Associate Computer Engineer

Job Overview

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS.

This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PM MDT, 19 November 2026.

As part of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Directed Energy Directorate, Space Electro-Optics Division, the Starfire Optical Range (SOR) is a vital resource in achieving the Department of the Air Force’s mission to operate freely in space. This world-class research facility is located on a hilltop 1,900 meters (6,240 feet) above sea level on Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. SOR’s primary mission is to develop optical sensing, imaging, and atmospheric compensation technologies to support Space Domain Awareness missions.

This facility is the world leader in research for laser-beacon adaptive optics for military uses and civilian applications, and technologies originating at SOR are regularly proliferating across the world-wide astronomical community. It is a major component of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s support to the U.S. Space Force.

SOR is a tight-knit team of professional military, civil service, and contractor personnel. The nature of the work necessitates willingness to learn and adopt institutional knowledge driven by the unique, cutting-edge technologies developed at SOR. New employees are onboarded in technical areas that are within their ability to learn and understand, and in line with mission needs. New employees are expected to actively shadow and learn from more senior government personnel until gaining the necessary knowledge to independently contribute to mission needs. In line with the AFRL Lab Demo personnel management system (ref. AFRL Lab Demo Business Rules), new employees can expect to contribute to a variety of tasks ranging across Problem-Solving, Communications, Technology Management, and Teamwork and Leadership, enabling whole-person individual growth while executing duties to develop state-of-the-art capabilities for the Department of Defense.

This position supports the development and integration of a complex suite of sensors and hardware into an advanced multi-platform sensing, tracking, and data-processing system.

Position Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Expected to be part of a team and learn from world-class scientists and engineers.
• Write firmware and software for custom-made electronics boards and systems.
• Document software & hardware for complex, integrated system-of-systems.
• Serve as night or day crew member and/or responsible systems engineer.
• Create and execute system test plans, track reliability, and brief leadership.
• Ensure customer technical needs are met and facilitate technology transition.
• As needed, interface with existing Starfire Optical Range partners across the Air Force Research Laboratory, Department of Defense, nation, and internationally to promote knowledge sharing and technology transition activities.
• Relocation costs or other incentives may be available and considered by the organization.

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a required Top Secret security clearance.
• Bachelor or higher degree from an accredited institution. Unofficial transcripts are required to verify the degree.
• To qualify at the DR-02 (GS-12/13 or equivalent) level, candidates must have at least 1 year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level or equivalent grade level (DR-01 or GS-07, 09 or 11). Specialized experience is experience that equips the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Or, the applicant may have directly related education with superior academic achievement, or, a combination of education and experience as specified in the OPM General Schedule Qualification Standards https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=Group-Standards
• To qualify at the DR-01 (GS-07/09/11 or equivalent) level, candidates must possess relevant education or experience that provides them with skills necessary to perform the work of this job. Specialized experience is not required at the entry level.

Desired Qualifications

• Degree Type: Computer Engineering/Electrical Engineering/Engineering Physics/Computer Science or other relevant degree.
• An advanced degree in an engineering, research, or computer discipline is not required but may strengthen the application.
• Experience: 1+ year of specialized experience or graduate level education.
• Current security clearance granted by a U.S. department or agency.
• Experience working with embedded systems.
• Experience using Xilinx Vivado/Vitis environments.
• Experience with custom hardware including schematic design and PCB layout.
• Experience in performance analysis using tools such as MATLAB or Mathematica.
• Experience using test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, and signal generators to analyze and troubleshoot embedded systems.
• Experience with telescopes and electro-optical systems (EO systems, electro optics).
• Experience with JavaFX UI development.
• Effective in small team work environment with broad responsibilities and minimal oversight.
• Experience with PID control loops.

Experience in activities relevant to the described job duties, which could include but are not limited to:

• Software and/or electronic hardware engineering
• Artificial Intelligence and/or Machine Learning
• Test and experimentation
• Scientific research or engineering
• Technology transitions
• Project or program management
• Employment in test organizations
• Other – Work/school/hobby projects with electro-mechanical control systems

Telework

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

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Series

0854

Additional Information

• This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent will be subject to random testing.
• Certifications: not required but will be considered if applicable.

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.

To ensure your resume meets all federal standards, follow the official guidelines provided by the USAJobs Help Center at the following link: https://usajobshelp.opm.gov/hc/en-us/articles/52839989720851-How-do-I-write-a-resume-for-a-federal-job

Requisition Number 61466

Posting End Date

11/19/2026