Fuze Engineer

Open to all qualified U.S. citizens, current AFRL employees, and current government employees.

About the Role

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Air Warfare Directorate seeks a Senior Engineer in the Mission Effects Division, Energy Release & Initiation Branch at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The ideal candidate will collaborate with engineers, scientists, and contractors to support basic, exploratory, and advanced research and development in munitions-related areas.

Responsibilities

• Perform expert-level engineering across AI/ML integration, generative and agentic AI physics engines, and fuzing and initiation sciences to direct complex research projects.
• Apply advanced engineering theories—such as reduced-complexity experimentation and high-fidelity physics modeling—to align with Agentic AI model training, data generation, and program objectives.
• Utilize diverse engineering practices to address critical technical gaps in experimental capabilities, modeling, and computational infrastructure for new weapon technologies.
• Define research objectives independently for fuzing and initiation systems to enable near-real-time lethality.
• Demonstrate mastery in applying innovative, multidisciplinary techniques, integrating AI/ML experts into traditional experimentation and design paradigms.
• Lead cross-branch and division collaboration to ensure unified program development in Hypersonics, Affordable Mass, and Advanced Concepts.
• Drive project success by managing external collaborations with DoD (DAF, USN, DARPA, Army), academic institutions, and international partners.
• Promote a culture of IP development and protection, ensuring AFRL retains control of essential data for Agentic AI model training and technology transition.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance (may be upgraded to a higher clearance with drug testing).
• At least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the DR-II or equivalent grade level.
• Must meet OPM Qualification Standards for the position (OPM Standards).

Qualifications

• At least three years of technical experience in weapon systems and subsystems research, development, demonstration, acquisition, and/or test and evaluation.
• Experience with MIL-STD 1316 and fuze development/integration into munition systems, including interaction with fuze safety boards (NNMSB, FESWG, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex fuze or munition system design with competing subsystem requirements.
• Experience leading highly technical teams to build consensus, resolve conflicts, and integrate emerging technologies (e.g., machine learning, artificial intelligence).
• Experience identifying funding opportunities and securing programs for 6.1–6.4 technology development.
• Experience facilitating internal/external collaboration and partnerships for research and technology development.
• Experience maintaining and growing a portfolio of technical projects with varying maturity levels.
• Strategic thinking to align workforce development with mission objectives.
• Ability to define technical vision, cultivate expertise, and integrate technology area goals with higher leadership.
• Experience interfacing with the Department of War, Department of Energy (DOE) weapons research/acquisition community, or classified R&D programs.
• Excellent project management skills, including contracting, finance, and scheduling.
• Strong communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to foster a cooperative, cohesive, and high-performing team environment.

Schedule

This position is eligible for situational telework, as determined by agency policy.