Senior Structural Response Lethality Research Engineer

Job Overview

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS.

This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PM CST, 11 September 2026.

AFRL/RABT has a position to fill the role of Senior Structural Response Lethality Research Scientist/Engineer, DR-0810/0830-03/04. This is a lateral reassignment for current government employees.

The ideal candidate will have technical depth and expertise to collaborate with the Principle Structural Response Lethality Research Engineer on multiple high-priority research projects/programs. The ideal candidate will also have technical depth and expertise in algorithms, concepts, methodologies, and software engineering related to the development and/or application of lethality modeling and simulation (M&S) software solutions of guided munitions to research structural response, cumulative damage, and progressive damage. Experience with modeling and simulation applications such as AFTES/AFTES-X, Endgame Framework, JWS, CTH, or similar, is required for computations, analysis/assessments, and capability development as well as capability expansion. Special emphasis is placed on experience and expertise in designing experiments and test events for data collection and M&S model validation. Career progression shows jobs of increasing responsibility, to include leading multidisciplinary research/technical teams.

Position Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Performs multidisciplinary professional science or engineering research involving the application of scientific and/or engineering disciplines to plan, organize, direct and coordinate critical research projects and/or processes.
• Applies knowledge and advanced science/engineering theories, principles, concepts, standards, and methods to ensure assigned projects/processes remain consistent with program objectives, costs, schedules, performance criteria, and existing policies.
• Applies a number of diverse practices, techniques, and processes to identify and resolve difficult issues, as well as ensure resolutions are consistent with program objectives, existing policies, and procedures.
• Independently defines research objectives and determines how they may be best accomplished, develops and evaluates alternatives, defines the approach, conducts the analyses, and documents findings and products related to human performance research, education and/or consultation.
• Demonstrates skill in applying, innovative multidisciplinary practices, techniques, and methodology to identify, analyze, and resolve issues; ensures resolutions are consistent with program objectives.
• Demonstrates creativity and foresight by identifying, preparing, and presenting detailed technical reports and briefings on new concepts and technical directions impacting programs/projects, and defining future technology requirements.
• Collaborates, interacts, coordinates, and/or directly consults with AF, other governments, DoD, academic, and industry partners.
• Build consensus, manage technical programs, and drive team success across highly complex science and engineering efforts.
• Travel on temporary duty (TDY) as required to support program and mission objectives.

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship required.
• Must possess a professional science or engineering (S&E) degree from an accredited academic institution (ABET) for the 0810/0830job series. https://www.abet.org/accreditation/find-programs.
• For DR-3, must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-13/DR-02 or equivalent grade level. For DR-4, must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-14/DR-03 or equivalent grade level.
• Must hold or be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. This position could be upgraded to TS or TS/SCI as mission needs change.
• Applicants must be able to meet the OPM Qualification Standards of the position being filled - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=Group-Standards.This position has been designated as an acquisition position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) Non-Critical certification in Engineering & Technical Management(N). The selectee will have 24 months to complete certification.

Desired Qualifications

• Prefer a Master's or Doctorate in Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• At least 8 years of experience (in the last 15 years) with primary duties in modeling and simulation for structures with expertise in analysis/assessment/development. Preference is given to candidates with experience with planning and executing range experimentation and/or test events.
• Expertise with structural response algorithms and methodologies.
• Expertise with structural response analysis and assessments.
• Expertise leading and managing technical planning and execution of DAF research projects/programs.
• Experience in budgeting and planning DAF research proposals.
• Expertise in managing software engineering projects/programs.
• Experience managing DAF research efforts.
• Experience working with internal departments or government agencies on DAF research priorities.
• Expertise working with high-performance and multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists.

Telework

Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Series

0810

0830

Additional Information

Instructions on how to submit documents are provided in the automated email you will receive once you apply. Candidates with resumes longer than 2-pages will not be considered.

Requisition Number 83416

Posting End Date

09/11/2026