Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the principal scientific authority and independent researcher for hypersonic system development across multiple AFRL Directorates and therefore must apply an AFRL corporate strategic view and balance competing viewpoints from across AFRL.
Summary
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the principal scientific authority and independent researcher for hypersonic system development across multiple AFRL Directorates and therefore must apply an AFRL corporate strategic view and balance competing viewpoints from across AFRL.
1. Represents AFRL to external audiences. Engages across multiple leadership levels and organizations to develop and execute a comprehensive, effective technology maturation strategy. Specifically, the Senior Scientist articulates technical development status and requirements to AFRL, DAF, and Department of Defense (DoD) senior leadership. The incumbent also builds technical relationships with external development partners such as, but not limited to, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Reconnaissance Organization (NRO), the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and the Air Force Test Center (AFTC). The Senior Scientist participates in Air Force, Space Force, Navy, Army, DARPA, DoD, NASA, NRO, industrial, and university program reviews and meetings to ensure the DAF is aware of the latest research and development (R&D) achievements essential to guiding Air Force investment and applications. Additionally, the incumbent engages with university and industry partners to develop enduring R&D collaborations that push the state of the art for development and fielding of hypersonic system technologies. Finally, the Senior Scientist is an expert consultant to military groups and panels, industry, and scientific professional groups and societies; and is an active participant and leader in scientific or technical professional conferences and symposia to present research results and to assess progress and leading-edge research by other national and international laboratories. Serves in a leadership role in at least one national scientific technical forum or panel.
2. Advises AFRL leadership on high-speed system development requirements. The Senior Scientist champions AFRL's investment strategy, including research objectives, knowledge/skills/abilities (KSAs) required within the current and future workforce, and enhancements required to keep AFRL facilities state-of-the-art. The incumbent assists the RQ Director and Chief Scientist, as well as the AFRL Chief Technologist and the members of the AFRL Research Advisory Council, in reviewing and designing an overall technology program and orienting research efforts towards maximum payoff for technology advances and mission relevance. As an authority in Hypersonic technologies, the incumbent serves as consultant for technical judgments and evaluations of related research efforts. The Senior Scientist consults with representatives from other organizations to determine current and future needs, to ensure the DAF has access to latest advances and helps develop future projects to achieve high priority Air Force and Space Force goals. The incumbent possesses broad technical knowledge to focus hypersonic investment strategy across AFRL; technical disciplines affected include all areas required to field effective hypersonic weapons and platforms, including: aerothermodynamics, propulsion, structures, guidance and control, materials and thermal protection systems, thermal management, high-speed sensor and communication system performance, power management, endothermic fuels, high-speed dispense of weapons or payloads, strike weapon end-game performance, ground and flight test techniques, and advanced diagnostics required by the unique hypersonic environment.
3. Guides research technical goals & execution. The Senior Scientist conducts technical reviews, assesses programs and new study areas, and interacts with other Air Force and government agencies in matters relating to hypersonic technology development. Also plans, conducts, evaluates, and coordinates theoretical and experimental studies in hypersonic technologies within AFRL and with other DoD and national laboratories and agencies. The incumbent defines and selects specific topics for investigations based on technical objectives and personal, authoritative knowledge of the subject. The Senior Scientist integrates scientific advances with the technical state-of-the-art and military technology requirements and technically guides R&D efforts accordingly. Creates and facilitates cross-directorate programs that bring together multidisciplinary teams to develop research initiatives that use advanced hypersonic technologies to address AF needs.
4. Mentors and develops S&E personnel. The Senior Scientist identifies, nurtures, and grows the S&E workforce to ensure both current and future sustainment of AFRL's world-class hypersonics R&D expertise.
5. Conducts high-speed system research. The Senior Scientist leads and conducts R&D activities in the broad area of hypersonic technology to increase Air Force and Space Force capabilities and improve the performance of DAF and DoD systems. The incumbent generates related new concepts, establishes investigations, and extends the basic knowledge of the core area technology.
