Chief Technology Officer

Summary The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) located at Wright-Patterson AFB serves as the principal scientific authority and primary science and technology (S&T) adviser to the AFRL Commander. The CTO plays a pivotal role in advancing the AFRL's core mission: discovering, developing, and integrating warfighting technologies across air, space, and cyberspace domains. Responsibilities 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 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. In accordance with new OPM requirements to streamline Senior Executive Service (SES) hiring, applicants are no longer required to submit lengthy narrative essays, including those for Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or Mandatory Technical Qualifications (TQs), when applying. Instead, the initial application will be resume-only, capped at two pages. This change streamlines the application process and more closely aligns with private industry practices. Applicants identified for potential selection will have their ECQs assessed by undergoing a structured interview with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB). To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and 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). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position. TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that satisfy the technical qualifications. 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. Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES. 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. Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): 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. Click here for more information.Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. 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. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties, click here.