Summary
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The primary purpose of this position is to provide combat ready forces to conduct nuclear deterrence and golbal strike operations in support of POTUS and combatant commanders.
Term Appoitment but maybe extended without compettion.
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Duties
This position serves as the Chief Scientist of AFGSC, scientific advisor to the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) Commander, and the primary authority for the technical content of the AFGSC portfolio. Evaluates and advises on shaping command programs to ensure highest quality and to identify opportunities for technology options to enhance effectiveness and efficiency of AFGSC platforms, training, and operations. Identifies technology solutions, partnerships and transition paths to meet the highest priorities of global strike forces. Studies and analyzes research and development conducted at universities, contractors, military laboratories, other government agencies, and foreign countries to maintain current technical expertise, to assess possible applications to AFGSC mission areas, and to anticipate the needs of global strike forces and thereby ensure that proper emphasis is placed on critical areas. Recommends initiatives and adjustments to current programs to avoid technological surprise and meet current and future Air Force needs.
As an internationally recognized scientific expert, provides technical expertise, stature, and experience necessary to serve as the senior interface between AFGSC and other commands, services, agencies, industry, and the scientific community. Fosters and leads efforts to ensure rapid transition of technology to Air Force operations. Serves as authoritative consultants or member on boards and/or panels charged with strengthening AFGSC interactions and ties with other commands, services, national and international government agencies, academia, industry and the public community. Recognizes and implements technological means to integrate air, space, and cyberspace, twenty-first century logistics, joint service and coalition operations.
Authoritatively guides AFGSC core area technical programs in coordination with MAJCOM directors, NAF commanders, Air Staff and sponsoring agencies such as DARPA, DOE, NRO, NSA, etc. Plans, leads and conducts studies, assessments and creative concept development efforts to integrate scientific advances with high priority military requirements. Focuses technology solutions on maximizing the efficiency of effects-based operations. Programs require intensive and extensive exploration, involve many major and exceptionally critical scientific and enginee1ing problems, and are of national and international significance.
Mentors and develops members of the staff across the command to assure technical quality and excellence in program execution in areas of highest interest to the Air Force. Advises the AFGSC Commander and directors of competence within the command, and thereby, significantly influences the Commander's decisions on delegation of programs and projects. Actively participates in AFGSC and AF professional training, awards, and civilian development programs.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- U.S. Citizenship Required
- If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
- Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
- Position is designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP). Position requires the incumbent sign a Drug Testing letter and pass urinalysis testing prior to appointment.
- Must have or be able to obtain a TOP SECRET/SCI Security clearance
- Must file an Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report
- PROBATIONARY PERIOD. An individual's initial SL career appointment becomes final only after the individual successfully completes a 1-year probationary period.
- Active Duty Military Members must indicate retirement eligibility
- Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be offered
- Disclosure of Political Appointments
- EXECUTIVE PERSONNEL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REPORT (Standard Form 278). Selected candidate must file this report in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
- Veterans' preference is applicable to Air Force Senior Level (SL) positions.
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 must exemplify the corporate perspective, leadership vision, broad experience and character needed in the SES corps not only to satisfy the immediate vacancy, but future vacancies which will occur in a variety of organizations, functions and locations. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Technical Qualifications (TQ) 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).
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Candidates must have one year (1) specialized experience at the next lower grade (GS-14/GG-14/Pay Band 4/5) or equivalent or specialized experience obtained in the private sector related to the duties of this SL position.
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that satisfy the technical qualifications.
TQ1 - Advanced interdisciplinary nuclear/global strike technologies, and expert knowledge of national research and development programs and the relationships among all elements of Research and Development communities sufficient to make authoritative scientific, technical, and programmatic recommendations to top national leadership on the technological enhancement of nuclear deterrence and global strike capabilities.
TQ2 - Extensive knowledge of the missions and roles of national and international defense components concerned with nuclear and global strike program development.
Education
For 0800, General Engineering Series:
a. A professional engineering degree from an accredited institution is required. To be acceptable, the curriculum must: (1) be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
- OR-
b. A combination of education and experience as required by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Acceptable combinations of education and experience can be found at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf
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To qualify for the OPM 1301 series (General Physical Science), candidates must have a degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics, including specific coursework in physical sciences.
a. Applicants must have successfully completed a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics. This must include at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, covering subjects such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
- OR-
b. Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Additional information
Education: In addition, a master's or advanced degree in engineering, computer science, or related technical field is highly desired.
Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference is applicable to Air Force Senior Level (SL) 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.
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties 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.
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.
Review our 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 minimum qualifications, your Application Package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the Technical Qualifications (TQ) listed above. TQs 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.
Required Documents
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): PLEASE DO 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/DD-214 (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.).
4. SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP) Verification (As applicable): Graduates must provide verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification.
5. Performance Appraisal (Optional): Applicants are encouraged to provide their most recent performance appraisal or equivalent performance evaluation document.
6. 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.
7. 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, DAWIA certification, etc.) with their application.
* Applicants are responsible for providing 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:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
How to Apply
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 01/27/2026.
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, Times New Roman 10-font, upload as a pdf. (Do Not Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder)
Job Information: Announcement number (MRL2026-00035) 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 eld, 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: (Do not send job descriptions):- Starting and ending dates (month and year)- Job title (for government position, include civilian series and grade or military rank)- Employer's name and address- Supervisor's name and phone number, please indicate if we may contact your current supervisor- Salary (current)HELPFUL HINTS FOR YOUR RESUME:
- Reflect on the TQs and think about how your past experiences and education relate to each.
- Read the vacancy announcement carefully.
- Adhere to the page limitations (2 pages, 10 point font, PDF format)
- Quantify your accomplishments.
- 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.
SAF/MRL CONTACT INFORMATION: Questions regarding this announcement may be directed to Mr. Charles Andrews at charles.andrews.14@us.af.mil.
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.