If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.
Position is designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP). Position requires the incumbent sign a Drug Testing letter and pass urinalysis testing prior to appointment.
Must have or be able to obtain a TOP SECRET/SCI Security clearance.
Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be offered.
Active Duty Military Members must indicate retirement eligibility.
Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326.
Disclosure of Political Appointments
EXECUTIVE PERSONNEL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REPORT (Standard Form 278). Selected candidate must file this report in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants.
Qualifications
A. ST QUALIFICATIONS:
ST positions require substantial experience and significant scientific contributions related to the scientific disciplines and topic areas described in this position description. The candidate must have at least 3 years of specialized experience in, or closely related to, the field in which the candidate will work; and at least 1 year of this experience (must have been in planning and executing difficult programs of national significance or planning and executing specialized programs that show outstanding attainments in the field of research or consultation. Experience can include paid and unpaid experience, including federal/non-federal government, volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience.
1. To meet the minimum requirements for this Department of the Air Force ST position, you must have (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-14/GG-14/NH-04 or equivalent or specialized experience obtained in the private sector related to the duties of this ST position.
B. MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (MTQs - NTE 6 Pages Total): A supplemental statement must be submitted separately addressing the below Technical Qualifications. MTQ Narratives must provide specific examples that address relevant experience and accomplishments. It is recommended to use 2 pages for each MTQ resulting in a total of 6 pages uploading your final submission as a PDF titled your MTQs.
1. Demonstrated leadership experience initiating, planning, coordinating, evaluating and conducting basic and applied research and development that increases Department of the Air Force capabilities relative to key technology areas.
2. Expert level technical knowledge reviewing and designing technology program(s), as well as orienting research efforts to maximize technology advances and mission relevance.
3. Proven Executive level experience in research program development and management. Ability to lead diverse teams of scientists and engineers in research & development efforts to advance the maturity of technologies used by Air Force and Space Force missiles, aircraft, and space access platforms in sustained operations above Mach 5 to enable the transition to acquisition development programs.
C. SENIOR PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (SPQs - NTE 2 Pages Total). A supplemental statement must be submitted separately addressing both Senior Professional Qualifications below. Applicants must provide specific examples/experience/accomplishments that address these professional qualifications. Limit your responses to 1 page per SPQ and upload as a PDF file titled your SPQs.
SPQ 1. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with key management, professional and scientific personnel; advise and consult on scientific and technological programs and problems; and, serve as an effective spokesperson for the organization both nationally and internationally, AND,
SPQ 2. Stature in the profession as indicated by memberships and activity in professional and scientific societies, honors, awards, and other recognition and leadership in national and international scientific communities. Contributions and professional reputation as evidenced by citations, patents, and/or publications which advance knowledge in the field.
Education
1. This is an interdisciplinary professional position involving duties and responsibilities closely related to more than one professional occupation. As a result, the nature of the work is such that persons with education and experience in one of the two different professions (listed below) may be considered equally well qualified to do the work. To be qualified, the incumbent must meet one of the education requirements for one of the two occupational series listed below. Note: Acceptable combinations of education and experience for each series are listed on the OPM website under the General Schedule Qualification Standards.
(a) General Engineering (0801) series requires: A professional engineering degree from an accredited institution. To be acceptable, the program must (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited ABET or (2) including differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics OR a combination of education and experience - at least 60 semester hours of college-level education in engineering or the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineers combined with specialized training and/or technical experience (as demonstrated by registration as a professional engineer or successful completion of the Engineer-in-Training examination).
(b) General Physical Science (1301) series requires: A degree in physical science, engineering or mathematics degree that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics OR a combination of education and experience - education equivalent to one of the majors shown above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
An advanced degree or doctorate in a related professional discipline is highly desired.
Additional information
Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to Scientific and Professional (ST) positions.
Relocation Authorized: Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).
Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: May be offered.
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.
Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit GSA Bulletin FTR 20-04 here for additional information.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Applications will be evaluated against the foregoing qualification requirements. Failure to meet any one of the mandatory technical or senior professional qualification standards will eliminate a candidate from further consideration. Candidates will be evaluated for this position by a screening panel composed of a diverse mix of senior executives and/or general officers selected for organizational and/or functional backgrounds relevant to this position. The panel discusses each application and reaches consensus as to the Best Qualified, Qualified or Not Qualified candidates. Only the Best Qualified candidates will be interviewed. The panel will then make a recommendation of those Best Qualified candidates who should be referred to the selecting official, in priority order. Final selection is contingent upon USecAF approval.
REMINDER: Before uploading your required PDF documents (Resume, Technical Qualification narrative, Senior Professional Qualifications), please ensure they DO NOT EXCEED the noted page limits.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To receive full consideration, each applicant must submit the documents in the format as designated. Packages that do not include all of the required documents or meet format requirements will not be forwarded for consideration.
**************ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE UPLOADED IN PDF FORMAT*******************
The Qualifications Documents must be formatted using Times New Roman, size 12 font, with 1-inch margins. Do not use borders, provide photos, or list a Social Security Number on any of the Qualifications Documents. DO NOT COMBINE DOCUMENTS.
A. Resume in the preferred (Limit 5 pages). Upload in PDF format. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
B. Mandatory Technical Qualifications Statement addressing each of the TQs (NTE 6 pages Total).Upload in PDF format and include the MTQ statement as indicated in the announcement.
C. Mandatory Senior Professional Qualifications (NTE 2 pages Total). Upload in PDF format. Current OR former ST career/career conditional employees not required to provide a separate narrative response to the Senior Professional Qualifications. However, you must include a copy your ST career/career conditional appointment (please submit SF50).
D. Most recent completed Performance Appraisal (current and/or former federal employees) or Performance Report (OPR or EPR). For applicants in the private sector, please provide a copy of your equivalent Evaluation Report.
E. Most recent Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50, noting your current position, grade level and salary level (applies only to current or former civilian government employee).
F. College transcript(s) (copy is acceptable) which demonstrates the acceptable combinations of education and experience as noted by OPM.
G. Military: Retired - a copy of your DD214 and/or Retirement orders; Active Duty - submit a Statement of Service Letter and state highest rank held date of promotion and date eligible to retire or date of retirement. Documents are required.
H. (Optional): Ethnicity and Race Identification, SF-181 -- Form available at: https://www.opm.gov
I. (Optional): Self-Identification of Disability, SF-256 -- Form available at: https://www.opm.gov
DO NOT SUBMIT ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Extraneous materials such as copies of position descriptions, award certificates and transmittal letters will not be forwarded for review.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please follow the below instructions to submit applications. Any applications received that do not include all of the required documents or do not meet format requirements will not be forwarded for consideration.
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/03/2023.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.
PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.
PREFERRED RESUME FORMAT: (Limit 5 pages/Times New Roman 12-font) (Do Not Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder) - Please submit a typewritten resume (upload as a PDF), including the following information:
Job Information: Announcement number (SAFMRL2023-52) and title of the position to which you are applying.
Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), day and evening phone numbers (with area code) and complete e-mail address where you would like to receive correspondence regarding your application. **PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER**
Active-Duty/Retired Military: State highest rank held, date of promotion and date eligible to retire or date of retirement. (e.g., Colonel/June 2006/December 2014). NOTE:IAW 5 U.S.C. 3326, a 180-day waiver will be required for retired or retiring members of the armed forces during the period of 180 days immediately after retirement.
Education: Educational information, including the name, city and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degree received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html
Work Experience:Give the following information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying: (Do not send job descriptions).
- Starting and ending dates (month and year)
- Job title (for government position, include civilian series and grade or military rank)
- Employer's name and address
- Supervisor's name and phone number, please indicate if we may contact your current supervisor
- Salary (current)\
- Accomplishments and contributions demonstrating qualityfing experience. *Applicants should focus on recency of experience, hiring officials may consider experience over 10 years outdated.
