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Posted: January 14, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Chief Scientist

Department of the Air Force - Agency Wide

Department of the Air Force

Fresh

Location

Salary

$186,207 - $209,600

per year

Closes

January 27, 2026More Air Force jobs →

GS-14 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $104,604 - $135,987

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-13. Senior expert or supervisor.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This role involves advising top military leaders on advanced technologies for nuclear weapons and global strike missions, ensuring the Air Force's forces are ready for critical operations.

The Chief Scientist evaluates research, identifies new tech opportunities, and builds partnerships to keep the command ahead of threats.

It's ideal for a seasoned scientist with deep expertise in defense tech, strong leadership skills, and a broad view of national security needs.

Key Requirements

  • One year of specialized experience at GS-14 level or equivalent in nuclear or global strike technologies
  • Advanced knowledge of interdisciplinary nuclear and global strike technologies
  • Expert understanding of national R&D programs and relationships across research communities
  • Extensive knowledge of missions and roles in national and international defense components
  • Demonstrated leadership vision, corporate perspective, and character for SES-level positions
  • Ability to provide authoritative scientific and technical recommendations to top leadership
  • Experience in evaluating, advising on, and transitioning technologies for military operations

Full Job Description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

The primary purpose of this position is to provide combat ready forces to conduct nuclear deterrence and golbal strike operations in support of POTUS and combatant commanders.

Term Appoitment but maybe extended without compettion.

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.

To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the 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).

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Candidates must have one year (1) specialized experience at the next lower grade (GS-14/GG-14/Pay Band 4/5) or equivalent or specialized experience obtained in the private sector related to the duties of this SL position.

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that satisfy the technical qualifications.

TQ1 - Advanced interdisciplinary nuclear/global strike technologies, and expert knowledge of national research and development programs and the relationships among all elements of Research and Development communities sufficient to make authoritative scientific, technical, and programmatic recommendations to top national leadership on the technological enhancement of nuclear deterrence and global strike capabilities.

TQ2 - Extensive knowledge of the missions and roles of national and international defense components concerned with nuclear and global strike program development. Major Duties:

This position serves as the Chief Scientist of AFGSC, scientific advisor to the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) Commander, and the primary authority for the technical content of the AFGSC portfolio.

Evaluates and advises on shaping command programs to ensure highest quality and to identify opportunities for technology options to enhance effectiveness and efficiency of AFGSC platforms, training, and operations.

Identifies technology solutions, partnerships and transition paths to meet the highest priorities of global strike forces.

Studies and analyzes research and development conducted at universities, contractors, military laboratories, other government agencies, and foreign countries to maintain current technical expertise, to assess possible applications to AFGSC mission areas, and to anticipate the needs of global strike forces and thereby ensure that proper emphasis is placed on critical areas.

Recommends initiatives and adjustments to current programs to avoid technological surprise and meet current and future Air Force needs.

As an internationally recognized scientific expert, provides technical expertise, stature, and experience necessary to serve as the senior interface between AFGSC and other commands, services, agencies, industry, and the scientific community.

Fosters and leads efforts to ensure rapid transition of technology to Air Force operations.

Serves as authoritative consultants or member on boards and/or panels charged with strengthening AFGSC interactions and ties with other commands, services, national and international government agencies, academia, industry and the public community.

Recognizes and implements technological means to integrate air, space, and cyberspace, twenty-first century logistics, joint service and coalition operations.

Authoritatively guides AFGSC core area technical programs in coordination with MAJCOM directors, NAF commanders, Air Staff and sponsoring agencies such as DARPA, DOE, NRO, NSA, etc.

Plans, leads and conducts studies, assessments and creative concept development efforts to integrate scientific advances with high priority military requirements.

Focuses technology solutions on maximizing the efficiency of effects-based operations.

Programs require intensive and extensive exploration, involve many major and exceptionally critical scientific and enginee1ing problems, and are of national and international significance.

Mentors and develops members of the staff across the command to assure technical quality and excellence in program execution in areas of highest interest to the Air Force.

Advises the AFGSC Commander and directors of competence within the command, and thereby, significantly influences the Commander's decisions on delegation of programs and projects.

Actively participates in AFGSC and AF professional training, awards, and civilian development programs.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 1/14/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/14/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: MRL2026-00035