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Chief, Passive RF Sensing Branch
Dayton, OHShape the future of national defense sensing as Senior Supervisory Engineer at AFRL Wright-Patterson AFB, leading pioneering passive RF, SIGINT, and radar research programs while guiding elite multidisciplinary engineering teams.DR-03: $104,180 - $147,224, DR-04: $132,876 - $164,301
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Job Overview
OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS.
This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 EST, 20 November 2026.
The Air Force Research Laboratory's Sensors Directorate is seeking an accomplished Senior-level Engineer (DR-03/GS-14 or DR-04/GS-15) to serve as Branch Chief of the Passive RF Systems Branch at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. In this pivotal leadership role, you will spearhead cutting-edge research and development across Signals Intelligence, Electronic Support, and passive radar systems, driving multi-agency technical strategy to deliver defense capabilities. You will provide critical operational direction, oversee vital program portfolios, and foster the continuous growth and professional development of a top-tier multidisciplinary workforce.
Position duties include, but are not limited to:
- Responsible for overall personnel management and technical direction of the Passive RF Sensing Branch and its technology development activities in the areas of signals intelligence, electronic support, passive radar, and identifying and locating RF signals.
- Supervises and leads the branch, directing personnel and providing critical oversight for the development of RF sensing technology programs and process formulations to achieve mission goals at the laboratory/multi-agency level.
- Utilizes multidisciplinary professional engineering knowledge to plan, advocate, coordinate, and evaluate R&D activities for improved passive RF sensing capability for military systems, subsystems and/or components.
- Plans, prioritizes and manages technical programs and personnel to meet user requirements.
- Defines and directs administrative policies, strategic R&D business plans and implements technical objectives. Interfaces with personnel, contracting, financial and other functions.
- Exercises full authority, as member of the pay pool management, in assessing contribution and preparing Statements of Duties and Experience for Laboratory Demonstration Project employees.
- Maintains the workforce, interviews candidates, recommends appointments, promotions, and reassignments, determines disciplinary measures, as necessary, and proactively promotes career development and training for each employee.
- Initiates and approves personnel actions.
Required Qualifications
- Must be a United States Citizen.
- This job announcement is open to highly qualified current DR-03/GS-14 and DR-04/GS-15 (or equivalent).
- Applicants must have least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade DR- 02/GS-13, DR-03/GS-14, or equivalent in other pay systems.
- Position will be filled using occupational series within the 08XX, Engineering career field. 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-schedulequalification- standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf)
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance with access to SCI as a condition of employment.
- This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent will be subject to random testing.
- Ability to perform TDY travel approximately 25% time.
- Significant experience in managing highly technical contracted projects.
- Experience in coordination of classified projects and facilities.
- Technical expertise in RF sensing technologies and systems.
- Experience leading matrixed teams or Integrated Product Teams (IPTs).
- Excellent verbal, oral, and written communication skills for technical and senior leader audiences.
- This position is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position requiring Level II Non-Critical certification in Engineering and Technology Management (N). The selectee will have 60-months to meet APDP requirements or a waiver must be obtained. Applicants for this position must list any acquisition certifications and status as an acquisition corps member in their resume.
- This position will require routine mission travel, regular classified engagements, and in-person meetings. Employee must live within the commuting area of Wright- Patterson AFB.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with Special Access Programs with Top Secret/SCI programs
- Experience in space-related research programs and organizations
- Experience developing, maintaining, and successfully accomplishing research with external organizations.
- Outstanding leadership and people skills
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams, build consensus, and resolve conflicts/problems across a collaborative community
- Ability to deal with complex, non-standard situations and environments
- Ability to motivate, develop and grow technical teams
- Ability to work and lead others in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to support and enable organizational program, mission and vision
- Ability to help the workforce advance, accept change, and continuously improve its ability to contribute to the DAF mission.
- Experience at a relevant transition organization for sensing or spectrum warfare technology
Telework
Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy
Eligible for a Referral Bonus?
No
Series
08XX
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 80024
Posting End Date
11/20/2026
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Who May ApplyAll US Citizens
City, StateDayton, OH
LevelSenior Level
Pay Range (without Locality)DR-03: $104,180 - $147,224DR-04: $132,876 - $164,301
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