Fighter Systems Design Specialist

Air Force STEM$89K — $138K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • U.S. citizenship required
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Secret security clearance
  • Completion of recognized Military Flight School and/or rated aircrew experience necessary
  • Expert knowledge of aircraft operating characteristics
  • Extensive knowledge of logistics and procurement regulations

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development of mission planning software solutions for air operations
  • Evaluate and improve aircraft performance through rigorous testing
  • Design and implement innovative strategies for Mission Planning Enterprise
  • Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and schedule standards
  • Serve as the primary authority on aviation technology integration

Benefits

  • Potential recruitment, relocation, retention, and student loan incentives
  • Opportunity to serve the mission of national defense
  • Access to a structured career development path in federal service
  • Engagement in cutting-edge aviation technology
  • Contribute to improving operational readiness for U.S. Air Force missions
Full Job Description
The Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is looking for a Full-Time Fighter Systems Design Specialist (NH-2101-03) to work at Air Force Materiel Command, (AFMC) in the Air Force Sustainment Center location in Hill Air Force Base, Utah. This federal job offers a rewarding and exciting career with benefits.

This job may close at any time! Apply now!!!

Recruitment, Relocation, Retention and Student Loan Incentives may be authorized.

Roster may be used to fill like vacancies for the next 120 days

Salary Range ($89,508 - $138,370) Yearly with locality pay included.

Job Open Date 5/26/2026

Job Close Date 6/9/2026

Who may apply: All U.S. Citizens

Architect the Mission: Lead the Future of Airpower Strategy!

Are you a technical expert with a deep understanding of how aircraft systems and mission planning intersect? We are looking for a dedicated professional to join the Mission Planning Enterprise, where your expertise will directly shape the strategies and tools our warfighters use to achieve mission success.

In this role, you won't just be supporting software; you will be the bridge between complex aircraft systems and the tactical execution of air campaigns. You will ensure that the software and support we provide are innovative, reliable, and-most importantly-ready for the challenges of the modern battlespace.

Be the Strategic Authority. Serve as the primary expert on aircraft mission planning and system . operations, solving complex issues that directly affect flight success and operational readiness.

Deliver War-Winning Software. Provide high-quality, rigorously tested software solutions that the warfighter can depend on in any environment and under any circumstance.

Drive Enterprise Innovation. Develop and implement creative solutions for the broader Mission Planning Enterprise, pushing the boundaries of tactical planning technology and software capabilities.

Master the Mission Lifecycle. Uphold our unwavering commitment to safety, quality, schedule, and cost, ensuring every project and deployment meets the highest standards of excellence.

Why This Role Matters. Your work provides the "brain" for our aircraft. By delivering reliable support and experienced testing, you ensure that our aircrews have the decisive edge they need to execute their missions and return home safely.

If you are a proactive problem-solver with a passion for aviation technology and mission excellence, we invite you to apply. Come and help us plan the future of air superiority!

QUALIFICATIONS:

- U.S. Citizenship

- Obtain & maintain a Secret security clearance

- Requires occasional Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY) travel, which will be performed in accordance with Joint Travel Regulations.

- Critical to the success of this position is a requirement of completion of a recognized Military Flight School (Aeronautical Rating) and/or rated aircrew experience. Due to this type of credential, the employee is capable of effectively evaluating aircraft performance and handling fundamentals.

Recruitment Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

1. Expert knowledge of operating characteristics of the aircraft such as would be gained through completion of a recognized Military Flight School (Aeronautical Rating) and/or rated aircrew experience, as well as knowledge of flight performance and handling fundamentals to be used in evaluating performance changes to the aircraft.

2. Master knowledge of overall missions, functions, and organization of the agency or component. Ability to apply the knowledge to evaluate current organizational strategies and performance.

3. Extensive knowledge of organizational concepts, principles, and practices as related to the requirements for performance-based logistics, acquisition, supply maintenance, procurement procedures, manufacturing, strategic sourcing, and other support areas.

4. Ability to work with, lead, and manage various groups or individuals to resolve difficult problems/situations as related to organizational issues. Ability to understand and deploy lean concepts in problem resolution.

5. Skill in interpreting and applying complex Department of Defense (DOD), United States Air Force (USAF), Air Force Material Command (AFMC), and Air Force Sustainment Center (AFSC) regulations, methods, operating procedures, and policies, as well as developing methods and operating procedures as required.

RESUME: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on how to complete the two-page resume is located at https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/page-limit.

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.

Click the apply button to complete an application and upload a resume no more than 2 pages (PDF Form) and/or additional documents (Transcripts, certifications, Vet Docs (DD214), SF-50).

To receive additional information about current and future job openings with AFCS via email notification, please register at www.Afciviliancareers.com and sign up to "Get Career Updates."

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.

About Air Force STEM

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