Join the afwerx team
Are you looking to …
- Help make electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) a reality
- Expand digital engineering
- Test autonomy
- Apply advanced manufacturing
- Be part of some of the most advanced technology developments in the world today
We’re looking for …
- Innovators – creative and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible
- Go-getters – passionate about creating a better Air Force and Space Force for all Airmen and Guardians
- Visionaries – to help us deliver dual-use capabilities directly to the warfighter
- Collaborators – teaming up with academia, industry, investment, interagency, and international partners
If you're the right fit, view opportunities to join AFWERX below!
Careers
Augmentee Program
We work extensively with DAF ‘augmentees’ to evaluate potential technologies from public and private sources for DAF funding and accomplish large-scale, bold initiatives (e.g. 1,500-proposal SBIR/STTR evaluations in two weeks, Spark Tank submission analysis, etc.).
As an evaluator, you will gain a first-hand perspective on the AFVentures SBIR/STTR selection process and insight that will help you and your organization more effectively leverage DAF SBIR/STTR funds to impact your mission. This is a small, flexible time commitment (~10 hours) with big impact.
There is not a grade or rank requirement for evaluators. Evaluators are required to be a federal civilian or military member. All services welcome!
Seeking Experts In:
Technology
Commercialization
Defense Needs
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AFWERX Fellowships
The AFWERX Fellowship program embeds Airmen, Guardians, and Federal Employees with active projects across all divisions. Fellows will gain a comprehensive understanding the DAF innovation ecosystem, and upon returning to their unit will be a conduit for innovation funding and team management.
The program focuses on experiential learning and curated professional development to cultivate a deep understanding of AFWERX operations and industry trends.
Throughout the program, fellows will engage with programs and projects that have DAF level impacts. Participants will learn how to build and utilize their own DAF innovation ecosystem to propel projects forward.
AFWERX offers two kinds of Fellowship opportunities – both 100% remote! View both below and review the Fellowship FAQs.
ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS:
- All AFSCs and career fields eligible
- Must be a federal employee, open to all ranks: Active Duty, Active Guard Reserves (AGRs), Active Reserve Technicians (ARTs), and Federal Employees
- Applicants can be OCONUS during the duration of the program
- A signed Memorandum of Agreement from your unit is required upon acceptance
- Be motivated and a self-starter, possess great communication skills, have a passion for innovation, and a desire to create change to further advance the capabilities of the USAF and USSF
- Ability to work virtually during duty hours with minimum weekly commitment of 20 hours/week for part time applicants (full time assignments also available)
- TDY opportunities during the program will be funded by AFWERX
- Applicants will be responsible for securing their own Reserve or Guard days, if applicable
Traditional Fellowship
Traditional Fellows will be assigned to AFWERX Ventures, Spark, Prime, or SpaceWERX divisions for projects during a 4-month period. Fellows will have opportunities to pursue additional assignments including creating divisional projects (such as identifying a novel solution or building a new AFWERX initiative) or joining special project teams.
IMPORTANT DATES:
SPRING
Open Applications: January 6 – January 24, 2025
Selection: January 31, 2025
Cohort Dates: February 10 – June 6, 2025
SUMMER: May 6 – September 15, 2024
FALL: September 4 – December 20, 2024
You may support a range of projects, such as:
Spark
The division that empowers innovators and accelerates results through programs that connect, develop and support Airmen and Guardian innovators – e.g. base-level Spark Cells, MAJCOM Innovation Cells, Industry Colliders, Internships, Fellowships, Innovation Training, Spark Tank, Refinery and more!
Possible assignments:
Refinery, Colliders, Fellowship Operations, Training Development, Spark Cell Logistics, Augmentee Program, Spark Tank Operations, Summer Internship Operations.
Ventures
This division creates simple pathways for commercial innovators and private capital investment to help solve problems for the Department of the Air Force.
Possible assignments:
Database creation and refinement, Contract engagements, Contract review, SBIR/STTR Program Team.
Prime
The division develops technology marketplaces, helping identify new prime technology sectors in the commercial space, energy, autonomy, analytics and wargaming, supersonics, microelectronics, etc. Within Prime there are several lines of effort including Agility Prime, Orbital Prime, and Autonomy Prime.
Possible assignments:
Technical assignments surrounding eVTOLS, bridging use cases for a Prime line of effort, building industry partnerships, exploring use cases for emerging technologies
SpaceWERX
The division that inspires and empowers collaboration with innovators to accelerate capabilities and shape our future in space.
Possible assignments:
Managing the operations of the SpaceWERX ecosystem, building industry partnerships.
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Sage Fellowship
SAGE (Shared Awareness through Guided Empowerment) Fellows serve as the primary point of contact for civilian companies who have been awarded a Phase I SBIR/STTR contract. They will expedite the often daunting Phase I end-user discovery process so companies can focus on adapting their emerging technologies to the needs of the warfighter.
During this three-month program, participants will assist businesses to navigate DAF communications and facilitate potential customer discovery. After completing this fellowship, participants will have the skillset to effectively navigate SBIR resources, gain a deep understanding of cutting edge technologies, and build a strong foundation for managing small businesses.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Next cohort: 24.5/D Open Topic Phase I
20 May to 19 August
SAGE Recruitment: 11 March to 12 April
SAGE Fellowship Dates: 5 May to 16 August