Full Job Description
OPENS: 28 September 2026
CLOSES: 12 October 2026
**IMPORTANT**
• AFNWC is requiring the 2-page resume format for our job announcements. Please access this link to learn more about what to include in your resume: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include
• If you submit a resume that is more than 2 pages, you may receive an error message. Please submit no more than a 2-page resume to be considered.
• Provide all academic degrees, professional military education and any other professional certifications on your 2-page resume.
• Recruitment and/or relocation bonuses might be offered upon review of qualifications, and other significant factors.
• Candidates may be asked to provide three professional references upon request.
Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) Integration Directorate (AFNWC/NC) is seeking one full-time supervisory General Engineer [redacted]M to be the AFPAE NC3 VLF Branch Lead Engineer, located at Hanscom AFB, near Bedford MA. Join the AFNWC team to help modernize Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) capabilities in support of strategic deterrence - a top Secretary of War priority.
The NH-0801-04 position has a typical 2026 salary range of $142,452 - $187,109 (including locality) at Hanscom AFB. Value of Position (VoP) score of 92.
**If your current basic salary is within the band, but above the stated Value of Position, your basic salary will not be reduced if you are selected for the position.
This engineering position serves as the VLF Branch Lead Engineer in support of the Materiel Leader. This position is a highly visible role responsible for the comprehensive technical management, execution, and analysis of the program technical baseline. The ideal candidate will ensure that technical requirements meet operational capabilities and the PAE's overarching mission.
DUTIES:
• Oversee and direct branch-wide engineering and technical activities.
• Execute and advance acquisition programs utilizing digital engineering methodologies.
• Shape multi-year acquisition strategies, contract requirements packages, Performance Work Statements (PWS), and technical evaluation criteria at the program level.
• Direct program execution and technical milestones to strictly align with Air Force Program Analysis and Evaluation (AFPAE) strategic objective.
• Continuously enhance contracts, technical baselines, and internal operating processes.
SKILLS:
• Mastery of systems engineering principles, technical baseline governance, lifecycle management, and multidisciplinary engineering team leadership in a defense program office environment.
• Practical skill in applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), digital modeling tools/platforms, and agile acquisition frameworks to defense system design, development, and testing.
• Advanced skill in developing comprehensive acquisition strategies, translating complex operational requirements into contractual performance statements, and evaluating technical proposals.
• Proven ability to align complex technical programs with overarching strategic objectives (such as NC3, nuclear deterrence, or service-level modernization goals) and communicate technical impacts to senior leadership.
• Demonstrated skill in evaluating, re-engineering, and optimizing organizational workflows, contract execution frameworks, and quality management processes to improve program performance and efficiency.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION:
• U.S. Citizenship
• To qualify as an engineer, employee must meet the education and specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards, Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf
• Must be TS/SCI eligible; this position requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance. Active TS/SCI or TS clearance preferred. Please include current clearance level in your resume.
• Employee must meet Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements, which includes achieving Engineering and Technical Management "Practitioner" certification category within required timeframe after appointment.
• This position is not eligible for remote work or regular and/or recurring telework.
• 7-10+ yrs Engineering, technical management, program support.
• In accordance with the Ethics in Government Act, 1978, employee may be required to file an Office of Government Ethics (OGE) Form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, upon appointment and will be required to file annually.
• This is a designated Drug Testing Position.
• Occasional travel may be required.