Air Force Research Laboratory
Website:
afresearchlab.com
Job details:
Job Overview
OPEN TO DEPT OF AIR FORCE (DAF) CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES ONLY
This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PM EST, 14 August 2026.
The Mission Support Division (RAY) Chief serves as a senior leader responsible for directing, planning, and executing a diverse portfolio of programs and operations that provide critical support to the Air Warfare Directorate. RAY ensures the foundational stability and operational success of research endeavors through its four branches: Research Operations, Infrastructure Engineering, Protection, and Business and Research Support.
This position provides executive-level oversight across these multiple functional areas and ensures alignment with organizational priorities, mission objectives, and statutory requirements. The incumbent leads a multidisciplinary workforce and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to deliver high-impact results that enable the directorate's research and development mission.
Major Duties Include, But Not Limited To
- Provide strategic leadership, vision, and direction for a division responsible for ensuring mission execution and organizational effectiveness.
- Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies, programs, and initiatives that support enterprise goals.
- Lead and manage a diverse team of supervisors, specialists, analysts, and technical experts; establish contribution expectations and foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Allocate resources, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational standards.
- Identify risks, assess impacts, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure operational resilience and mission continuity.
- Drive data-informed decision-making and champion process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- Oversee development of long-range plans, strategic roadmaps, and workforce strategies to meet emerging mission needs.
- Foster a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning to build, grow, and maintain the deep, multi-disciplinary expertise essential for a premier lab mission.
Required Qualifications
- US Citizenship.
- Must possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited academic institution.
- Must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-13/DO-02/DR-02 or equivalent grade level. Specialized experience is experience in working independently, leading multi-functional teams, leading multi-agency collaboration, working in teams and using these approaches to find and solve complex problems, briefing large groups, leading process improvement, and developing long-term strategies.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
- This position is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position requiring Level II Non-Critical certification in Science and Technology Management (STM). The selectee will have 24 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.
Desired Qualifications
- Master’s Degree is preferred.
- At least one year of prior supervisory experience.
- Experience working with the Department of Defense research community.
- Ability to cultivate and sustain a professional environment of cooperation, cohesion, and teamwork.
Telework
Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy
Eligible for a Referral Bonus?
No
Series
08XX
1101
Other
Additional Information
Requisition Number 82463
Posting End Date
08/14/2026
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