Engineer SME

Job Description

Position Summary

The Engineer Subject Matter Expert (SME) provides senior-level expertise in acquisition workforce management and career field development for scientists, engineers, and program managers across the Department of the Air Force (DAF). With extensive experience in government civilian personnel management and deep knowledge of DoD HR policies, the Engineer SME ensures that workforce policies, career field strategies, and professional development initiatives align with the evolving technical and operational needs of Air Force acquisition programs. The SME will collaborate across diverse stakeholders to design and sustain a highly capable STEM workforce, supporting both current mission requirements and long-term talent pipelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and recommend policies and guidelines for the recruitment, retention, development, and sustainment of the STEM workforce in support of acquisition and technology development.

• Propose innovative HR management practices tailored to the technological requirements of current and future Air Force acquisition and sustainment programs.

• Support Air Force career field management and force development processes for civilian and officer scientists, engineers, and program managers.

• Develop strategies and initiatives to promote continuous learning, professional growth, and career development, fostering the next generation of leaders in engineering and related career areas.

• Advocate for advanced academic degree requirements in science and engineering disciplines, ensuring workforce readiness for complex technical challenges.

• Collaborate with leadership to align workforce strategies with mission needs while navigating diverse and competing stakeholder perspectives.

• Perform additional duties associated with workforce policy, engineering talent development, and acquisition support as coordinated with the COR.

Subject Matter Expert Functions

• Serve as a trusted advisor on engineering workforce development, civilian career field management, and STEM acquisition talent strategies.

• Apply expert knowledge of DoD HR policies, procedures, and personnel systems to improve engineering workforce outcomes.

• Provide insight into emerging STEM workforce needs, particularly in science and engineering disciplines critical to acquisition and sustainment.

• Deliver actionable recommendations to senior leaders to strengthen the engineering and acquisition workforce pipeline.

• Facilitate consensus-building among stakeholders to implement policies that address technical workforce challenges.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Must possess an active Secret Clearance.

• Minimum of 20 years of experience in government civilian personnel management.

• At least 4 years of direct experience in civilian workforce personnel policy.

• Extensive knowledge of DoD HR policies, procedures, and civilian workforce management practices.

• Demonstrated success working across diverse stakeholders to achieve workforce policy and talent management objectives.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence senior leaders.

• Proven track record in developing and implementing workforce strategies for technical fields.

Preferred Skills

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Human Resources, Public Administration, or related discipline.

• Experience managing or advising on workforce development for engineering-intensive programs.

• Familiarity with Air Force acquisition workforce structures, technical mission requirements, and S&T priorities.

• Ability to analyze workforce trends and translate them into policy and programmatic recommendations.

• Strong facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and change management skills.