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Afrl Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer-AFRL

Alexandria, VA · On-site +1

$131K - $172K/yr

You'll be supporting a research and development project under the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), whose mission is to lead the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting ...

Software Engineer-AFRL

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$125K - $165K/yr

You'll be supporting a research and development project under the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), whose mission is to lead the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting ...

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is looking for ambitious, high-potential graduates to join our Palace Acquire (PAQ) Financial Management Internship Program -- a fast‑track, full-time, paid ...

Research Chemist

Edwards, CA · On-site

$55K - $76K/yr

Air Force Research Laboratory. AFRL Propulsion Directorate. Mercury Blvd Edwards AFB, CA Salary Range: $55k-$76k JOB STATUS: Full-time TRAVEL: Optional, but typically 1-2 weeks per year for ...

Research Chemist

Edwards, CA · On-site

$55K - $76K/yr

Air Force Research Laboratory. AFRL Propulsion Directorate. Mercury Blvd Edwards AFB, CA Salary Range: $55k-$76k JOB STATUS: Full-time TRAVEL: Optional, but typically 1-2 weeks per year for ...

Senior Cost Analyst

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$80K - $102K/yr

Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate * The AFRL/RV is located at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. It serves as the Air Force's center of excellence for space technology research and ...

At the broadest level, optical coatings research within AFRL/RXEP plans, directs, and carries out in-house and extramural R&D of materials-based technologies with an emphasis in functional optical ...

Showing results 21-40

Afrl Research information

See salary details

$53K

$93.6K

$169K

How much do afrl research jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for afrl research in the United States is $93,608.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $136,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is AFRL research?

AFRL research refers to the scientific and technological work conducted by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), which is the primary research and development organization for the United States Air Force. AFRL research spans a wide range of fields including aerospace, materials science, cyber security, sensors, and human performance, aiming to advance technologies that enhance national defense capabilities. The research is carried out by teams of scientists, engineers, and technical experts, often in collaboration with universities, industry, and other government agencies. AFRL’s work helps to maintain the technological edge of the U.S. Air Force and contributes to innovations that may also benefit civilian applications.

What is it like to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams as an AFRL Research professional?

As an AFRL Research professional, you'll frequently collaborate with experts from various scientific and engineering backgrounds, including materials science, aerospace, computer science, and more. This multidisciplinary environment fosters innovation and requires strong communication skills to align project goals, share research findings, and integrate diverse perspectives. It's common to participate in cross-functional meetings, joint experiments, and collaborative publications, which can accelerate both personal learning and project outcomes. Adapting to different technical languages and working styles is a valuable skill, as team members often come from both military and civilian backgrounds.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an AFRL Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an AFRL (Air Force Research Laboratory) Researcher, you generally need an advanced degree in a STEM field, strong analytical abilities, and a solid research background. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and compliance with federal research regulations is often required. Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills enable researchers to design effective experiments and collaborate on multidisciplinary projects. These skills ensure innovative research outcomes that support the Air Force’s technological advancements and mission objectives.
More about Afrl Research jobs
Infographic showing various Afrl Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,608 per year, or $45 per hour.

Senior Acquisition Program Analyst (AQR-AFRL Program)

Ryde Technologies, LLC

Washington, DC • On-site

$130K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 hours ago


Job description

Responsibilities:
We are currently Seeking an Acquisition Program Analyst, Senior to support SAF/AQR and the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) at the Pentagon.
AQR serves as the Air Force S&T Executive, Air Force Acquisition Chief Engineer and Technical Authority, the Air Force Corrosion Control and Prevention Executive, Air Force Standardization Executive, and functional manager for the scientist and engineer (S&E) career field. Develops and implements plans, policies, and procedures for Air Force S&T, laboratory management, technology transition (to include Joint Capability Technology Demonstrations), Technology Cooperation Program, technology transfer, development planning (DP), and experimentation.
*This position is currently telework eligible due to COVID, with on-site work 2-3 days per week.
**When the Pentagon re-opens fully, this position can potentially be 100% onsite, based on the mission's needs.
The tasks for this position include:
  • Provide Investment and Strategic Partnership Oversight and provide support on strategic communication and pathfinder areas as well as support to overall AFRL action items/taskers as directed.
  • Provide guidance and oversight on the strategic objectives of this program on behalf of the Air Force Senior Acquisition Executive (SAE).
  • Manage AF policy, directives & instructions.
  • Advocate for AFRL within Senior leadership & Staffs.
  • Support on strategic communications, congressional requests, and requests from senior leadership throughout the AF and DoD.
  • Provide support and advocacy for policy and legislative change actions.
  • Identify/analyze AFRL internal/external communications requirements / processes to solidify the information needs of SAF/AQ and its internal/external stakeholders.
  • Maintain pulse with AFRL, on strategic relationships like manufacturing.
  • Supporting Headquarters Air Force (HAF) budget preparation and defense, SAE oversight and decision-making activities, PEO program execution and oversight efforts of aircraft and spacecraft platforms, and may be required to independently.
  • Studying, analyzing, and providing recommendations on requirements, acquisition strategies, program documentation, program phase transition plans, supplemental information, and program execution.
  • Tracking compliance with stated program direction and identifying issues.
  • Identifying and researching programmatic issues and tradeoffs in terms of required capabilities, costs, and schedules.
  • Providing short notice, quick-reaction analyses of critical programmatic issues in the context of Congressional, OSD Staff, Joint Staff, HQ USAF, Major Air Command (MAJCOM), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), coalition, or bi-lateral activities.
  • Preparing Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) documentation to ensure they accurately articulate the current program.
  • Supporting the HAF review process - Air Force Requirements Oversight Council (AFROCs), Joint Warfighting Capabilities Assessment (JWCAs), Defense Acquisition Boards (DABs), Congressional cycle, Acquisition Strategy Panels (ASPs), Air Force Review Board (AFRBs), Configuration Steering Board (CSB), Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports, etc.
  • Reviewing and providing data to assist in preparation for legislative hearings, program documentation, briefing packages and read-aheads, Congressional staffer visits, and other events to ensure an integrated and consistent Air Force position in response to Congressional questions, issues, and requests for information on assigned program/portfolio.
  • Any other tasks closely associated with the performance of duties list above and as coordinated with the COR.

Qualifications:
Active Top Secret-SCI Clearance
Master's Degree in a Business, Finances, or Engineering discipline.
A minimum of 10 years of DoD acquisition experience (lifecycle, strategies, documents, processes) in a System Program Office and/or Air Force Headquarters.