AIR FORCE RESEACH LABORATORY SPACE ELECTRO-OPTICS DIVISION

Join the most sophisticated space surveillance team in their effort to bring the “Speed of Light to the Fight”

The Air Force Research Lab’s Space Electro-Optical Division is seeking motivated scientists and engineers to conduct research in support of Space Situational Awareness activities at the Starfire Optical Range in Albuquerque, . The cutting edge research conducted at Starfire includes satellite detection and identification, atmospheric compensation and resolved imaging, guide star , astrodynamics and orbital metrics, sensor development, cataloging of satellite images, and high-performance computing. A dedicated software development and Modeling and Simulation team supports this work, developing tools to predict and assess system performance along with guiding future research activities. Today’s military and civilian culture relies on space for many everyday tasks, including weather, communication, and navigation. With growing concerns over space debris and orbit crowding, imaging, identifying, and tracking space objects is becoming critical to our national security. Our nation must continue to leverage the characteristics of space to maintain a competitive edge over our adversaries. The research conducted at Starfire is transitioned to operational use to assist in that endeavor. Professionals working at Starfire have technical degrees in the Physics, Engineering, and Mathematics fields. Our experts have knowledge in a wide range of disciplines including optics, quantum, materials science and testing, photonics, spectroscopy, software development, modeling and simulation, and computer-aided design. While many who join our team already have knowledge of orbital mechanics, space operations, and spacecraft design, it is not a requirement and many learn these skills on the job. To join our team you must be a US citizen and be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Most positions are authorized as direct hires. All offer competitive pay and benefits, and are part of a performance-based pay system. More information about the Air Force Civil Service can be found at http://www.afciviliancareers.com. If you are interested in joining our team, please send a résumé to Ms. Jeannette Zalma at [email protected]. Ms. Zalma can be contacted at 505-846-5066.

POSITIONS WE ARE RECRUITING FOR

Interns of all disciplines Materials Scientist Modeling & Simulation Specialist Software Engineer Electro-Optics Analyst Research Astronomer General Engineer Physical Scientist Physicist (Quantum)

Position Descriptions

Intern: Internships are available through the PCIP (http://roa.afciviliancareers.com/redirect/pcip) and AFRL Scholars (https://afrlscholars.usra.edu/) programs. Through these programs, students will have the opportunity to shadow real world Air Force operations, take on hands-on projects, and immerse themselves in the technical challenges of the Space Situational Awareness community. Applicants can apply via the website listed above, and questions can be directed to Capt. Benjamin Fried ([email protected]).

Materials Scientist: This position will plan and carry out studies and investigations in support of Space Situational Awareness activities and programs. This scientist will become a subject matter expert on interpretation of directed energy effects to on-orbit materials. Duties will include overseeing basic research efforts relating to analysis of radiometric properties, developing new scientific concepts to enhance materials databases, designing, testing and improving computer models that estimate radiometric measurements of space systems. Knowledge and experience in some or all of the following areas is desired: materials science, spectroscopy, materials testing, and database management. Modeling & Simulation Specialist: This position will manage, use and oversee creation of M&S software serving as the backbone of The Satellite Assessment Center’s support to the Directed Energy and Space Situational Awareness communities. This position will develop new capabilities and manage SatAC’s large portfolio of existing M&S tools. Knowledge and experience in some or all of the following areas is desired: spacecraft design, orbital mechanics, spacecraft operations, SSA systems and electro-optic technologies, impacts of directed energy on space systems, developing or overseeing development of computer software, and fluency in one or more programming language to include implementation of databases. Software Engineer: This position will development, design and implementation of efficient, scalable, highly available database applications to support Space Situational Awareness activities, including general orbital analysis, trajectory modeling, space object catalog process analysis, orbit determination, formation flying and proximity operations analysis, and RF and laser deconfliction analysis. This involves gathering requirements, analyzing and designing a system architecture, implementing, testing, and supporting the solution once it is live. Other software developments include in-house analysis tools as needed. You would assist with agile software development which includes: design, develop, implement, test, and debug complex legacy software code. Electro-Optics Analyst: This position will work in areas involving optical design, fabrication processes, and analysis software. This position requires an understanding of lens materials properties, optical coatings, light blocking technology, and familiarity with commercial optical codes. Knowledge about and their effects on materials is essential to succeed in this position. Physicist: Plans and conducts basic and exploratory research in the fields of quantum communications, quantum optics, quantum information-science and free-space optical communication. Emphasis is on the feasibility of developing innovative, next generation, ultra- secure and survivable communication networks over free-space optical channels through the integration of quantum information-theory and quantum-science. Research will include a combination of theoretical efforts, modeling, and laboratory and field experiments. Investigates quantum entanglement, Bell-state measurements, quantum entanglement distribution, teleportation, and loophole-free tests of Bell inequalities and their application to quantum channels and quantum networks. Research Astronomer: Serves as the Starfire Branch key advisor on astronomical phenomena and atmospheric characterization for laser guide star and ground-based laser development. Conceives and implements methods to improve analysis capabilities for use in investigations of advanced atmospheric turbulence compensation. Emphasis is on the feasibility of innovative approaches to improve beam control for Space Situational Awareness (SSA) applications. Efforts can include improvements in numerical techniques for analysis or development of improved simulation capabilities including mathematical modeling of propagation and atmospheric physics. Works independently and as a team leader to investigate atmospheric chemical composition and its impact on laser propagation. Studies relevant scientific papers and technical reports. Provides technical consultation to Air Force Research Laboratory scientists and engineers and other government, commercial, and academic organizations on atmospheric characterization and astronomical phenomena. Recommends new technical approaches to solving technical problems within and across the branch. Develops technology for space object detection, track, identification, and characterization. Required to work extended duty hours to support night operations. Participates in professional societies and establishes collaborations and networks within and outside of the Air Force Research Laboratory. Keeps abreast of industry developments and referees outside articles for publication in technical journals. General Engineer: Lead installation engineer responsible for the comprehensive planning, programing, execution, and project management of facility and infrastructure requirements that exceed the in-house resources and capabilities. Responsible for the preparation and staffing of approval documentation for all projects approved for funding. Coordinates with Operations Flight lead to develop and maintain the Base Comprehensive Asset Management Plan (BCAMP) and prioritized investment plan for installation complexes. Reviews science and technology out- year program plans and communications with scientist, engineers, and tenant units to translate their mission needs into real property requirements. Responsible for management of all land and facilities leases. Manages installation energy management program to include utility contracts and energy reduction initiatives and special projects. Physical Scientist: Scientific representative on the developments of combined optics, data fusion, laser effects and information technologies on novel optical effects to support classified program requirements. Plan, arrange and manage data collection and preliminary analysis work. Manages all aspects of satellite optical effects data fusion software techniques and manages software and information networks supporting Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and space control to include offensive space control concepts, defense space control (protection) concepts/programs, and predictive avoidance analysis. Serves as an expert on interpretation of directed energy effects for satellite optical systems and data fusion software techniques/applications for SSA. Lead basic research efforts relating to Bi-directional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) measurements and develops new scientific concepts to enhance existing materials databases.