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Air Force Research Laboratory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sierra Lobo

$110 - $170/hr

Join an established team of engineers and program managers in the Space Access Branch of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Rocket Propulsion Division (AFRL/RQR) performing research, and development ...

Sierra Lobo, Inc.

Lead Facility Engineer

Edwards, CA · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

Join an established team of engineers and program managers in the Space Access Branch of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Rocket Propulsion Division (AFRL/RQR) performing research, and development ...

Sierra Lobo, Inc.

Test Facility Lead Engineer

Edwards, CA · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

The Sierra Lobo Rocket Technology and Engineering Services II (RTES II) contract provides advise and assist services (A&AS) at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Edwards AFB, California.

New

Sierra Lobo, Inc.

Test Facility Lead Engineer

Edwards, CA · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

Join an established team of engineers and program managers in the Space Access Branch of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Rocket Propulsion Division (AFRL/RQR) performing research, and development ...

Sierra Lobo, Inc.

Test Facility Lead Engineer

Edwards, CA · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

Join an established team of engineers and program managers in the Space Access Branch of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Rocket Propulsion Division (AFRL/RQR) performing research, and development ...

Sierra Lobo, Inc.

Lead Facility Engineer

Edwards, CA · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

The Sierra Lobo Rocket Technology and Engineering Services II (RTES II) contract provides advise and assist services (A&AS) at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Edwards AFB, California.

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How much do air force research laboratory jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for air force research laboratory in the United States is $22.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the Air Force Research Laboratory?

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is a scientific research organization operated by the United States Air Force. AFRL is responsible for leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for air, space, and cyberspace forces. It conducts cutting-edge research in areas such as aerospace systems, materials, sensors, directed energy, and information technology. With multiple directorates across the country, AFRL collaborates with universities, industry partners, and other government agencies to advance national defense capabilities.

What are the typical collaborative projects and interdisciplinary teams like at the Air Force Research Laboratory?

At the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), employees frequently work on interdisciplinary teams that bring together scientists, engineers, and technical experts from various fields such as aerospace, materials science, computer engineering, and physics. Collaboration is a key aspect of daily work, with teams often partnering with academic institutions, industry leaders, and other government agencies to solve complex research problems and develop innovative technologies. This environment not only fosters continuous learning but also provides opportunities to contribute meaningfully to high-impact projects that support national defense. Team members are encouraged to share expertise, take initiative, and develop new skills, making AFRL an excellent place for professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Air Force Research Laboratory scientist or engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive at the Air Force Research Laboratory, you generally need a strong background in STEM fields, such as engineering, physics, or computer science, often supported by an advanced degree. Familiarity with specialized software (e.g., MATLAB, CAD tools), laboratory instrumentation, and compliance with government research protocols or security clearances is common. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in multidisciplinary research environments. These competencies enable you to contribute cutting-edge solutions that advance national defense technologies and scientific innovation.

What is the difference between Air Force Research Laboratory vs Air Force Scientific Analyst?

AspectAir Force Research LaboratoryAir Force Scientific Analyst
Primary RoleResearch and develop new technologies for the Air ForceAnalyze scientific data to support Air Force missions
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees in science or engineeringDegree in science, engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field testing, collaborative projectsOffice settings, data analysis, report writing
Employer & IndustryU.S. Air Force, defense researchU.S. Air Force, defense analysis

The Air Force Research Laboratory focuses on developing new technologies and innovations for the Air Force, often involving research and experimentation. In contrast, the Air Force Scientific Analyst primarily evaluates scientific data to inform decision-making and policy. Both roles require strong scientific credentials and serve the defense industry, but their day-to-day tasks and focus areas differ significantly.

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Air Force Research Laboratory jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Force Research Laboratory 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 $45,815 per year, or $22 per hour.

Executive Director- Business Development-Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

