About the Role:
The Air Force Test Center is looking for a Full-Time SUAS Engineer (NH-0801-03) to work at the 96 Test Wing, 96 Range Group, 96 RANSS/RNRD at Eglin Air Force Base.
In this position you will serve as a small unmanned aerial system (SAUS) engineer with the responsibility to provide SUAS engineering, procurement, and test support.
Announcement Closes: 20 July 2026.
Location: Valparaiso, FL, Eglin Air Force Base
Typical 2026 salary range: $89,508 - $138,370 per year (includes Locality)
Travel Requirements: Up to 15% travel possible
Areas of Consideration (AOC): Department – wide (DoD)
Incentives:
This position MAY be eligible for a recruitment/relocation incentive. Specifics will be discussed with the Selecting Official.
Desired Skills:
- 5 years as a government SUAS operator or 200 flight hours in government operations.
Major Duties:
-Designs, develops, and evaluates SUAS components, subsystems, and payloads to enhance mission effectiveness and provide new test capabilities.
-Collaborates with cross-functional teams to develop cutting-edge SUAS technologies and integrate them into range operations.
-Oversees maintenance procedures, sustainment strategies, and reliability assessments for SUAS platforms.
-Ensures SUAS platform compliance with applicable regulations, safety guidelines, and airworthiness standards.
-Works closely with technicians and contractors to troubleshoot issues, identify fixes, acquire necessary parts, and validate repairs of SUAS.
-Operates group 1-3 SUAS in accordance with DoD and USAF regulations in support of test events.
-Serves as the Government Flight Representative for overseeing and accepting contracted SUAS flight operations as per DMCA instruction 8210-1D.
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 and maintain security clearance
- This is a designated drug testing position
- Knowledge of aerodynamics, avionics, propulsion systems, and flight control technologies relevant to SUAS.
- Knowledge of regulatory frameworks, including FAA, DoD, and safety requirements for SUAS operations.
- Experience deploying SUAS for commercial or DoD purposes.
***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/what-to-include
Please send resumes to: Matthew Morgan at matthew.morgan.5@us.af.mil
ADHERENCE TO APPLICABLE HAF/AFMC/AFTC HIRING FREEZE IMPLEMENTATION GUIDANCE IS REQUIRED