Computer Scientist, Computer Engineer, Electronics Engineer

Job Overview OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS. This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 EST, 31 October 2026.

The Information and Spectrum Warfare Directorate (RF), Information Systems Division (RFC) seeks to hire two entry – mid level, DR-0I/DR-02, Computer Scientists or Computer/Electronics Engineers, for the Resilient Networking branch, located in Rome New York. The incumbent will serve as a Research Computer Scientist/Engineer conducting basic, applied, and advanced technology development in next-generation, high-performance, and resilient tactical communication and networking technologies. The successful candidate will join an agile research and development team focused on solving critical Department of the Air Force and DoW communication challenges.

Position Duties Include, But Not Limited To

• Conduct research, design, implementation, and benchmarking of robust, fault-tolerant networking protocols, distributed systems algorithms, and routing architectures.
• Develop, test, and integrate Software-Defined Radio (SDR) waveforms, protocol stacks, and network controllers utilizing C, C++, Python, and Linux-based platforms.
• Design, build, and execute automated network emulation, Software-In-the-Loop (SIL), and Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) laboratory experiments to evaluate throughput, latency, and resiliency metrics under dynamic topologies and interference.
• Participate in multidisciplinary project teams, collaborate with internal and external research partners across DoW, academia, and industry, and contribute technical findings to DoW technical reports, conference presentations, and journal papers.
• Maintain laboratory hardware and software testbeds, participate in field testing events, and perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• United States Citizenship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Secret or Top Secret security clearance
• This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to random testing
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
• Applicants must be able to meet the OPM Qualification Standards of the position being filled
• S&E candidates must possess a professional science or engineering (S&E) degree from an ABET accredited academic institution
• If selected at the DR-02 level, you must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the DR-01 or GS-11 level (or equivalent pay system). Specialized Experience is experience directly related to the position that was performed at a level equivalent to the grade directly below the position
• This is an APDP position requiring completion of Level/Tier 1 (Foundational) or Level/Tier 2 (Practitioner) certification within Engineering &Technology Management (ETM). Selectee will have 5 years to meet the APDP certification requirements of the position.

Desired Qualifications

• MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering with a focus on communications and networking.
• Hands-on experience with Software-Defined Radio (SDR) platforms (e.g., USRP/Ettus Research, HackRF, bladeRF) and frameworks (e.g., GNU Radio, RFNoC, REDHAWK).
• Working knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) concepts, physical layer modulation schemes, and wireless communications fundamentals.
• Experience utilizing MATLAB / Simulink for communications system modeling, protocol simulation, or signal analysis.
• Experience applying Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML) techniques (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn) to networking, cognitive radio, traffic classification, or spectrum monitoring.
• Familiarity with network modeling, discrete-event simulation, and emulation platforms such as ns-3, CORE, EMANE.
• Experience with Linux kernel networking, eBPF, network namespaces, containerization (Docker, Podman), and distributed version control (Git).
• Understanding of military communications systems, tactical data links, or mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively in written reports and technical briefings.
• Willingness to collaborate in cross-functional teams involving government scientists, military operators, and contractor personnel.

Proficiency In The Following Is Strongly Desired

• Development and debugging of software in C, C++, and/or Python within a native Linux development environment.
• Practical understanding of fundamental networking concepts, the OSI/TCP-IP reference models, routing algorithms, socket programming, and protocol analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark, tcpdump).
• Implementation of algorithms, data structures, and multi-threaded or event-driven software architectures.
• Ability to operate effectively within an iterative research, development, and laboratory demonstration environment.

Telework Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy

Eligible for a Referral Bonus? No

Series 0854

0855

1550

Additional Information The Air Force Research Laboratory operates under the Lab Personnel Demonstration Project (Lab Demo). The DR pay band system provides performance-based salary increases, flexible pay-setting, and faster professional growth compared to the standard GS schedule.

Benefits of a government employee include Federal Employee Health Benefits, Annual Leave, Sick Leave, Federal Holidays, Pension, Thrift Savings Plan, and more. Information on Federal Benefits and Retirement can be found on OPM.gov.

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 49606

Posting End Date 10/31/2026