What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior RF Kinetic Kill Hardware in the Loop Simulator (KHILs) Engineer position at Air Force Research Laboratory?
Job Overview
This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PM CST, 7 September 2026.
AFRL/RABI Inegration and Experimentation Branch is looking to fill the role of RF Engineer Kinetic Kill Hardware in the Loop Simulator (KHILs) Facility Engineer within Mission Systems Division, Air Warfare Directorate at the grade of DR-03 for the 08xx engineering series. The ideal candidate will have technical depth in advanced theories, concepts, principles, and processes related to the design, development, maintenance and operation of hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) simulations of guided munitions and/or R&D for weapon sensor and guidance technologies. Significant experience in RF, IR, EO, Laser, GPS, and INS technologies as related to guided munitions and associated physical effect simulators (i.e. flight motion simulators, synthetic target generation, simulation control and calibration) is required. Special emphasis is placed on RF technologies and experience with RF systems/subsystems in various environments, including a hardware-in-the loop facility or RF anechoic chamber. Career progression shows jobs of increasing responsibility, to include leadership and project management.
Major Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To
Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy
Eligible for a Referral Bonus?
No
Series
08XX
Additional Information
Instructions on how to submit documents are provided in the automated email you will receive once you apply. Candidates with resumes longer than 2-pages will not be considered.
Requisition Number 07586
Posting End Date
09/07/2026
This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PM CST, 7 September 2026.
AFRL/RABI Inegration and Experimentation Branch is looking to fill the role of RF Engineer Kinetic Kill Hardware in the Loop Simulator (KHILs) Facility Engineer within Mission Systems Division, Air Warfare Directorate at the grade of DR-03 for the 08xx engineering series. The ideal candidate will have technical depth in advanced theories, concepts, principles, and processes related to the design, development, maintenance and operation of hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) simulations of guided munitions and/or R&D for weapon sensor and guidance technologies. Significant experience in RF, IR, EO, Laser, GPS, and INS technologies as related to guided munitions and associated physical effect simulators (i.e. flight motion simulators, synthetic target generation, simulation control and calibration) is required. Special emphasis is placed on RF technologies and experience with RF systems/subsystems in various environments, including a hardware-in-the loop facility or RF anechoic chamber. Career progression shows jobs of increasing responsibility, to include leadership and project management.
Major Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To
- Performs expert level multidisciplinary professional engineering work involving the application of electronics, mechanical, systems, aerospace, and/or other engineering disciplines to plan, organize, direct and coordinate significant and complex research projects and/or processes.
- Applies expert knowledge and advanced engineering theories, principles, concepts, standards, and methods to ensure assigned projects/processes remain consistent with program objectives, costs, schedules, performance criteria, and existing policies.
- Applies a number of diverse engineering practices, techniques, and processes to identify and resolve difficult issues, as well as ensure resolutions are consistent with program objectives, existing policies, and procedures.
- Independently defines research objectives and determines how they may be best accomplished, develops and evaluates alternatives, defines the approach, conducts the analyses, and documents findings and products related to human performance research, education and/or consultation.
- Demonstrates a mastery of, and skill in applying, innovative multidisciplinary practices, techniques, and methodology to identify, analyze, and resolve issues; ensures resolutions are consistent with program objectives.
- Demonstrates creativity and foresight by identifying, preparing, and presenting detailed technical reports and briefings on new concepts and technical directions impacting programs/projects, and defining future technology requirements.
- Collaborates, interacts, coordinates, and/or directly consults with AF, other governments, DoD, academic, and industry partners.
- Build consensus, manage technical programs, and drive team success across highly complex engineering efforts.
- Travel on temporary duty (TDY) as required to support program and mission objectives.
- US Citizenship required.
- Must possess a professional science or engineering (S&E) degree from an accredited academic institution (ABET). https://www.abet.org/accreditation/find-programs/ Must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-13/DR-02 or equivalent grade level.
- Must hold or be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
- Applicants must be able to meet the OPM Qualification Standards of the position being filled - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=Group-Standards.
- This position has been designated as an acquisition position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) Non-Critical certification in Engineering & Technical Management(N). The selectee will have 24 months to complete certification.
- At least 8 years of experience (in the last 15 years) with primary duties in research, development, demonstration, acquisition, and/or test and evaluation of weapon systems, sensors and/or guidance technologies. Preference is given to candidates with experience in hardware-in-the-loop testing and simulation operations, and RF test and/or weapon systems.
- At least 4 years of technical experience in related weapon or defense systems/sub-systems technical areas of RF, IR, EO, Laser, GPS, and INS technologies as related to guided munitions and associated physical effect simulators (i.e. flight motion simulators, synthetic target generation, simulation control and calibration).
- At least 2 years of experience in laboratory R&D and/or testing environments for guidance and control technologies, weapon sensors and subsystems, simulations, and electromagnetic wave principles.
- Experience planning and implementing upgrades to RF hardware/simulation equipment and associated facility improvements. This includes modeling and simulation techniques used for target and environment simulation (Xpatch, FLITES, other physics-based software, etc.).
- Experience with open systems architectures and electrical system interfaces related to the weapons development/defense industry.
- Experience interfacing and collaborating across the Department of Air Force/Department of War and with industry research, acquisition, and test communities.
- Experience guiding teams to achieve significant technology milestones, executing test activities, and/or collaborating with transition partners.
- Experience giving facility tours and preparing and briefing complex technical concepts to senior leadership and peers.
- Experience cultivating a professional, respectful environment of cooperation, cohesion, and teamwork.
Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy
Eligible for a Referral Bonus?
No
Series
08XX
Additional Information
Instructions on how to submit documents are provided in the automated email you will receive once you apply. Candidates with resumes longer than 2-pages will not be considered.
Requisition Number 07586
Posting End Date
09/07/2026