References:Provide the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three individuals who can comment on your qualifications for this position. Please do not list supervisors already listed above.
This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify this office. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis.
AF Senior Executive Management
1040 Air Force Pentagon Room 4D
Washington, DC 20330
US
Next steps
Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent.
If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To receive full consideration, each applicant must submit the documents in the format as designated. Packages that do not include all of the required documents or meet format requirements will not be forwarded for consideration.
**************ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE UPLOADED IN PDF FORMAT*******************
The Qualifications Documents must be formatted using Times New Roman, size 12 font, with 1-inch margins. Do not use borders, provide photos, or list a Social Security Number on any of the Qualifications Documents. DO NOT COMBINE DOCUMENTS.
A. Resume in the preferred (Limit 5 pages). Upload in PDF format. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
B. Mandatory Technical Qualifications Statement addressing each of the TQs (NTE 6 pages Total).Upload in PDF format and include the MTQ statement as indicated in the announcement.
C. Mandatory Senior Professional Qualifications (NTE 2 pages Total). Upload in PDF format. Current OR former ST career/career conditional employees not required to provide a separate narrative response to the Senior Professional Qualifications. However, you must include a copy your ST career/career conditional appointment (please submit SF50).
D. Most recent completed Performance Appraisal (current and/or former federal employees) or Performance Report (OPR or EPR). For applicants in the private sector, please provide a copy of your equivalent Evaluation Report.
E. Most recent Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50, noting your current position, grade level and salary level (applies only to current or former civilian government employee).
F. College transcript(s) (copy is acceptable) which demonstrates the acceptable combinations of education and experience as noted by OPM.
G. Military: Retired - a copy of your DD214 and/or Retirement orders; Active Duty - submit a Statement of Service Letter and state highest rank held date of promotion and date eligible to retire or date of retirement. Documents are required.
H. (Optional): Ethnicity and Race Identification, SF-181 -- Form available at: https://www.opm.gov
I. (Optional): Self-Identification of Disability, SF-256 -- Form available at: https://www.opm.gov
DO NOT SUBMIT ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Extraneous materials such as copies of position descriptions, award certificates and transmittal letters will not be forwarded for review.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please follow the below instructions to submit applications. Any applications received that do not include all of the required documents or do not meet format requirements will not be forwarded for consideration.
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/03/2023.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.
PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.
PREFERRED RESUME FORMAT: (Limit 5 pages/Times New Roman 12-font) (Do Not Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder) - Please submit a typewritten resume (upload as a PDF), including the following information:
Job Information: Announcement number (SAFMRL2023-52) and title of the position to which you are applying.
Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), day and evening phone numbers (with area code) and complete e-mail address where you would like to receive correspondence regarding your application. **PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER**
Active-Duty/Retired Military: State highest rank held, date of promotion and date eligible to retire or date of retirement. (e.g., Colonel/June 2006/December 2014). NOTE:IAW 5 U.S.C. 3326, a 180-day waiver will be required for retired or retiring members of the armed forces during the period of 180 days immediately after retirement.
Education: Educational information, including the name, city and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degree received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html
Work Experience:Give the following information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying: (Do not send job descriptions).
- Starting and ending dates (month and year)
- Job title (for government position, include civilian series and grade or military rank)
- Employer's name and address
- Supervisor's name and phone number, please indicate if we may contact your current supervisor
- Salary (current)\
- Accomplishments and contributions demonstrating qualityfing experience. *Applicants should focus on recency of experience, hiring officials may consider experience over 10 years outdated.
References:Provide the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three individuals who can comment on your qualifications for this position. Please do not list supervisors already listed above.
This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify this office. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis.
AF Senior Executive Management
1040 Air Force Pentagon Room 4D
Washington, DC 20330
US
Next steps
Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent.
If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
