Come be a part of something big! Smart Minds, Cool Jobs, and Awesome Rewards! Fueled by innovation, talent and ambition, the Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is seeking civilian professionals prepared to deploy war-winning capabilities on behalf of the United States Air Force.
OPENS: 6 May 2026
CLOSES: 20 May 2026
Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) is currently seeking a full-time Physical Scientist 009324641M to work in the Advanced Studies and Analysis Division at Kirtland Air Force Base near Albuquerque, NM.
This position is a NH-1301-03 which has a typical 2026 salary range of $90,479 – 139,871 (Including locality).
This position’s duty location is at AFNWC Kirtland AFB NM and has limited and infrequent teleworking (occasional situational/emergency only).
**IMPORTANT**
- AFNWC is requiring the 2-page resume format for our job announcements. Please access this link to learn more about what to include in your resume: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include
- If you submit a resume that is more than 2 pages, you may receive an error message. Please submit no more than a 2-page resume to be considered.
- Provide all academic degrees, professional military education and any other professional certifications on your 2-page resume.
- Recruitment, Relocation, Retention, and Student Loan Incentives may be authorized.
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a non-supervisory Physical Scientist for the Advanced Studies and Analysis Division with technical responsibilities (Primarily (1) Air-Delivered: gravity bombs & cruise missiles; also Hard and Deeply Buried Targets, secondarily (2) Ground-Based: intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs); also Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3)
This position leads activities needed in support of future concepts studies including significant involvement in highly complex advanced concept studies, Analysis of Alternatives, roadmaps, technology demonstrations, and other future analysis consistent with direction, resources, and objectives established by higher authority.
Candidates should have a strong background in professional scientific principles, methods, and techniques to effectively apply advanced scientific theories and practices across multiple weapon systems and platforms. Furthermore, the candidate will assess the impact of emerging technology on current systems and processes to formulate recommendations and solutions for future systems.
DUTIES:
- Develops future weapon concepts, conducts engineering design trade studies, and analyzes the performance of those concepts. Generate potential requirements for the Warfighter. Identify areas for technical maturation.
- Apply critical thinking skills to find novel solutions to complex problems with multiple competing considerations. Plans and executes dynamic projects that vary from quick-turn 90-day studies to multi-year efforts. Provides independent, analytical assessments to address emerging military capability gaps and warfighter needs.
- Serves as a lead and expert in technical work involving the application of advanced theories, concepts, and principles related to development or sustainment of nuclear systems.
- Coordinates, communicates, and collaborates with multiple agencies and across Department of War and Department of Energy to inform all aspects of data collection, analysis and report results.
- Write reports and create presentations showing results, findings, and conclusions for distribution; give briefings throughout the nuclear community.
- Plans, organizes, and oversees technical activities including review and approval of plans and reports. Reviews engineering documents.
SKILLS:
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work with multiple teams.
- At least 2 years of experience using principles of systems engineering and data analytics to execute survivability and effectiveness assessments of complex systems.
- Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
- Highly qualified candidates will have experience in cruise missile design, design and theory of radars, engagement / survivability modeling, weapon lethality assessments, or ballistic missile design.
- Highly desired: At least 4 years of engineering or scientific discipline experience in the following areas: Physics, Aerospace / Nuclear / Mechanical / Electrical / Materials / Chemical / Computer - Engineering, Operational Research and/or Mathematics/Statistics.
- Highly desired: Demonstrated experience in working effectively with multiple DoD, academic and private industry organizations.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION:
- U.S. CITIZENSHIP
- Must obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility; and SAP accesses as required.
- Degree: Physical science (Physics or Chemistry), engineering (see Qualification section), or mathematics to included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics; advanced degree is desired.
- Will be required to travel, could be up to 2 – 3+ trips per month, typically 0 – 2 trips.
- May be required to occasionally work overtime or on an emergency basis.
- This is a drug testing designated position and is subject to initial and random drug testing.
- Employee must meet Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements, which includes achieving Engineering and Technical Management “Practitioner” certification category within required timeframe after appointment.
QUALIFICATIONS:
HOW TO APPLY:
When applying at the link below, please use Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. Click the apply button to complete an application and upload resume (PDF or Word Doc) and/or additional documents (Transcripts, certifications, Vet Docs (DD214), SF-50).
Apply at: https://afcs.experience.crmforce.mil/s/registration?jobId=a05Rw000005QcBdIAK by May 20, 2026.
If you have questions about this position or about the application process, please contact AFNWC Talent Acquisition at afnwc.dpd.talentacquisitions@us.af.mil
To find all current job and internship opportunities at the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, visit the AFNWC webpage at: https://www.afnwc.af.mil/About-Us/Jobs/
To receive additional information about current and future job openings with AFCS via email notification, please register at www.Afciviliancareers.com and sign up to “Get Career Updates.”
Equal Opportunity Employer. U.S. citizenship required. Must be of legal working age.