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Chief Scientist

Department of the Air Force
Department of the Air Force - Agency Wide
Air Force Global Strike Command
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

The primary purpose of this position is to provide combat ready forces to conduct nuclear deterrence and golbal strike operations in support of POTUS and combatant commanders.

Term Appoitment but maybe extended without compettion.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
01/14/2026 to 02/03/2026
Salary
$186,207 to - $209,600 per year
Pay scale & grade
SL 00
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Barksdale AFB, LA
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type
Term
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
00
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
Yes
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
MRL2026-00035
Control number
854352100

Duties

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This position serves as the Chief Scientist of AFGSC, scientific advisor to the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) Commander, and the primary authority for the technical content of the AFGSC portfolio. Evaluates and advises on shaping command programs to ensure highest quality and to identify opportunities for technology options to enhance effectiveness and efficiency of AFGSC platforms, training, and operations. Identifies technology solutions, partnerships and transition paths to meet the highest priorities of global strike forces. Studies and analyzes research and development conducted at universities, contractors, military laboratories, other government agencies, and foreign countries to maintain current technical expertise, to assess possible applications to AFGSC mission areas, and to anticipate the needs of global strike forces and thereby ensure that proper emphasis is placed on critical areas. Recommends initiatives and adjustments to current programs to avoid technological surprise and meet current and future Air Force needs.

As an internationally recognized scientific expert, provides technical expertise, stature, and experience necessary to serve as the senior interface between AFGSC and other commands, services, agencies, industry, and the scientific community. Fosters and leads efforts to ensure rapid transition of technology to Air Force operations. Serves as authoritative consultants or member on boards and/or panels charged with strengthening AFGSC interactions and ties with other commands, services, national and international government agencies, academia, industry and the public community. Recognizes and implements technological means to integrate air, space, and cyberspace, twenty-first century logistics, joint service and coalition operations.

Authoritatively guides AFGSC core area technical programs in coordination with MAJCOM directors, NAF commanders, Air Staff and sponsoring agencies such as DARPA, DOE, NRO, NSA, etc. Plans, leads and conducts studies, assessments and creative concept development efforts to integrate scientific advances with high priority military requirements. Focuses technology solutions on maximizing the efficiency of effects-based operations. Programs require intensive and extensive exploration, involve many major and exceptionally critical scientific and enginee1ing problems, and are of national and international significance.

Mentors and develops members of the staff across the command to assure technical quality and excellence in program execution in areas of highest interest to the Air Force. Advises the AFGSC Commander and directors of competence within the command, and thereby, significantly influences the Commander's decisions on delegation of programs and projects. Actively participates in AFGSC and AF professional training, awards, and civilian development programs.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • 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
  • Must file an Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report
  • PROBATIONARY PERIOD. An individual's initial SL career appointment becomes final only after the individual successfully completes a 1-year probationary period.
  • Active Duty Military Members must indicate retirement eligibility
  • Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be offered
  • 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.
  • Veterans' preference is applicable to Air Force Senior Level (SL) positions.

Qualifications

Eligibility will be based upon a clear showing the applicant has training, education, and experience of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry-out the duties of the position. Candidates must exemplify the corporate perspective, leadership vision, broad experience and character needed in the SES corps not only to satisfy the immediate vacancy, but future vacancies which will occur in a variety of organizations, functions and locations. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume (not to exceed 2 pages).

Resumes over the 2-page limit will be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s).

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Candidates must have one year (1) specialized experience at the next lower grade (GS-14/GG-14/Pay Band 4/5) or equivalent or specialized experience obtained in the private sector related to the duties of this SL position.

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that satisfy the technical qualifications.

TQ1 - Advanced interdisciplinary nuclear/global strike technologies, and expert knowledge of national research and development programs and the relationships among all elements of Research and Development communities sufficient to make authoritative scientific, technical, and programmatic recommendations to top national leadership on the technological enhancement of nuclear deterrence and global strike capabilities.

TQ2 - Extensive knowledge of the missions and roles of national and international defense components concerned with nuclear and global strike program development.

Education

For 0800, General Engineering Series:

a. A professional engineering degree from an accredited institution is required. To be acceptable, the curriculum must: (1) be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum; or (2) include 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-

b. A combination of education and experience as required by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Acceptable combinations of education and experience can be found at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf

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To qualify for the OPM 1301 series (General Physical Science), candidates must have a degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics, including specific coursework in physical sciences.

a. Applicants must have successfully completed a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics. This must include at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, covering subjects such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.

- OR-

b. Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Additional information

Education: In addition, a master's or advanced degree in engineering, computer science, or related technical field is highly desired.

Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference is applicable to Air Force Senior Level (SL) 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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. If you meet minimum qualifications, your Application Package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the Technical Qualifications (TQ) listed above. TQs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. Applicants will be evaluated against the qualifications requirements by a screening panel composed of senior executives and/or general officers selected for organizational and/or functional backgrounds relevant to this position. Highly Qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration. Final selection is contingent on approval by the Under Secretary of the Air Force.

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