Dr. Janet C. Wolfson, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Science, Technology and Engineering, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics), the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia. Dr. Wolfson is responsible for accelerating the Department of the Air Force technological advantage by enabling world class scientists and engineers to securely transition cutting edge S&T and prototyping and transform experimentation and engineering capabilities. She supports the Air Force Acquisition Executive by providing technical advice and counsel on major acquisition programs and rapid prototyping. She assists in the functional management of more than 16,000 military and civilian scientists and engineers. Dr. Wolfson advises the preparation of policy, guidance and advocacy for the Air Force's annual $2.9 billion science and technology program and $1 billion developmental prototyping and experimentation program. As part of this role, she assists in overseeing the Air Force’s international science and technology outreach via various bi-lateral and multi-lateral engagement fora, including the NATO Science and Technology Organization and the NATO Air Force Armaments Group.
Dr. Wolfson was born in Yuba City, California. She entered civil service in 2008 upon completing her Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from the University of California, San Diego. She has held various assignments in the Air Force Research Laboratory, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics), and Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Space Acquisition and Integration). These assignments have spanned the spectrum of basic, applied, advanced technology research, technology transition, classified programs and the establishment of the Office Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Space Acquisition and Integration). Prior to assuming her current position, Dr. Wolfson served as the Director, Science, Technology and Engineering, Office Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Space Acquisition and Integration) in the Pentagon.
Before entering public service Dr. Wolfson worked as a structural engineer for Applied Research Associates and the Thornton-Tomasetti Group. She practiced building design, forensic engineering and blast-resistant design. She is a registered professional engineer in California and was a member of the response team for the World Trade Center Disaster.
Dr. Wolfson has published over 100 publications and proceedings in national and international journals and forums. She has been an invited speaker to multiple events.
EDUCATION
2000 Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
2006 Master of Science, Structural Engineering, University of California, San Diego
2008 Doctorate of Philosophy, Structural Engineering, University of California, San Diego
2016 Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., by correspondence
2020 Master of Science, National Security Strategy, National Defense University, Washington D.C.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. September 2000–May 2002, Engineer, Thornton-Tomasetti Group, N.Y.
2. August 2002–September 2005, Associate Engineer, Richard Brady and Associates, San Diego, Calif.
3. August 2008–September 2009, Principal Engineer, Special Project Group, Applied Research Associates, Niceville, Fla.
4. September 2009–January 2013, Mechanical Engineer, Munitions Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
5. January 2013–June 2017, Senior Mechanical Engineer, Munitions Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Eglin AFB, Fla.
6. June 2017–July 2019, Senior Supervisory Engineer, Munitions Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Eglin AFB, Fla.
7. July 2019–July 2020, Student, National War College, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington D.C.
8. July 2020–July 2021, Space Division Chief, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Special Projects, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va.
9. July 2021–November 2023, Director of Staff, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va.
10. November 2023–December 2024, Director, Science, Technology, and Engineering, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va.
11. December 2024–October 2025, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (Science, Technology and Engineering), Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va.
12. October 2025–present, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (Technology, Engineering, and Product Support), Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va.
AWARDS AND HONORS
2014 Air Force Research Laboratory Science and Engineering Early Career Award
2015 Air Force Research Laboratory Directors Cup, Senior Individual
2018 Invited Speaker for Air Force Research Laboratory Inspire
2019 Exemplary Civilian Service Award
2020 Maj. Gen. Theodore Antonelli Best Group Paper Award
2025 Meritorious Civilian Service Award
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS
Shock and Vibration Exchange (Technical Advisory Group)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (Chair, Vice Chair)
Registered Professional Engineer – California
(Current as of March 2026)