Riverside Research Institute

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Riverside Overview
Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country's most challenging technical problems.
All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.
Position Overview
Riverside Research is seeking an experienced Director or Executive Director of Business Development to lead growth across the Air Force Research Laboratory. This individual will develop and execute an enterprise-level AFRL growth strategy spanning the laboratory's technical directorates, mission organizations, contracting pathways, and industry ecosystem.
The successful candidate will have demonstrated results identifying, shaping, capturing, and winning research and development business with AFRL or closely related Air Force organizations. This is not primarily a proposal-management or customer-relations position. The role is accountable for building a qualified pipeline, positioning Riverside for future opportunities, creating customer-backed growth strategies, and converting those strategies into funded work.
The individual will work closely with business-unit leadership, technical leaders, capture managers, contracts personnel, and corporate executives. The position may be filled at the Director or Executive Director level based on the candidate's experience, relationships, record of wins, and ability to influence growth across Riverside.
The strongest candidates will be proactive, accountable, commercially minded, technically credible, and comfortable operating in an environment where results are measured by qualified pipeline growth and contract wins. They will be able to work independently, challenge assumptions, make disciplined pursuit recommendations, and create momentum across organizational boundaries.
Position based in Fairfax, VA (must be willing to relocate to the area)
Responsibilities
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive growth strategy for AFRL, addressing relevant technical directorates, locations, mission areas, and acquisition organizations.
  • Develop account plans for priority AFRL organizations and maintainclear objectives, actions, milestones, and measures of progress.
  • Cultivate and sustain high-trust, technical relationships with key AFRL decision-makers, laboratory directors, program managers, industry partners,academic collaborators and other organizations that influence funding decisions.
  • Build and maintaina qualified, actionable pipeline of opportunities aligned with Riverside's technical capabilities and strategic priorities.
  • Qualify opportunities based on customer access, funding, technical alignment, competitive position, acquisition pathway, and probability of win.
  • Identifyemerging customer needs, funding priorities, acquisition trends, competitive threats, and changes in the AFRL operating environment.
  • Inform Business Unit and Technical Group Strategies and internal research and development (IRAD) investmentsto ensure close alignment with growth-oriented objectives.
  • Represent Riverside Research at defense technology conferences, industry days, academic forums, and community events in the Dayton region and nationwide.
  • Lead early customer engagement and opportunity shaping to improve Riverside's position before requirements and acquisition approaches are finalized.
  • Translate customer priorities into specific opportunity strategies, technical investment recommendations, teaming approaches, and capture actionsSupport or lead capture activities when necessary, including win-strategy development, competitive analysis, teaming, customer engagement, solution shaping, reviews, and proposal transition.
  • Identifypotential partners, subcontractors, prime contractors, and strategic relationships that improve Riverside's ability to compete and grow.
  • Coordinate with Riverside technical leaders to ensure that customer engagement is supported by credible technical solutions and differentiated capabilities
  • Provide leadership with accuratepipeline forecasts, opportunity assessments, customer intelligence, and recommendations regarding investment and pursuit decisions.
  • Help establish repeatable business-development practices, customer-contact plans, and performance measures across the AFRL account

Qualifications
  • 15+ years of business development, capture management, or program leadership experience within the Department of Defense (DoD) R&D sector, with a proven track recordof winning AFRL programs.
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physical Sciences, Business, or a related technical field or 12 years with a Master's degree (Master's degree preferred) or 8 years with a PhD.
  • Deep understanding of AFRL organizational structures, procurement mechanisms (BAAs, OTAs, IDIQs, FAR-based contracts), and current S&T priorities.
  • Strong understanding of how Air Force science and technology requirements, funding priorities, program transitions, and acquisition strategies are developed.
  • Ability to converse fluently with senior engineers and scientists across technical areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Mission Planning, Radar, Electromagnetics, GEOINT/MASINT, Systems Engineering, or Modeling & Simulation.
  • Ability to develop account strategies that connect customer needs, technical capabilities, acquisition pathways, and competitive positioning.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present clear recommendations to senior leadership.
  • Ability to travel regularly to AFRL locations, customer meetings, industry events, and Riverside facilities.
  • Active Secret clearance required.
  • Based in or willing to relocate to Fairfax, VA

Preferred Qualification
  • Top Secret/SCI strongly preferred.
  • Established relationships across multiple AFRL technical directorates or locations rather than experience limited to a single laboratory organization.
  • Experience growing research and development business involving one or more of the following areas: sensing, radar, electronic warfare, electromagnetic technologies, advanced materials, modeling and simulation, artificial intelligence, autonomy, software, space systemsor mission engineering.
  • Experience developing relationships with program executive offices, operational commands, transition partners, and prime contractors that can move laboratory technologies into programs of record.
  • Advanced degree in a technical, business, or national-security field.
  • Experience navigating nonprofit or FFRDC/UARC-style business models and open innovation constructs.
  • Proven ability to build multidisciplinary teams uniting industry, government, and university partners.
  • Exceptional oral, written, and executive presentation skills.

Global Comp
$000000_ $0000000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.
Closing Statement
Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees.
Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran's status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.

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