Full Job Description
About the Role:
The Air Force Test Center is looking for a Full-Time Supervisory General Engineer (NH-801-04) to work as the Chief Test Engineer at the 413th Flight Test Squadron (413 FLTS) at Duke Field, Florida (Eglin AFB, Aux Field 3).
96TH TEST WING MISSION: We test and evaluate state-of-the-art weapon systems, provide quality installation and mission support, and serve as responsible stewards of our resources to deliver war-winning capabilities.
413TH FLIGHT TEST SQUADRON MISSION: Deliver runway independent warfighter capabilities by conducting and supporting impartial flight test of vertical lift, uncrewed aerial systems, and personnel recovery systems
APPLY NOW! THIS JOB CAN CLOSE AT ANY TIME!
Location: Duke Field, FL (Eglin AFB, Aux Field 3)
Typical 2026 salary range: $106,437 to $163,514 (includes locality)
NOTE: For Acquisition "NH Pay Band" positions 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.
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:
-Rotary wing aviation experience desired
-Graduate of a recognized long-course Test Pilot School desired
-Experience with uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) desired
Major Duties:
-Manages and supervises a test engineering work force engaged in sustainment testing of the H-1, HH-60W, MH-139 and CV-22 aircraft
-Oversees the training and qualification testing of 24 test engineers/test conductors to ensure all personnel meet DoD, USAF, and AFTC instructions for qualifications and currency
-Leads an engineering workforce engaged in testing and operations of UAS used to support other larger test programs
-Plans work to be accomplished by subordinates, sets and adjusts priorities
-Develops goals and objectives that align with the organizations mission
-Establishes, revises and reviews policies, procedures to ensure regulatory compliance and meet customer mission needs
-Represents the unit to installation and functional area organizations and meets with key customers to resolve significant problems that arise during testing
Qualifications/Requirements:
U.S. Citizenship Required
PROBATIONARY PERIOD STATEMENT:
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.
(NOTE: Typically, the 1-year probationary period is for Competitive Jobs, and 2-year trail period is for Excepted Jobs.)
Drug Testing:
This is a designated Drug Testing Position
Security Clearance:
Must be able to obtain and maintain and "Top Secret" security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)
Education Requirements:
Must possess a Bachelor's degree from an ABET Accredited College or University or meet OPM alternative requirements for professional engineering posiions
DAWIA Certification:
Must be able to obtain and maintain the required level of Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certification within 24 months of assigned duties.
Physical:
Must be able to pass a Class III flight physical examination
Top 5-6 job related KSAs:
-Skill in managing and supervising a large engineering workforce including the ability to adjust operations to meet program requirements and objectives.
- Knowledge of a wide range of advanced multidisciplinary engineering concepts to apply to problems and to plan and execute specialized programs of marked difficulty.
- Knowledge of the mission and operation of the DoD, Air Force, and organizations that govern systems acquisition and/or sustainment and knowledge of planning, programming, and budgeting cycles, financial systems, and restrictions on expenditure of funds.
- Skill in evaluating technology and advancements, knowledge of policy affecting systems being developed, and skill in organizing the functions and staff
- Knowledge of safety, security, personnel management, and EEO regulations, practices, and procedures.
- Skill in establishing and maintaining effective relationships, building consensus and coalitions, negotiating, and resolving conflicts
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/
