Principal Engineer / Scientist

BryceTech is a trusted leader in complex technology domains, delivering data-driven solutions in aerospace, biosecurity, and defense. We specialize in systems engineering, advanced analytics, R&D programs, and strategic advisory support. Our clients – including NASA, DoD, HHS, DHS, and other civil and national security agencies – rely on us to drive mission success and accelerate innovation. BryceTech has been recognized in the  Washington Technology  Fast 50 ranking of top high-growth small businesses for five consecutive years and received a GovCon Contractor of the Year Award in 2025, underscoring our strong growth, competitive positioning, and excellence in federal contracting. With a proven track record of winning sought-after contracts, scaling high-performance teams, and executing on critical government missions, BryceTech presents a compelling opportunity for strategic partnerships in the GovCon space. BryceTech is seeking a highly experienced Principal Engineer/Scientist to provide scientific, engineering, and technical strategic advisory support to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) under the Joint Use Professional Insight, Technology, Engineering, & Research (JUPITER) program. This individual will provide senior-level technical expertise and independent insight to support AFRL leadership in the assessment, planning, development, integration, and transition of advanced technologies and research programs. The Principal Engineer/Scientist will apply deep technical expertise and demonstrated professional standing within their area of specialization to evaluate technology portfolios, conduct technical assessments and trade studies, advise on research and development priorities, and provide recommendations to senior AFRL leadership. The position may support areas including space warfare, information and spectrum warfare, space communications, positioning, navigation and timing, space cyber, ISR, space domain awareness, modeling and simulation, high-power electromagnetics, laser systems, electro-optics, and related advanced technologies. Responsibilities Provide senior-level scientific, engineering, and technical advisory support to AFRL leadership Conduct strategic technology planning and provide recommendations concerning current and future research and development investments Evaluate the status, technical merit, feasibility, and potential impact of ongoing and proposed technology programs Conduct technical studies, analyses, evaluations, assessments, and trade studies Perform systems engineering analyses and architecture assessments for advanced technology programs Provide independent technical assessments and recommendations regarding technology development, maturation, transition, and implementation Assess emerging technologies and identify opportunities to address future warfighter capability requirements Support technology portfolio reviews and recommend redirection of existing programs or establishment of new programs Analyze technology development strategies, acquisition approaches, and transition pathways Prepare and deliver technical briefings, reports, papers, presentations, and other materials for AFRL leadership and other senior government stakeholders Participate in technical review boards, Scientific Advisory Boards, working groups, committees, and other technical forums Provide technical organization, execution, and feedback support for AFRL meetings, reviews, and advisory activities Collaborate with government, industry, academia, federally funded research and development centers, and other research organizations to advance technology development and transition Apply recognized expertise and professional judgment to complex technical problems where solutions require significant innovation and independent analysis Maintain current knowledge of relevant scientific and engineering developments, emerging technologies, and advancements within the applicable technical community Communicate complex technical concepts and recommendations clearly to both technical and senior executive audiences Required Qualifications Active DoD Top Secret Clearance with SCI Eligibility (TS/SCI) Doctoral degree in engineering or science with at least 12 years of relevant experience, or a master's degree in engineering or science with at least 14 years of relevant experience, or a bachelor's degree in engineering or science with at least 20 years of relevant experience Demonstrated experience with space or information/spectrum warfare systems and/or technologies Demonstrated expertise in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline applicable to AFRL's research and development mission Demonstrated professional standing and recognized expertise within the applicable technical community Ability to provide independent technical advice, analysis, and recommendations to senior government leadership Experience supporting advanced research and development, technology planning, technology assessment, or related technical activities Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory, Department of the Air Force, U.S. Space Force, DARPA, or other DoD science and technology organizations Experience in one or more of the following areas: Space systems and space warfare Space communications Positioning, navigation, and timing Space cyber Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance Space domain awareness Modeling and simulation Information warfare Spectrum warfare High-power electromagnetics Laser systems Electro-optics Experience with DoD science and technology planning and investment processes Experience with technology transition from research and development into operational capabilities Experience supporting senior military, government, or industry leadership Experience developing and presenting technical recommendations to executive-level audiences Experience working across government, industry, academia, and r