Chemist
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 for the Department of the Air Force (DAF).
The Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is looking for a Full-time Chemist (NH-1320-03) to work for Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) in the 635 SCOW, located in Cape Canaveral, Florida. This federal job offers a rewarding and exciting career with benefits.
This job may close at any time! Apply now!!!
Relocation, Retention and Student Loan Incentives may be authorized.
2026 Salary Range ($90,173 - $139,398) yearly w/ locality
Job Open Date: 5/15/2026
Job Close Date: 5/29/2026
Who may apply: All U.S. Citizens
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as an analytical chemist in a high-paced chemistry and aerospace laboratory located at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, FL. The position is responsible for performing routine sample testing and establishing plans for managing a broad sample workload using standardized methods. In addition, the candidate serves as a technical expert in laboratory analytical techniques (both wet chemistry and instrumentation) used in the evaluation of petroleum, oil, lubricants, spacecraft propellants, and compressed gases. The laboratory chemists are also involved in leading and facilitating the local evaluation, and deployment of emerging testing methodologies and technologies. Desired analytical experience includes FTIR spectroscopy, gas chromatography, HPLC, and ICP-OES.
Requirements:
Must pass pre-employment physical
Has education requirements
Obtain & maintain a security clearance
May be required to travel to perform temporary duty
May have extended/other than normal duty hours
Meet the OPM education requirements for a 1320 series position, which include a degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics.
Meet the experience requirements for a GS-12 position
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):
1. Professional mastery of a broad range of principles, theories and practices of the chemical specialty area encompassing analytical testing and process monitoring. Experience and skill in applying this knowledge to difficult and complex assignments such as preparing and conducting work that requires significant judgment in evaluating, selecting precedents and adapting or modifying procedures and acceptance criteria.
2. Knowledge of chemistry and related disciplines to design, develop and adapt scientific methods and techniques to recommend solutions for scientific and engineering problems.
3. Knowledge of computer operations and standard software applications.
4. Ability to analyze, interpret and apply chemical laws and procedures in a variety of situations and recommend effective solutions to senior scientists.
5. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with others in a courteous, tactful, and diplomatic manner to gain cooperation in achieving goals.
6. Skill in applying analytical and evaluative techniques to the identification, consideration and resolution of the issues or problems concerning efficiency and effectiveness of program operations.
7. Ability to apply continuous improvement concepts and initiatives.
RESUME: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on how to complete the two-page resume is located at [click to reveal website link].
Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period. Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Click the apply button to complete an application and upload a resume no more than 2 pages (PDF Form) and/or additional documents (Transcripts, certifications, Vet Docs (DD214), SF-50).
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution
Equal Opportunity Employer. U.S. citizenship required. Must be of legal working age.