General Engineer

About the Air Force Test Center:

The Air Force Test Center (AFTC) is where tomorrow's Air Force is tested! Long considered the "Center of the Aerospace Testing Universe", AFTC is truly where Air Force superiority begins. Home to many Aerospace establishments and records, AFTC remains the state-of-the-art leader in Aerospace testing, and provides the warfighter with cutting-edge technology. AFTC does not only celebrate its past, but we continue to lead from the front. Join our team today and make Aerospace history!

Don't just watch the future unfold-build it. The Air Force Civilian Service is at the forefront of innovation, from developing next-generation aircraft to creating revolutionary cyber defense systems. We are seeking the brightest minds to join our team.

About the Role:

The Air Force Test Center is looking for a Full-Time General Engineer (NH-0801-03) to work at the 412 Test Wing, 412th Operations Group, 419 Flight Test Squadron,(419 FLTS/CC) at Edwards Air Force Base.

In this position you will provide technical and professional engineering expertise for the planning, provisioning, conduct, evaluation, and reporting of open air, installed vehicle, system integration laboratory, and hardware-in-the-loop tests of air vehicles. The incumbent provides overall test planning expertise for assigned projects. The incumbent provides technical expertise in test integration and test mission planning.

APPLY NOW! THIS JOB CAN CLOSE AT ANY TIME!

Location: Edwards, CA (Edwards Air Force Base)

Typical 2026 salary range: $104,349-$161,313

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.

Must have requirements or may not be considered:

- ABET Accredited BS in Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or other Engineering Degree.

Desired Skills:

- Proven ability to create and sustain cohesive teams that perform under pressure.

- Membership in professional/leadership societies, experience on technical teams (e.g. homebuilt aviation), and demonstrated interest in emerging/advanced technologies are a plus.

- Strong leadership qualities

- Demonstrated organizational skills, ability to process, categorize, and effectively communicate information

Major Duties:

- Serves as Combined Test Force (CTF) Participant in the development of the overall plans such as the Test and Evaluation Master Plan, Test Plan, Test Cards, and other management and technical documents, and participates as flight test aircrew member to ensure proper execution of assigned program test objectives.

- Formulates, directs, interprets, and applies test planning and test philosophy for the organization to ensure technical validity, efficiency, safety, and credibility in test and evaluation of multiple weapon system architectures.

- Implements an integrated approach to test activities to include identifying factors affecting test safety, participating in test planning efforts, presenting engineering reports, and provides management with potential trade-offs between the safety and technical requirements of testing activities.

- Develops and/or presents engineering and program review reports and conducts briefings to local and higher-level command officials and domestic dignitaries, as required. Exercises original and sound engineering judgment in formulating, evaluating, and monitoring test projects.

Qualifications/Requirements:

U.S. Citizenship

This position requires Secret or Top Secret/SCI security clearances as well as possible clearances with special access programs

This is a designated Drug Testing Position

Physical Exam Required when duties require flying: Member must obtain and maintain a valid FAA Second Class

Medical Certificate and abide by the rules and regulations documented in the FAR/AIM associated with the medical certificate or obtain and maintain a certified AF Flying Class III IAW DAFMAN 48-123, Section 1.2.6. and the Medical Standards Directory (MSD). Comply with AFI 48-123 and MSD for continued flying class III qualifications and requirements to see flight surgeon for DNIF/RTFS determination.

This position may require some flying on/in government and military aircraft

This position also requires the employee to engage in acquisition continuous learning activities achieving 80 Continuous Learning points every 24 months.

Knowledge of advanced concepts, principles, and techniques across multiple inter-related and integrated technical and test engineering disciplines.

Knowledge of combat aircraft avionics, armament, radar, sensor, survivability, or electronic warfare systems or related systems and subsystems.

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

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

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:

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

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

AFTC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.