Test and Evaluation Engineer

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!

GENERAL OPENING STATEMENTS

Be the force behind the force. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to empower the U.S. Air Force and Space Force to protect our nation's interests in air, space, and cyberspace. This is more than a job; it's a calling to serve.

About the Role:

The Air Force Test Center is looking for a Full-Time Test and Evaluation Engineer (NH-0801-03) to work at the 96th Test Wing, 96th Operations Group, 40th Flight Test Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base.

Performs professional test and evaluation engineering work in support of 96 OG mission requirements by planning, executing, analyzing, and reporting ground and/or airborne test activities; developing test documentation and engineering solutions; and applying technical expertise, data analysis, and current engineering practices to support effective evaluation of systems, mission objectives, and organizational priorities.

APPLY NOW! THIS JOB CAN CLOSE AT ANY TIME!

Location: Eglin AFB, FL

Typical 2026 salary range: $89,508- $138,370 per year/per hour (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

Incentives: This position MAY be eligible for a recruitment/relocation 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.

Must have requirements or may not be considered:

1. The work requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance.

2. The duties of this position require an advanced level of competence in basic science. The incumbent must possess an engineering degree from an institution with ABET accredited engineering program.

3. This position has been designated as an acquisition position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). The employee must meet or be capable of meeting Defense Acquisition Work Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.

Desired Skills:

1. Autonomy & Algorithm V&V: Working knowledge of Verification & Validation (V&V) and safety assurance frameworks for autonomous systems, machine learning models, and adaptive flight control architectures.

2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) Fundamentals: Foundational understanding of machine learning concepts (e.g., neural networks, reinforcement learning, sensor fusion) and how to evaluate algorithmic decision boundaries and failure modes.

3. Autonomous Aircraft Test & Evaluation (T&E): Familiarity with test and evaluation principles, safety-of-flight considerations, and range safety protocols unique to crewed/uncrewed and fully autonomous aircraft platforms.

Major Duties:

1. Plans, executes, and reports on ground and/or airborne test programs, including air-to-air and air-to-ground testing.

2. Develops test documentation such as test cards, Methods of Test (MOT), and test reports.

3. Collects and analyzes technical information, data, and standards needed to perform test engineering tasks.

4. Research engineering problems, identifies root causes, and develops solutions using appropriate engineering methods and techniques.

5. Supports special projects by preparing written summaries and reports, participating on teams, and contributing to complex initiatives.

6. Presents findings in reports and briefings to engineers, customers, and senior officials.

7. Maintains technical currency by monitoring emerging technologies and using engineering analysis and project-tracking tools to support assignments.

Qualifications/Requirements:

U.S. Citizenship (Required)

1. Travel by regularly scheduled commercial or military aircraft in accordance with Joint Travel Regulations may be required in performance of TDY.

2. Temporary duty away from home base may be required. Incumbent may be required to fly as a passenger on military aircraft.

3. The work requires incumbent to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance.

4. The duties of this position require an advanced level of competence in basic science. The incumbent must possess an engineering degree from an institution with ABET accredited engineering program.

5. This position has been designated as an acquisition position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). The employee must meet or be capable of meeting Defense Acquisition Work Improvement Act (DA WIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.

6. Employee is expected to meet Continuing Acquisition Education requirements. The Acquisition Position Career Category (APCC) of the position is T - Test and Evaluation (T&E) and the Acquisition Career Level required is 2 -Intermediate Level II.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD STATEMENT: (Required) - For All Positions

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.

(NOTE: Typically, the 1-year probationary period is for Competitive Jobs, and 2-year trail period is for Excepted Jobs.)

Drug Testing:

This is a designated Drug Testing Position

Security Clearance:

Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate clearance.

Education Requirements:

Must possess an engineering degree from an institution with ABET accredited engineering program.

Certifications/Licensure:

This position has been designated as an acquisition position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP)

DAWIA Certification:

The employee must meet or be capable of meeting Defense Acquisition Work Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.

Top 5-6 job related KSAs: (Required)

1. Knowledge of test engineering concepts, principles, practices, standards, methods, techniques, materials, and equipment to effectively apply engineering theories, principles, and concepts to project development and execution.

2. Knowledge of aircraft ground systems, and support equipment sufficient to plan, design, test, troubleshoot, evaluate, and oversee the development and/or sustainment of highly complex weapons and/or aircraft systems.

3. Knowledge of the principles of planning and program management; standard acquisition regulations, practices, and procedures; and other engineering disciplines.

4. Skill in preparing design concepts, formulating working drawings, expressing proposals, and establishing requirements for technical objectives and characteristics.

5. Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and technical accuracy, both orally and in writing as well as work in a professional manner with peers, management, contractors, academia, and other agencies.

6. Ability to prepare design concepts, convey ideas, and formulate working drawings using computer aided design and drafting programs, and/or project management/scheduling software programs.

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

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AFTC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.