About the Role:
The Air Force Test Center is looking for a Full-Time Range Control Officer (NH-0301-03) to work at the 412th Test Wing, 412th Test Engineering Group, 412th Range Squadron, Range Operations Management Flight (412 RANS/ENROP) at Edwards AFB.
The Range Control Officer (RCO) provides overall support ensuring that the general public, test area personnel, public and private lands, and test area resources are provided an acceptable level of safety and that all aspects of range operations adhere to public laws and national needs. Exercises operational control over the Precision Impact Range Area (PIRA) resources. Coordinates the real-time use of ground space, airspace, special use areas and range resources on PIRA with SPORT, Operations Duty Officer, Range Contractors and range support personnel for test missions. Operates computer display systems and related equipment used in the command and control and situational awareness of test activities conducted on the PIRA. As a minimum will have one of the following qualifications: rated aircrew member, Air Traffic Controller (ATC), Air Battle Manager (ABM), Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC), Enlisted Terminal Attack Controller (ETAC), Weapons Director (WD), or previous RCO or equivalent test experience.
Announcement Length/Closes: 15 Workdays
Location: Edwards, CA (Edwards Air Force Base)
Typical 2026 salary range: $104,349 - $161,313 per year (includes Locality)
- Areas of Consideration (AOC): Command – wide (AFMC)
Desired Skills:
- The ability to analyze complex situations and find solutions while making critical decisions quickly and accurately in high-pressure situations.
- Must have clear and effective verbal communications as it is crucial to ensure safety at all times.
- 3 years of command, control and situational awareness experience desired.
- At minimum will have one of the following qualifications: rated aircrew member, Air Traffic Controller (ATC), Air Battle Manager (ABM), Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC), Enlisted Terminal Attack Controller (ETAC), Weapons Director (WD), or previous RCO or equivalent test experience.
Major Duties:
- As per Air Force Instructions (AFM 13-212) the RCO must maintain continuous radio communication with all aircraft and ground personnel on the range through the use of communication equipment such as UHF, VHF, and HF radios, microwave, personnel/Equipment Tracking System (PETS), TECCS and land line complexes, and will provide test guidance instructions to airborne flight test pilots by the target position from real time data on Test and Evaluation, Command Control System (TECCS), digital displays and closed circuit TV systems.
- Performs range mission analysis and conducts pre-mission support requirements and safety factors to determine the best course of action to satisfy user's requirements and still remain within the AFI's and Flight Test Center instructions.
- Provides the safety planning required to successfully conduct and complete the test objectives. This includes inter- and intra-range safety analysis, planning and coordination.
- Responsible for the execution of Class A mission support, controlling the actions of aircraft releasing bombs, and/or aircraft gun strafe missions, with the full understanding of munitions ballistics, minimum flight altitudes, and monitoring weather conditions to include altimeter settings, temperature, ceiling, visibility and winds.
- Must be an expert in emergency procedures and will have these procedures readily available during range operations for either of the towers.
- During real-time operations bears the sole responsibility for operation of the Edward's Flight Test Range, Precision Impact Range Area (PIRA).
- Operates with the full authority of the 412 TW Commander to cancel or terminate test missions which violate range safety criteria or pose a potential threat to personnel, facilities and/or property.
- Acts as on scene commander during aircraft crash mishaps, must have full understanding and the implementation of Aircraft crash procedures, First Aid and the evacuation of injured personnel, and be able to control the accident scene until the crash response team arrives and takes command.
- Manages/supervises the day-to-day operation of the Edwards AFB Precision Impact Range Area and the activities of the Range personnel assigned or organizations utilizing the range.
- Responsible for implementing the flight and range safety criteria used in the AFM’s, Edwards AFBM’s, and the Range Safety Office for weapons systems tested on the Edwards Range.
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 Security clearance (Secret)
- This is a designated Drug Testing Position
- Substantial technical knowledge of Range systems and related equipment used to support the Range mission schedule and knowledge of Range systems concepts, operations, and support.
- Ability to identify operational needs, shortfalls, opportunities, and problems areas and report them to supervision/mentors for determining the course of action.
- Knowledge of capabilities of radar, telemetry, communications, microwave systems, metric optics, photo optics, and other assets related to the Range Division.
- Knowledge of flight characteristics, ballistics, bomb tables, aviation weather, range safety and Range division procedures.
***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: Please send resumes to: 412TENG.CL.Manpower@us.af.mil and reference PID# 260154140 in the subject line.
ADHERENCE TO APPLICABLE HAF/AFMC/AFTC HIRING FREEZE IMPLEMENTATION GUIDANCE IS REQUIRED