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SUPERVISORY GENERAL ENGINEER/PHYSICAL SCIENTIST/OPS RESEARCH ANALYST

Department of the Air Force
Department of the Air Force - Agency Wide
Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC)

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.

The primary purpose of this position is to provide technical oversight and program management for R&D initiations across all AFTAC mission areas. Develop near-term and strategic plans for R&D and emergent technology advancement within internal and external program portfolios. Develop near-term and strategic plans for R&D and emergent technology advancement within internal/external program portfolios.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
02/12/2026 to 02/26/2026
Salary
$148,275 to - $192,764 per year
Pay scale & grade
GG 14
Location
Few vacancies in the following location:
Patrick AFB, FL
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - 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
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
14
Supervisory status
Yes
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
8X-DCIPS-12880508-093520-MV
Control number
857297000

Duties

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  • Provides technical oversight and program management for R&D initiatives across all AFTAC mission areas: Materials, Geophysics, and Atmosphere and Space.
  • As the technical expert, reviews and assesses programs and new study areas and interacts with other Air Force and government agencies on R&D matters relating to all AFTAC mission areas.
  • Spearheads highly complex R&D efforts associated with advanced technology and strengthens in-house activities of the laboratory and strategic collaborations, both academic and intergovernmental.
  • Exercises supervisory personnel management responsibilities. Advises and provides counsel to employees regarding policies, procedures, and directives of management.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • All new DCIPS employees are required to complete a two-year DCIPS trial period.
  • 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/
  • This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Must be registered for Selective Service, see Legal and Regulatory Guide
  • The employee may be required to work irregular duty hours, nights and/or weekends.
  • Shift work and emergency overtime may be required
  • Employee must maintain current certifications
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit
  • POLYGRAPH: Employee may be required to undergo Cl polygraph examinations in accordance with Security regulations involving material handled.
  • The employee may be required to travel in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments.
  • A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in a technical field (such as physics, nuclear engineering, chemistry, biology, geophysics, etc.) and a minimum of 15 years of experience is desired.
  • Knowledge of Joint DoD, DOE, DOJ, DOS and DHS structure, organizations and mission/functions, interrelationships and operations is highly desired.
  • The employee must meet, or be capable of meeting, Defense Acquisition Work Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements; the APDP level required specifically for this position is Engineering and Technical Management - Foundational level, or equivalent.
  • Position is designated special-sensitive and requires eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in Top Secret Special Access Programs (SAP).
  • A non-disclosure agreement must be signed.
  • Depending on the type of position (competitive or excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
  • Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

This is an Interdisciplinary position that can be filled as a Supervisory Physical Scientist (GG-1301), a Supervisory General Engineer (GG-0801), or a Supervisory Operations Research Analyst (GG-1515).

This is a GG-14 position in the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). The GG-14 duties for the "Supervision/Management" work category are at the " Senior" work level and are equivalent to those at the GS-14 level. The selectee's salary will be set within the grade equivalent to a GS/GG grade based on the selectee's qualifications in relation to the job.

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS: 0801 GENERAL ENGINEER

Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; 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.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS: 1301 PHYSICAL SCIENTIST
Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS: 1515 OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST
Degree: in operations research; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus.

POSITIVE EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: This position has a positive education requirement. If transcripts are not provided, your resume MUST list the appropriate academic field (e.g. biology, mechanical engineering, economics, sociology, etc.) and all courses you have taken (including those failed), which appear to satisfy the qualification requirements of the position for which you are applying. List graduate and undergraduate courses separately. Include the descriptive title and course code, completion date, grade, number of semester, quarter or classroom hours (for education completed at business, secretarial, technical school or military schools) and graduate and undergraduate classes. NOTE: YOU MUST SUBMIT COPIES OF YOUR TRANSCRIPTS

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Your resume must reflect the quality level of experience which demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary for successful job performance required for this position. Examples of creditable experience include mastery knowledge of advanced analytical principles, concepts, and methods in the field of physical science, with broad interpretive knowledge in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, electronics engineering, chemical engineering, material physics, chemistry, biology, geophysics, electro magnetics, optics, sensors, signal processing, high performance computing, statistics, national technical nuclear forensics, laboratory analysis systems, and space-based surveillance and reconnaissance; applying knowledge of planning, budgeting, scheduling, personnel management, systems acquisition and contracting of scientific projects and programs; interpreting, organizing, and presenting information in a clear, concise manner to produce scientific reports and briefings to senior level audiences in order to successfully negotiate and/or defend and justify program positions. Note: Creditable experience may include previous military experience, experience gained in the private sector, or experience gained in another government agency. NOTE: You must submit a copy of official transcripts.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Knowledge of advanced analytical principles, concepts, and methods in the field of physical science, with broad interpretive knowledge in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, electronics engineering, chemical engineering, material physics, chemistry, biology, geophysics, electro-magnetics, optics, sensors, signal processing, high performance computing, statistics, national technical nuclear forensics, laboratory analysis systems, and space-based surveillance and reconnaissance.
2. Knowledge of planning, budgeting, scheduling, systems acquisition and contracting of scientific projects and programs.
3. Ability to develop and alter new methods, approaches, and procedures from concept refinement through development and operational deployment.
4. Ability to quickly assimilate highly complex disparate data, render knowledgeable and accurate assessments of the implication of such data, and make decisions, estimates, and recommendations in operational settings under conditions of urgency and pressure based on mature judgment and experience; present and/or defend a position effectively.
5. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, demonstrated as skill in interpreting, organizing, and presenting information in a clear, concise manner to produce scientific reports and briefings to senior level audiences to successfully negotiate and/or defend and justify program positions.
6. Ability to manage a small staff and carry out all phases of personnel management responsibilities.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel Systems (DCIPS) position implemented under Section 504, Title V of Public Law 99-569, Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987, as codified in Sec 1601, Chap 83 of Title 10 United States Code which sets forth Air Force policies and procedures for DCIPS. This position is in the Excepted Service.

DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you must submit documents verifying your eligibility with your application package.

For additional information on DCIPS, click here

Additional information

Summary Continued: To serve as the first level supervisor and Branch Chief, a senior technical expert and focal point for identifying, initiating and expanding new research and development programs across all AFTAC mission areas. Serve as leading authority and interfaces with senior leaders across all elements of government including international partners and leaders. Support the Director of Strategic Integration and Chief of Research Integration Division in technical reviews and assessment of programs and new study areas. Interact with other Air Force and government agencies on R&D matters relating to all AFTAC mission areas. **Salary ranges include local market supplements.**

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): 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. Click here for more information.

120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

Selectees who physically reside permanently in the U.S., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or Northern Mariana Islands, and the Possessions of the U.S., during the entire recruitment process (application, selection, and acceptance of a formal job offer) and selected for employment in the foreign area are eligible to receive certain foreign area benefits such as: Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) or government quarters, Post Allowance, Home Leave, etc. (subject to approval)

Selectees who physically reside outside the U.S., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or Northern Mariana Islands, and the Possessions of the U.S., during any step of the recruitment process (application, selection, and acceptance of a formal job offer) will have foreign area benefits eligibility be determined on a case by case basis.

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.

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

Your responses to the questionnaire may be compared to the documents you submit. The documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

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