Engineering Technical Expert

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.

About the Role:

The Air Force Test Center is looking for a Full-Time Engineering Technical Expert (NH-0801-04) to work at the 412th Test Wing, 412th Test Engineering Group, 775th Test Squadron, Weapons Integration Flight (775 TS/ENVW) at Edwards Air Force base.

In this position, you will serve as the Avionics and Armament Integration Squadron's (775 TS) national/international recognized expert on specific aircraft systems. The position provides expertise and consultation on flight test of manned and unmanned air vehicles, missiles, and hypersonic vehicles. This role has primary technical review responsibility over test plans and technical reports and provides expert guidance in the airframe, powerplant, avionics (APA) disciplines. The incumbent also participates in the safety review process.

APPLY NOW! THIS JOB CAN CLOSE AT ANY TIME!

Location: Edwards, CA (Edwards Air Force Base)

Typical 2026 salary range: $146,632- $197,200 per year (includes locality)

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

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

Must have requirements or may not be considered:

- Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering from an ABET accredited college or university.

Desired Skills:

- Expert knowledge and demonstrated experience leading developmental test planning, safety hazard review processes, flight test execution, and reporting across the Air Force Test Center (AFTC) enterprise, strictly adhering to EdwardsAFBI 99-101 (412 TW Test Plans), AFTCI 91-202 (Test Safety Review Policy), EdwardsAFBI 99-105 (Test Control and Conduct), and EdwardsAFBI 99-103 (412 TW Test Report Program).

- Deep technical expertise in physical, electrical, and logical aircraft-store electrical interconnection systems IAW MIL-STD-1760, coupled with advanced capability to analyze, troubleshoot, and validate multiplex data bus protocols IAW MIL-STD-1553.

- Extensive experience liaising with the Air Force SEEK EAGLE Office to formulate, coordinate, and execute store compatibility and certification roadmaps IAW AFI/AFMAN 63-104 (Air Force Store Certification Program).

Major Duties:

- Serve as a recognized 412 TW technical expert on one or more aspects of flight sciences, mission systems, or electronic warfare test and evaluation.

- Advise diverse engineering teams in planning, implementing, and executing test and evaluation (T&E) of Air Force systems.

- Assist the chief engineer and/or lead the effort to formulate, direct, and apply test planning, test philosophy and policy, and instructions to ensure technical validity, efficiency, safety, and credibility in test and evaluation of Air Force systems and sub-systems.

- Provides expert-level professional engineering work to synthesize mathematical and engineering principles to support the acquisition and testing of Air Force systems.

- Interfaces and collaborates with personnel across different organizations, including 412 TW, AFTC, AFMC, OSW, and government contractors.

- Provides expert technical review and advice on the evaluation and reporting of test results.

Qualifications/Requirements:

U.S. Citizenship

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.

Must be able to obtain and maintain and "Top Secret" security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).

This is a designated Drug Testing Position.

Must be able to obtain and maintain the required level of Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certification within 24 months of assigned duties.

This position has been designated as a Non-Critical Acquisition Position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). Must meet or be capable of achieving the APDP certification as designated on the position description within the defined grace period for that certification level after assignment. This position also requires the employee to engage in acquisition continuous learning activities achieving 80 Continuous Learning points every 24 months.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Ability to synthesize concepts, principles, and practices across technical and test engineering disciplines.

Expert knowledge of integrated air-vehicle and ground systems.

Expert knowledge of Department of War acquisition regulations, practices, and procedures.

Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate test with a multi-disciplinary team and coordinate with other Air Force and Department of War organizations.

Ability to maintain good working relations and to provide technical leadership, mentorship, and training to personnel as well as project management oversight.

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.

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 ;br>
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:

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

;br>
Please visit the Air Force Test Center job board to view other career opportunities:

;br>
AFTC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.