Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.
The Chief Technology Officer (CTO),Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), serves as the principal scientific authority and primary science and technology (S&T) adviser to the AFRL Commander. The CTO plays a pivotal role in advancing the AFRL's core mission: discovering, developing, and integrating warfighting technologies across air, space, and cyberspace domains.
Summary
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.
The Chief Technology Officer (CTO),Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), serves as the principal scientific authority and primary science and technology (S&T) adviser to the AFRL Commander. The CTO plays a pivotal role in advancing the AFRL's core mission: discovering, developing, and integrating warfighting technologies across air, space, and cyberspace domains.
The CTO acts as the strategic architect for AFRL's research initiatives, bridging the gap between theoretical science and applied warfighting capabilities while cultivating a premier scientific workforce and fostering global partnerships.
As the CTO, you will:
Oversee basic and applied research across AFRL and partner DoW agencies. Advise the Commander and Executive Director to maximize mission relevance. Direct senior scientific staff and serve as the senior technical representative in high-level global and inter-agency collaborations.
Conduct comprehensive research across air, space, and cyberspace domains. Formulate R&D programs to advance core technologies, defining critical milestones, testing parameters, and transition strategies to move promising research into advanced development
Authoritatively guide in-house technology resources and core programs. Champion domestic and international partnerships with academia, industry, and government. Propose and direct influential study teams led by senior functional experts.
Chair the AFRL Research Council to uphold the highest technical quality across the enterprise. You will review the technology portfolio, recruit top-tier Scientific and Professional (ST) executives, and organize workshops to enhance the technical community's competence.
Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.
Disclosure of Political Appointments.
Selected candidate must file a Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 278) in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
Position has been designated Special-Sensitive and the selectee must have or be able to obtain a Top Secret/SCI with SAP clearance.
Drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to random testing for drug use IAW Exec. Order 12564, dated 14 Sep 86. Position requires that the incumbent sign a Drug Testing letter and pass urinalysis testing prior to appointment.
Position requires travel under conditions specified in the DoW Joint Travel Regulations. Incumbent is expected to travel on short notice to attend high-level meetings.
Position may require incumbent to be available for other than normal duty hours to include weekends to support exercises and crisis planning.
Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoW Policy on The Employment of Annuitants.
Within the Department of War (DoW), 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.
Active Duty Military Members must indicate retirement eligibility.
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 will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
In accordance with new OPM requirements to streamline hiring, applicants are no longer required to submit lengthy narrative essays, including those for Technical Qualifications (TQs) or Senior Professional Qualifications (SPQs), when applying. Instead, the initial application will be resume-only, capped at two pages. This change streamlines the application process and more closely aligns with private industry practices. Applicants identified for potential selection will have their qualifications assessed by undergoing a structured interview conducted by a panel.
To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Technical and Senior Professional Qualifications 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). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of your qualifications, you may not receive further consideration for the position.
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 possess:
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.
B. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To meet the minimum requirements for this ST position, you must possess (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-14, or equivalent, level or specialized experience obtained in the private sector related to the duties of this ST position.
Specialized Experience: This position requires experience in the planning & execution of large interdisciplinary technology development efforts targeted at developing future DAF capabilities and demonstrated ability to develop a technology strategy to align to DAF needs.
C. EDUCATION REQUIREMENT:This position has the following education requirement:
General Engineering (0801) series requires: a) A degree in professional engineering orb) A combination of education and experience, at least 60 hours of college-level education, in 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). For more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/general-engineering-series-0801/.
General Physical Science (1301) series requires: a) 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 b) A combination of education and experience-education equivalent to one of the majors shown in above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.For more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/general-physical-science-series-1301/
D. TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that satisfy the technical qualifications.
TQ1. 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.
TQ2. Expert level technical knowledge reviewing and designing technology program(s), as well as orienting research efforts to maximize technology advances and mission relevance.
TQ3. Proven Executive level experience in research program development and leadership. Ability to lead and mentor diverse teams of scientists and engineers in innovative research across organizational boundaries. Ability to partner with DAF, DOW, Army, Navy, NASA, DOE, industry, and academia to develop collaborative programs supporting sustainment, modernization and recapitalization of warfighter systems.
E. SENIOR PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (SPQs): Your resume should focus on recent experience, education, and training, as some Recruitment Panel and Executive Resources Board members may consider experience that's over 10 years old to be outdated.
(1) Contributions: Achievements that impacted the organizations mission and contributed to knowledge advancements in the fields of science & technology.
(2) Leadership: Recognized leader in the application of science & technology, as evidenced by personal impact to and enhancement of the organization's capability and scope.
(3) Professional Stature: Recognized standing as indicated by memberships and activity in professional organizations and/or within the larger DoD/Industry professional community. This includes citations, honors, awards, patents, and publications and other forms of recognition, such as requests for professional consultation, which indicate acceptance by peer group as an authoritative source in the field.
Additional information
The qualifications, stature, and contributions of an individual involved in research and development have a direct and major impact on the level of difficulty and responsibility of the work performed. ST incumbents would be expected to possess a graduate degree, significant research experience, and a national or international reputation in their field.
Typically, an applicant for an ST position has authored fundamental papers in the field of expertise that are widely used and cited; has received significant honors from major organizations for his/her accomplishments and contributions; and is sought as an advisor and consultant on scientific and technological issues.
Area of Consideration: Applications will be accepted from all qualified persons.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.
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.
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.
Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. If you meet eligiblity and minimum qualifications requirements, your application package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the Technical (TQ) and Senior Professional Qualifications (SPQs) listed above. Failure to meet any one of the TQs or SPQs will eliminate a candidate from further consideration. TQs and SPQs 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.
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.
A complete application includes the items specified below. If you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible.
APPLICATION DOCUMENTS: Some documents may not apply to all applicants. Please carefully review for applicability. Do not combine documents. Upload documents in pdf format.
1. Resume (Required):PLEASEDO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER. Your resume must be 2 pages in length (or less), type written, and formatted using 1-inch margins, no smaller than 10-font, and uploaded as a pdf. Do not include borders, photos, or your social security number.
2. Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50 (As applicable):
Current/Former SES Members: Must provide SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
Current Federal Civil Service Employees: Must provide a copy of SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting status as a current Federal Civil Service employee
3. Statement of Service (Active Duty)/DD-214 (Retired) (As applicable): Active Duty/Retired Service Members must submit a DD-214 or statement of service printed on command letterhead and signed by the command. The statement of service must provide the branch of service, rate/rank, all dates of service, the expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). PLEASE NOTE: You will be ineligible for consideration if your statement of service is not submitted with your application or it shows an expected discharge or release date greater than 120 days from the date of the submission of the certification.
4. Performance Appraisal (Optional): Applicants are encouraged to provide their most recent performance appraisal or equivalent performance evaluation document.
5. College transcript(s) (As applicable): Applicants must provide transcript(s) which demonstrate the acceptable combinations of education and experience as noted by OPM (if applicable). A copy is acceptable.
6. License(s) or certification(s) (As applicable): Applicants must provide copies of any licenses, certifications, or professional credentials required by the position (e.g. Bar membership, medical license, CPA certification, acquisition certification, etc.) with their application.
* Applicants are responsible forproviding documentation that supports the eligibility and qualification claims made in their resume and/or assessment questionnaire. Applicants must submit the applicable documents listed here and those listed with the eligibilities selected in the announcement questionnaire with the application package. Applicants who do not provide supporting documentation that fully support their claims will not be referred to the hiring manager.
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 06/30/2026.
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:2 pages in length (or less), type written, and formatted using 1-inch margins, no smaller than 10-font, and uploaded as a pdf. (Do Not Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder)
Job Information: Announcement number (MRL26-19262-2) 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. 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. Please note: you will be ineligible for consideration if your statement of service is not submitted with your application or it shows an expected discharge or release date greater than 120 days from the date of the submission of the certification.
Education: Include 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:Provide the following information for paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying: position/job title (include pay plan, series and grade or military rank), employer/company name and address, supervisor's name and contact information (indicate if we may contact), salary, and start/end ending dates (month and year). When supplying work experience, applicants should focus on recency of experience. Recruitment Panels, Executive Resources Boards, and 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. References can be provided upon request.
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
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. 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.
A complete application includes the items specified below. If you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible.
APPLICATION DOCUMENTS: Some documents may not apply to all applicants. Please carefully review for applicability. Do not combine documents. Upload documents in pdf format.
1. Resume (Required):PLEASEDO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER. Your resume must be 2 pages in length (or less), type written, and formatted using 1-inch margins, no smaller than 10-font, and uploaded as a pdf. Do not include borders, photos, or your social security number.
2. Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50 (As applicable):
Current/Former SES Members: Must provide SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
Current Federal Civil Service Employees: Must provide a copy of SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting status as a current Federal Civil Service employee
3. Statement of Service (Active Duty)/DD-214 (Retired) (As applicable): Active Duty/Retired Service Members must submit a DD-214 or statement of service printed on command letterhead and signed by the command. The statement of service must provide the branch of service, rate/rank, all dates of service, the expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). PLEASE NOTE: You will be ineligible for consideration if your statement of service is not submitted with your application or it shows an expected discharge or release date greater than 120 days from the date of the submission of the certification.
4. Performance Appraisal (Optional): Applicants are encouraged to provide their most recent performance appraisal or equivalent performance evaluation document.
5. College transcript(s) (As applicable): Applicants must provide transcript(s) which demonstrate the acceptable combinations of education and experience as noted by OPM (if applicable). A copy is acceptable.
6. License(s) or certification(s) (As applicable): Applicants must provide copies of any licenses, certifications, or professional credentials required by the position (e.g. Bar membership, medical license, CPA certification, acquisition certification, etc.) with their application.
* Applicants are responsible forproviding documentation that supports the eligibility and qualification claims made in their resume and/or assessment questionnaire. Applicants must submit the applicable documents listed here and those listed with the eligibilities selected in the announcement questionnaire with the application package. Applicants who do not provide supporting documentation that fully support their claims will not be referred to the hiring manager.
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 06/30/2026.
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:2 pages in length (or less), type written, and formatted using 1-inch margins, no smaller than 10-font, and uploaded as a pdf. (Do Not Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder)
Job Information: Announcement number (MRL26-19262-2) 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. 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. Please note: you will be ineligible for consideration if your statement of service is not submitted with your application or it shows an expected discharge or release date greater than 120 days from the date of the submission of the certification.
Education: Include 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:Provide the following information for paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying: position/job title (include pay plan, series and grade or military rank), employer/company name and address, supervisor's name and contact information (indicate if we may contact), salary, and start/end ending dates (month and year). When supplying work experience, applicants should focus on recency of experience. Recruitment Panels, Executive Resources Boards, and 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. References can be provided upon request.
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
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. 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.
