About the Role:
The Air Force Test Center is looking for a Full-Time Test Engineer (NH-0801-03) to work at the 780th Test Squadron, Guns and Missiles Flight (780TS/TSM) at Eglin Air Force Base.
96TH TEST WING MISSION: We test and evaluate state-of-the-art weapon systems and cyberspace capabilities, provide quality installation and mission support, and serve as responsible stewards of our resources to deliver war-winning capabilities.
PURPOSE: To serve as a Test Engineer in the Guns and Missiles Test Flight in the 780th Test Squadron (TS), 96th Operations Group (OG), 96th Test Wing (TW). The test engineer is responsible for developmental weapons testing for various services, internal and external to the DoW.
Announcement Length/Closes: 1 Month
Location: Eglin Air Force Base, Florida
Typical 2026 salary range: $89,508 - 138,370 Per Year (includes Locality)
Travel Requirements: Travel by commercial and/or military aircraft may be required for the purpose of performing temporary duty
Areas of Consideration (AOC): Command – wide (AFMC)
Desired Skills:
- Strong background in an engineering discipline (mechanical, electrical, aerospace, etc.)
- Strong background in test and evaluation methodologies, munitions and weapon systems.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Major Duties:
Performs professional engineering work in support of the acquisition, development, or sustainment of weapon systems, components, and/or support equipment. Plans and carries out assignments for test and evaluation projects which entail a variety and combinations of complicating factors, interaction with other engineering disciplines and program management cost and schedule constraints. Applies a number of diverse engineering practices, techniques, and processes to identify and resolve difficult issues, as well as ensure resolutions are consistent with program objectives, existing policies, and procedures. Employee plans, analyzes, and evaluates engineering and technical efforts used to define total weapons system/subsystem requirements, translate requirements into design criteria, evaluate alternative design approaches, and develop the system specifications. Performs engineering and scientific work involving the design, development, operation of weapon systems under test, including aircraft communications-navigation systems, sensors, electronic countermeasures, armament systems and software, primarily in the form of Operational Flight Programs. Formulates and explains recommendations or solutions to modify standard practices, processes and techniques.
Plans, coordinates, and evaluates development, component, system, subsystem, or equipment item to meet cost, schedule, performance, and supportability criteria. Utilizes diverse engineering practices and techniques to anticipate project needs, modify priorities, and administer a structured test process from requirements definition, to planning and execution. Applies professional engineering knowledge to detailed test methodology for complex systems to ensure that sufficient data are obtained to thoroughly fulfill test and evaluation objectives. The engineer directs test teams comprised of varying disciplines such as instrumentation, data acquisition and analysis. The engineer is responsible for orchestrating test missions so that all manpower and material function as an integrated unit to ensure the requirements and goals of the test and evaluation program are met. The engineer directs the data reduction process and is responsible for analyzing and evaluating reduced data to ensure that they are technically accurate and are presented correctly and formulates conclusions and recommendations based upon the results of the data. Prepares post mission reports and/or technical reports detailing all phases of testing; recommends modification or redesign of equipment as appropriate.
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
- Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
- The work may require the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver's license may be required for the position.
- The work requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance.
- This position has been designated as an acquisition position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). Work requires incumbent to acquire and maintain at least a "Foundational" level in Test & Evaluation (T&E).
- This position is subject to random drug testing.
KSAs:
- 1. Knowledge of professional engineering concepts, principles, practices, standards, methods, techniques, 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 aircraft systems, components and subsystems.
- 3. Knowledge of the principles of planning and program management; standard acquisition regulations, practices, and procedures; and other engineering disciplines.
***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: Bradley Houck/ bradley.houck@us.af.mil
ADHERENCE TO APPLICABLE HAF/AFMC/AFTC HIRING FREEZE IMPLEMENTATION GUIDANCE IS REQUIRED