Program Element Monitor (PEM)

OPEN TO CURRENT AFRL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES ONLY.

This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PM EST, 27 July 2026.

As a Program Element Monitor (PEM) stationed at the Pentagon, you will be the ultimate champion for the next generation of Air and Space Science & Technology (S&T). This is not a standard staff role; it is a high-stakes, mission-critical position where you will bridge the gap between brilliant AFRL researchers and top-tier policymakers. You will shape visionary concepts, fiercely defend the budgets that fund them, and ensure that our technological edge translates into dominant capabilities for the USSF, USAF, and the Department of War (DoW). If you are ready to turn science fiction into strategic reality and directly influence the future of our nation's defense, your next mission starts here.
This PEM vacancy announcement may be used to fill multiple upcoming PEM Summer 2026 vacancies.

Position duties include, but are not limited to:

• Serves as the Pentagon-based PEM for Air or Space S&T Program Elements (PEs), representing S&T and AFRL interests at the highest echelons of the Department of the Air Force (DAF).
• Shapes concepts and coordinate capability requirements across the USSF, USAF, DoW, and critical interagency partners.
• Maintains continuous communication with AFRL leadership, including the TEO, Deputy TEO, and Mission and Functional Directors.
• Acts as the primary advocate and defender of assigned PEs, leading high-visibility briefings to Congressional staffers and OSW/DAF-level leadership to secure and protect S&T funding.
• Utilizes multidisciplinary expertise to direct and prepare all S&T portfolio inputs for DAF requirements, POM/PBR cycles, and acquisition processes.
• Collaborates seamlessly with fellow AFRL PEMs to forge unified DAF S&T messaging and robust funding strategy that maximizes lethality and innovation across the board.
• Go-to expert for AFRL congressional interest items and rapidly synthesize the data needed to respond to high-level congressional inquiries throughout the year.
• Builds high-impact briefings, staff packages, and background papers, and review/shape critical OSW and Congressional reports.
• Actively supports other SAF/AQT or SAF/SQT mission activities.
• PEM assignment is for 36-months and may be extended if approved. PCS is authorized.

• US Citizenship.
• Must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lowest grade level or equivalent grade level of the position being advertised.
• Ability to obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance.
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.
• Engineer (0800): To meet eligibility the engineering series, applicants must meet the following basic requirements. Degree in Engineering. The program must have been ABET accredited. For a full description of the 0800 requirements, see the following Occupational Requirements here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf.
• Computer Scientist (1550): To meet eligibility of a Computer Scientist, applicants must meet the following basic requirements. Bachelor's degree in computer science or bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. All academic degrees and course work must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions. For a full description of the 1550 requirements, see the following Occupational Requirements here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/computer-science-series-1550/.
• Operation Research Analyst (1515): To meet eligibility of a Operation Research Analyst, applicants must meet the following basic requirements. Degree: in operations research; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus. All academic degrees and course work must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions. For a full description of the 1550 requirements, see the following Occupational Requirements here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/operations-research-series-1515/.
• This position may be filled under multiple occupational series. Applicants are required to meet all OPM Qualification Standard requirements for the applicable occupational series and grade.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence decisions and build collaborative relationships.
• Ability to work flexibly and effectively in a cross-functional team environment in a dynamic, high-paced environment.
• Proficient in building and reviewing high-level communication products to support senior leadership engagements/discussions.
• Understanding of the DoW PPBE process

• Incentives may/may not be authorized.
• Travel may be required for this position.

Requisition Number 64807