Interdisciplinary Electronics/General Engineer/Operation Research Analyst

About the Air Force Test Center:

The Air Force Test Center (AFTC) is where tomorrow's Air Force is tested! Long considered the "Center of the Aerospace Testing Universe", AFTC is truly where Air Force superiority begins. Home to many Aerospace establishments and records, AFTC remains the state-of-the-art leader in Aerospace testing, and provides the warfighter with cutting-edge technology. AFTC does not only celebrate its past, but we continue to lead from the front. Join our team today and make Aerospace history!

Don't just watch the future unfold-build it. The Air Force Civilian Service is at the forefront of innovation, from developing next-generation aircraft to creating revolutionary cyber defense systems. We are seeking the brightest minds to join our team…to bring science fiction to fruition for the Department of War!

The Air Force Test Center is looking for a Full-Time Interdisciplinary Electronics/General Engineer/Operation Research Analyst (NH-0855/0801/1515-03) to work at the 704th Test Group/Directed Energy Combined Test Force (704 TG/OL-A) at High Energy Laser Systems Test Facility (HELSTF) at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a technical professional in support of electronics engineers, general engineers, and operations research analysts with operational responsibility in assigned area(s) and technical oversight of projects. Considered a technical expert for the organization in assignments concerning test management, instrumentation, data acquisition, and controls; employee provides technical leadership and management to ensure project/program success. Work encompasses several phases of the development process in which the employee guides and evaluates the design and development activities of others.

APPLY NOW! THIS JOB CAN CLOSE AT ANY TIME!

Location: High Energy Laser Systems Test Facility (HELSTF), White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico

Typical 2026 salary range: $89,508 - $138,370 per year (includes locality) per year based on experience (includes locality)

NOTE: If your current basic salary is within the band, but above the stated VOP, your basic salary will not be reduced if you are selected for the position.

Telework Information: Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and Office of Personnel Management (OPM) prescribed "Unscheduled Telework"\

Travel Requirements: Up to 25% travel possible

Incentives:

• This position MAY be eligible for a recruitment/relocation incentive. Specifics will be discussed with the Selecting Official.
• This position MAY be eligible for paid relocation [Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs MAY be paid]. Specifics will be discussed with the Selecting Official.
• This position MAY be eligible for a Student Loan Repayment (SLR) incentive. Specifics will be discussed with the Selecting Official.

Direct Hire Authority: NO 6-MONTH WAIT! Recently retired and/or retiring from MILITARY service ARE eligible for immediate appointment for AFTC positions. The 180-day waiting period has been waived for AFTC to hire recently retired and/or retiring service members.,Desired Skills:

• 2 years system acquisition/program management experience desired
• 2 years of test program lead experience desired
• 2 years of directed energy (high energy laser and/or high power microwave) system design and/or test experience

Major Duties:

• Serve as a consultant and expert in the development and acquisition of Directed Energy (DE) test and evaluation (T&E) resources
• Interface directly with contractors developing DE T&E test support equipment, coordinate testing and/or verification efforts and report the results
• Integrate newly acquired test capabilities into existing test architecture
• Develop and implement engineering processes, standards, and best practices to ensure technical excellence across DE T&E projects
• Plan and direct Directed Energy (DE) test and evaluation (T&E) projects
• Develop test plans, resource requirements, and schedules
• Participate in the T&E process to include planning, provisioning, execution, analysis, evaluation, and reporting
• Develop policies and procedures on matters pertaining to the integration of the DE test capabilities at the High Energy Laser Systems Test Facility (HELSTF) and Kirtland AFB

PROBATIONARY PERIOD STATEMENT:

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

Qualifications/Requirements:

• U.S. citizenship
• Obtain & maintain SECRET Security clearance
• This is a designated Drug Testing Position.
• A professional degree at the bachelor's level from an ABET accredited institution in engineering or closely related field is required. An engineering degree on the graduate level is highly desired.
• This position has been designated as a Non-Critical Acquisition Position and is covered by the Acquisition Development Program (APDP).
• A professional degree at the bachelor's level from an ABET accredited institution in engineering or closely related field is required. An engineering degree on the graduate level is highly desired.
• Professional knowledge of a wide range of engineering and/or operations research analysis concepts, principles, practices, standards, methods, techniques, materials, and equipment to effectively apply advanced theories and scientific methods to project development, execution, and advisory services.
• Knowledge of the mission, roles, functions, organizational structure, and operation of the Department of War, Air Force, and organizations that govern, interface with, and/or influence systems acquisition, development, and/or sustainment; and knowledge of planning, programming, and budgeting cycles, financial systems, and restrictions on expenditure of funds.
• Knowledge of developmental test and evaluation to sufficiently apply experimental theories and new applications to issues and to provide technical advice and direction in support of weapon systems, subsystems, and/or support equipment.
• Knowledge of the principles of planning and program management; standard acquisition regulations, practices, and procedures; and other engineering disciplines, scientific concepts, and/or mathematical/statistical analysis.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective relationships, building consensus and coalitions, negotiating, and resolving conflicts with a variety of individuals and organizations as well as communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct the functions of a team

Air Force Civilian Service Employment Benefits:

Paid Time Off:

11 Federal Holidays each year

13 sick leave days earned per year (accumulative)

Paid Vacation Time:

13-26 days per year based on length of employment

Health Insurance:

No waiting period to qualify for you and your family

Retirement:

Immediate coverage by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)

Basic Benefits Plan

Social Security:

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), like a 401(k) (Automatically receive 1% agency contributions and up to 5% matching)

Health & Wellness:

Various Medical

Flexible Spending Account

Federal Long Term Care Insurance, and Life & Disability Insurance

Work/Life Balance:

Family and Medical Leave Act

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Flexible Work Arrangements (dependent on position)

Career Development:

Tuition Assistance & Professional Development opportunities

Career enhancement and promotion opportunities

To learn more about our benefits, please check out the AFTC Benefits Trifold at https://simplebooklet.com/260902aftcbenefitstrifold

Federal Resume Tips:

Resumes limited to two pages. Federal agencies now only accept resumes up to two pages in length.

Learn more about the new resume requirements at:

https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include

https://afciviliancareers.com/PDF/FederalResumeWriting.pdf

Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Classification & Qualifications for Federal Government Employees:

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/

Please visit the Air Force Test Center job board to view other career opportunities: https://www.aftc.af.mil/About-Us/Jobs/

AFTC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.