelectronic electrical testing/characterization equipment, such as meters, power supplies, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, and other digital and analog testing equipment.
• Experience working in a lab environment, lab best practices, and managing lab equipment utilization.
• Masters or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Material Science, or related field.
• Project management skills with experience tracking and managing cost, schedule, and performance.
• Experience planning, budgeting, developing, and executing research and advanced development efforts.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with program managers and senior leaders.

Additional Information

When uploading documents please utilize the naming convention listed below. The requisition number is located at the bottom of the announcement.

• Resume (PDF): Req No_21345_Last Name_First Name_Resume
• Transcript: Req No_21345_Last Name_First Name_Transcript*
• SF-50: Req No_21345_Last Name_First Name_SF-50

*If uploading multiple transcripts, naming convention should include "Transcript BS" or "Transcript MA" as applicable.

Required documents include:

• Federal resume with relevant start and end dates in MM/DD/YY, per experience
• Unofficial Transcripts Required; redact all PII
• Most recent SF-50 for current federal employees; redact all PII

Requisition Number: 21345

Series

0806

0855

1310

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.