Chief Technology Officer

The CTO acts as the strategic architect for AFRL’s research initiatives, bridging the gap between theoretical science and applied warfighting capabilities while cultivating a premier scientific workforce and fostering global partnerships.

Oversees basic and applied research across AFRL and partner DoW agencies. Advises the Commander and Executive Director to maximize mission relevance. Directs senior scientific staff and serves as the senior technical representative in high-level global and inter-agency collaborations.

Conducts comprehensive research across air, space, and cyberspace domains. Formulates R&D programs to advance core technologies, defining critical milestones, testing parameters, and transition strategies to move promising research into advanced development.

Authoritatively guides in-house technology resources and core programs. Champions domestic and international partnerships with academia, industry, and government. Proposes and directs influential study teams led by senior functional experts.

Chairs the AFRL Research Council to uphold the highest technical quality across the enterprise. Responsible for reviewing the technology portfolio, recruiting top-tier Scientific and Professional (ST) executives, and organizing workshops to enhance the technical community’s competence.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• U.S. citizenship is required
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• Mobility is a condition of employment and appointment for SES members will be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligations Agreement
• Selected candidate must file a Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 278) in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978
• Position has been designated Special-Sensitive and the selectee must have or be able to obtain a Top Secret clearance
• Drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to random testing for drug use IAW Exec. Order 12564, dated 14 Sep 86. Position requires that the incumbent sign a Drug Testing letter and pass urinalysis testing prior to appointment.
• Position requires travel under conditions specified in the DoW Joint Travel Regulations. Incumbent is expected to travel on short notice to attend high-level meetings.
• Position may require incumbent to be available for other than normal duty hours to include weekends to support exercises and crisis planning.
• An initial SES career appointment becomes final only after the individual successfully completes a 1-year probationary period.
• Attendance to the Air Force’s Senior Leader Orientation Course (SLOC) is generally required within 12 months of appointment, subject to course availability.
• Position may be subject to the post-government employment restrictions of Sections 207(a) and (f) of Title 18, United States Code.
• Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoW Policy on The Employment of Annuitants.
• Within the Department of War (DoW), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326.

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., TQ1. Demonstrated leadership experience initiating, planning, coordinating, evaluating, and conducting basic and applied research and development that increases Department of the Air Force capabilities relative to key technology areas.

TQ2. Expert level technical knowledge reviewing and designing technology program(s), as well as orienting research efforts to maximize technology advances and mission relevance.

TQ3. Proven Executive level experience in research program development and leadership. Ability to lead and mentor diverse teams of scientists and engineers in innovative research across organizational boundaries. Ability to partner with DAF, DOW, Army, Navy, NASA, DOE, industry, and academia to develop collaborative programs supporting sustainment, modernization and recapitalization of warfighter systems.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs) : All new appointees to the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the five mandatory ECQs:

ECQ 1. Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: Demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.

ECQ 2. Driving Efficiency: Demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.

ECQ 3. Merit and Competence: Demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.

ECQ 4. Leading People: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization’s vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.

ECQ 5. Achieving Results: Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.

Please note : If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program, or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you must attach proof (e.g., SF-50 or Certification by OPM’s SES Qualifications Review Board) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.

Education

A professional physical science, computer science, biological science, engineering, or mathematics degree from an accredited institution is required. An advanced degree or doctorate in a related professional discipline is highly desired.

Additional information

In addition, DoW requires an Enterprise Perspective. The individual must possess a broad point of view and an awareness and understanding of individual or organizational responsibilities in relation to DoW or government-wide strategic priorities. Executives must demonstrate an ability to work with internal and external partners to support national security objectives. This perspective is typically gained through a variety of diverse work experiences. This information should be embedded within the resume.

Tiering: The Department of the Air Force structures its SES positions into tiers to determine the pay range for each position. The categories are based on the position scope, breadth, functions, and placement within the structure of organizational levels across the Department.

Salary: $151,662.00 - $209,600.00 per annum. (Air Force Tier 1) SES members are eligible for bonuses and/or ranks and stipends in addition to annual salary. SES members are eligible for Performance-Based Salary increases and/or bonuses.Area of Consideration: Applications will be accepted from all qualified persons.

Mobility: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES and DISES leaders and generally is a key to advancement. Therefore, mobility is a condition of employment and appointed SES and DISES members will be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.