Principal Systems Engineer

Job Overview

OPEN TO CURRENT DEPT OF AIR FORCE (DAF) CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES ONLY.

This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PM EST, 24 September 2026.

AFRL Engineering Directorate (AFRL/EN) is hiring a motivated and highly experienced technical leader to serve as the Principal Systems Engineering expert across the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to guide the discovery, development, and delivery of war-winning technologies. Key responsibilities include establishing systems engineering (including Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)) quality, controls, and best practices; leading critical engineering reviews; and, performing engineering risk analyses. Additionally, the role drives cross-functional collaboration, modernizes key engineering processes and workflows, and provides vital mentorship to engineering teams across the enterprise.

Position Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Lead systems engineering practices (to include setting engineering quality expectations, ensuring consistency, and enabling innovation at speed) across AFRL to ensure effective and efficient integration and lifecycle management of innovative solutions.
• Apply knowledge and expertise of S&T processes to develop and implement technical policies and strategies that strengthen AFRL technology development and technology transition.
• Serve as a consultant and expert in systems engineering, offering expertise across the center regarding engineering quality and consistency to include advanced theories, concepts, and principles related to discovery, development, and delivery of war-winning technologies and provides mentorship to others.
• Assists the AFRL Enterprise through supporting engineering reviews, assessments, and risk analyses to ensure engineering standards are upheld.
• Promote collaboration across functional teams, and innovate novel engineering practices, including digital/MBSE, to improve system design and implementation.

Required Qualifications

• General Engineer (0801): To meet the eligibility of a General Engineer, applicants must meet the following basic requirements. Degree in Engineering. The program must have been ABET accredited. For a full description of the 0801 requirements, see the following Occupational Requirements here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance.
• Must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lowest grade level of the position being advertised.
• US Citizenship.
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.
• Must be APDP certified at the Practitioner level in Engineering & Technical Management (ETM).

Desired Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in system engineering, with a focus on technology development for capability integration.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience leading advanced technology development and/or capability integration programs.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience integrating technical efforts across classification boundaries.
• Extensive experience working across classified research and development programs.
• Strong technical background in engineering and development, with expertise in systems engineering, including digital engineering tools and practices (e.g. model-based systems engineering).
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, with a track record of delivering results on complex projects.
• Knowledge of Mission Engineering practices across DoW, especially within DAF.
• Must be able to obtain APDP certification at the Practitioner level in Engineering & Technical Management (ETM).

Telework

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

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

Yes

Series

0801

Additional Information

• Incentives may/may not be authorized.
• Travel may be required for the position.

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 67139

Posting End Date

09/24/2026