About the Role:

The Air Force Test Center is looking for a Full-Time Computer Scientist (NH-1550-03) to work at the 412th Test Wing, 412th Electronic Warfare Group, 445th Test Squadron-Operating Location (445 TS/EWJI-OL) at Nellis Air Force Base.

The primary purpose is to apply technical work and professional engineering to modeling and simulation systems that support developmental and operational test and evaluation (DT&E and OT&E) test programs. These systems consist of computer networks, system integration laboratories (SIL), and/or hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) facilities integrating digital and analog processors, cockpit displays and controls, mechanical and electrical interfaces, and operational flight program software. The software includes algorithms for navigation, ordnance targeting/delivery, flight controls, energy & propulsion management, communications, sensor imaging, and target locations and identification.

APPLY NOW! THIS JOB CAN CLOSE AT ANY TIME!

Location: Nellis, Nevada (Nellis Air Force Base)

Typical 2026 salary range: $91,427 - $141,337/per year (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.

- This position MAY be eligible for a Student Loan Repayment (SLR) 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.

Desired Skills:

- 1 year of experience with programming languages, specifically C, C++, Golang, Lua, and/or ability to learn and use any similar language in a short amount of time (given the web as a learning resource) desired.

- 1 year of experience with parallel algorithms and race conditions, network programming with TCP/IP including examining routing tables, Big-O notation for the efficiency of algorithms, how the Linux kernel works and how to implement kernel drivers or modules, and any knowledge of combat aircraft platforms and capabilities, and experience with simulated environments desired.

- Ability to take on a project and push it to its conclusion when needing to interact with others.

Major Duties:

- Serve as 412 EWG project engineer for development of aircraft flight simulators.

- Conduct and report on simulator tests in the area of dynamic and static stability, performance, and flight control systems.

- Prepare technical documentation of simulator development and operation which describe, in detail, mechanization techniques, new or unique software algorithms, operations procedures, configuration control; presents test results; draw conclusions and makes recommendations.

- Perform technical and engineering work using classified information in various media and formats.

- Develop, prioritize and report on organization performance goals and objectives.

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.

- This position requires a top secret and possibly SCI security clearances as well as possible clearances with special access programs.

- This is a drug testing designated position.

- A professional computer science at the bachelor's level from an ABET accredited institution. (Check OPM Qualifications Standard and Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR))

- Obtain & maintain DAU Level II for Test and Evaluation.

- Ability to program (various languages and protocols), integrate/manipulate models and generate computer networks for virtual live and constructive simulation of combat aircraft avionics, armament, or electronic warfare systems.

- Knowledge of concepts, principles, and techniques across multiple interrelated and integrated technical and test engineering disciplines (combat aircraft avionics, armament, or electronic warfare systems or related systems/subsystems).

- Knowledge of flight and laboratory air vehicle/missile test conduct, coordination and supervision, data analysis/evaluation and applicable flight test truth sources, modeling and simulation systems and techniques, technical report preparation, and administrative aspects of flight test programs.

- Ability to plan and organize work, coordinate between various electronic/aerospace/mechanical engineering and test disciplines, and coordinate with other Air Force, DOD, and other domestic and foreign government agencies.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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 https://simplebooklet.com/260902aftcbenefitstrifold

Federal Resume Tips:

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

https://afciviliancareers.com/PDF/FederalResumeWriting.pdf

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

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/

Please visit the Air Force Test Center job board to view other career opportunities:

https://www.aftc.af.mil/About-Us/Jobs/