About the Role:
The Air Force Test Center is looking for a Full-Time Space Test Program Manager (NH-1101-03) to work at the USAF Test Pilot School, USAF TPS/KJO, at Edwards AFB.
The TPS Space Test Program Manager works within the Mission Support Directorate and is responsible for cradle-to-grave performance of USAF TPS projects. The position's focus is primarily on space domain activities and associated infrastructure, to include the Test Management Program applied to the space test curriculum at TPS, although multi-domain and air-domain projects may also be assigned. Provides structure and guidance in acquisition and project management support through acquisition planning practices to ensure projects are completed effectively and efficiently. Works with the Dean of Faculty and school leadership on guiding student teams through a full test program.
Announcement Length/Closes: Two Weeks
Location: Edwards AFB, CA
Typical 2026 salary range: $104,349 - $161,313 per year (includes Locality)
Travel Requirements: Up to 25% travel possible
Areas of Consideration (AOC): Department – wide (DoD)
Desired Skills:
- Experienced and self-starting professional, capable of working with minimal supervision, with a proven track record of program/project management, and with the ability to “work outside the box” when necessary
- Must be capable of managing multiple projects/programs/tasks simultaneously, setting and coordinating priorities routinely with school leadership
- Possess exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, enabling them to build strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders across the Space Force, Air Force, and partner agencies at all levels: from students and faculty to high-level military officials.
Major Duties:
- Project Manager: The Space Test Project Manager supports applicable projects using the processes defined in 412 TW and TPS Operating Instructions and related publications. The Space Test Project Manager has overall responsibility for the project (cost, schedule, and performance) and is responsible for ensuring project initiation, planning, implementation, control, and closeout are accomplished appropriately to meet project requirements and schedules for the customer. The Space Test Project Manager serves as the team lead for the project team, educates student teams, and acts as the project administrator, tracking project records, managing key documents, planning project finances, receiving task status updates, controlling the budget, schedule, performance, and execution for the customer. The Space Test Project Manager will work with finance, contracting, operations, and any other organizations necessary for the successful performance of assigned projects. Project management activities during student Test Management Projects will be shared with the TPS Education Division and student test teams.
- Project Initiation: Reviews lessons learned from previous similar projects; establishes a project folder; defines the objectives, deliverables, and success criteria for meeting customer requirements; and assembles the project team. Test teams will usually consist of, but not be limited to, a test operator (space operator or pilot), systems engineer (SE), discipline engineers, operations engineer, and/or test conductor, instrumentation engineer, logistics test manager, and other specialized individuals. The team will vary based on the needs of the projects, especially if infrastructure focused. The Space Test Project Manager will provide the team members with the direction, training, leadership, and information required to effectively perform their jobs in meeting the customer's requirements.
- Project Planning: The Space Test Project Manager attends or chairs meetings as required, allocates resources, builds schedules, facilitates defining Measures of Performance (MOP's), coordinates the development of the project test plan(s) and identifies and coordinates support requirements. The Space Test Project Manager will work with internal and external supporting organizations to consider and plan for, as appropriate, items such as modification/de-modification, safety, occupational health, security, environmental impact, data management, and frequency authorization/management requirements for assigned projects. The Space Test Project Manager will work with the project team to define requirements, costs, schedule, and possible technical solutions for all aspects of the assigned project.
- Project Implementation: During project execution, the Space Test Project Manager coordinates, monitors, statuses, and tracks all tasks identified for the project, including all tasks relating to performing system modifications, conducting testing, performing data reduction and data analysis/evaluation, developing and coordinating formal reports; and performing system de-modification. The Space Test Project Manager is ultimately responsible for ensuring completion of all tasks as defined in the project plan and must remain vigilant during task execution. The Space Test Project Manager sets ultimate priorities for meeting project schedule and budget and ensures all required testing is accomplished.
- Project Control: The Space Test Project Manager works in an iterative fashion to assure project objectives are completed within the customer agreement. The Space Test Project Manager reviews Project Management Reports (PMR's) on a monthly basis, tracks project status, updates and reports project status, identifies project deviations, and works with the project team to devise/determine and implement corrective actions as necessary to meet cost, schedule, and performance commitments.
- Project Closeout: During close-out, the Space Test Project Manager is responsible for ensuring that project deliverables and administrative closeout procedures are accomplished. The duties include tasks such as financial closeout {JON closeout), equipment turn-in, resource de-obligation, facilities check-out, following up on deficiency reports, submitting lessons learned, and sending closeout notifications.
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
- Obtain & maintain Top Secret Security clearance
- This is a designated Drug Testing Position
- Certifications/Licensure
- Obtain & maintain APDP Certification
- Knowledge of program and project management concepts, principles, and techniques as applied to the developmental and operational test and evaluation environment
- Ability to understand overall project objectives and to coordinate the efforts of various functional disciplines (e.g. project control, operations, engineering, contracting, logistics support, etc.) to ensure projects meet customer objectives within established cost and schedule parameters
- Ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of personnel (military & civilian) both orally and in writing and to use modern computer software applications in support of communications and presentations
- Obtain and maintain Security clearance
- This is a designated Drug Testing Position
***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/page-limit.
Please send resumes to: Heather Ash, heather.ash.1@us.af.mil
ADHERENCE TO APPLICABLE HAF/AFMC/AFTC HIRING FREEZE IMPLEMENTATION GUIDANCE IS REQUIRED