How you will contribute to our National Security and Defense mission:
In this role as Systems Engineering Subject Matter Expert (SME) you’ll support the newly reorganized Air Force Research Laboratory Air Warfare Directorate (AFRL/RA) which combined the former Aerospace and Munitions Directorates into a single organization. AFRL/RA is charged with developing advanced air combat technologies to ensure our nation’s advantage in the air domain. In standing up and operating this new directorate, AFRL/RA leadership seeks to introduce greater systems engineering rigor across targeted project portfolios to prioritize and accelerate the development of advanced capabilities. This is where an MTSI [AL1] Systems Engineering SME will make a big impact – by advising and assisting Directorate leadership on engineering matters related to the development and testing of its Science and Technology (S&T) weapon project portfolio. Day-to-day activities will involve assisting AFRL/RA technical and program management personnel to optimize technical performance and test activities across a portfolio of leading-edge Air Warfare programs.
You’ll be a great fit for this role if:
- You have a passion for aerospace, defense, and space systems and advanced technologies.
- You understand the urgent need to modernize our defense systems and give our warfighters the best possible tools.
- Paying attention to detail and providing excellent customer service in a professional environment is a skill you excel at.
- You are passionate about continuous learning and growth, and you seek opportunities to challenge yourself.
- You are driven to make a meaningful impact through your work.
Responsibilities
Your essential job functions will include but may not be limited to:
- Apply an understanding of DoD, AF, and common engineering/scientific principles, processes, and procedures to advance AFRL/RA S&T weapon projects through all phases of test.
- Apply knowledge of weapon system Government Reference Architectures (GRAs) and Weapon Open System Architecture (WOSA) to ensure S&T weapon projects are compliant.
- Assist in translating user requirements into weapons system requirements which will be used to design, develop, fabricate, test, and evaluate subsystems and associated equipment for eventual fielding and deployment.
- Perform technical and mission analyses of existing and future operational requirements to support programs and projects.
- Assist in developing subsystem concepts and perform technological/trade-off assessment of proposed designs/modifications.
- Support assessment of related AFRL/RA technology initiatives to guide investments and shape transition strategies.
- Assist in developing systems engineering documents and processes for subsystems and associated projects across the customer's portfolio.
- Provide technical and programmatic feedback and advice, develop, and present technical briefings, and develop acquisition products and strategies in support of AFRL/RA activities.
- Provide support for risk management and configuration control processes.
- Serve as an experienced and motivated professional supporting the Air Warfare Directorate by leveraging knowledge of DoW acquisition processes and analytical methods to gather, analyze, and evaluate information for program/project managers and stakeholders.
- Apply expertise in integration, communication, coordination, organization, and planning to technical and acquisition efforts across diverse functional disciplines, ensuring AFRL/RA programs effectively deliver and sustain Air Force warfighting capabilities.
- Analyze issues and develop solutions to improve S&T and acquisition effectiveness and compliance.
- Provide training, facilitation, and decision-support services for offices engaged in group training sessions, collaborative efforts, working groups, or integrated product/process teams.
- Consult on subject matter, lead strategic planning events, and manage discussions involving controversial topics or differing opinions—guiding conversations toward constructive outcomes and actionable plans.
- Document agendas, attendee lists, meeting minutes, and resulting action items for official records.
- Deliver presentations and briefings to large audiences including personnel with significant responsibilities, demonstrating strong public speaking skills.
Qualifications Required[AL2] [AL3] :
- Minimum of 20 years of Systems Engineering work experience focused on DoW systems.
- At least three (3) years of experience in a SAP and/or SCI environment, preferably within the last five (5) years.
- Exquisite knowledge of weapon system Government Reference Architectures (GRAs) and Weapon Open System Architecture (WOSA)
Education
Even Better If You Have These Desired Skills
- Specific, recent experience with weapon testing.
- Applied knowledge of DoW acquisition processes and terminology.
- Knowledge of and Air Force Research Lab S&T program execution.
Clearance Requirements
- Active Top Secret security clearance, based upon a Single Scope Background (SSBI/SBPR).
- Must be eligible for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Special Access Programs (SAP) access.
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