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 setting 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

📌 Division Chief, Mission Support Division (Tirhuta)
🏢 Air Force Research Laboratory
📍 Tirhuta