Aerospace Engineer (NH-0861-03) 773 TS/ENFS

Air Force Test Center; Edwards Air Force Base (CA); On-site; USD 104,000 - 161,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Recruitment incentive

Relocation incentive

Job summary

The Air Force Test Center seeks an Aerospace Engineer (NH-0861-03) to work at Edwards Air Force Base. You will manage test and evaluation efforts, plan tests, and analyze results to inform aircraft performance and safety decisions.

Requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering (ABET-accredited) and ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance. Travel up to 25% may be required; position may include recruitment/relocation incentives.

Qualifications

• One or more years of professional engineering experience in aerospace/defense/test environment.
• Applied experience using MATLAB and/or Python for engineering calculations or data analysis.
• Familiarity with airframe structures sub-disciplines (aeroelasticity/flutter, loads, noise/vibration).

Responsibilities

• Perform multidisciplinary professional engineering work to manage test and evaluation efforts.
• Plan and direct tests to evaluate system design and performance.
• Assess data against models and present results via plots and tables.
• Provide technical guidance to engineers and specialists.
• Support reviews and prepare evaluations for feasibility and soundness.

Skills

Aerospace engineering experience

MATLAB

Python

Airframe structures knowledge

Education

ABET-accredited engineering bachelor's degree

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

These listed job announcements are covered by Direct Hire Authorities (DHA), which are separate from the traditional recruitment job announcements found on USA Jobs.For more information on DHA, click the Air Force Civilian Serviceimage linkon the right side of the page (or scroll to the bottom of your mobile device) and click “Find a Job.” You can also click the USA Jobs image linkto view additional job announcements. For further assistance, please contact AFTC Enterprise Recruitment at [e-mail] .

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.

The Air Force Test Center is looking for a Full-Time Aerospace Engineer (NH-0861-03) to work at the 412th Test Wing, 412th Test Engineering Group, 773rd Test Squadron, Structures Flight (773 TS/ENFS) at Edwards Air Force Base.

The 773rd Test Squadron is the Air Force’s center of expertise for flight sciences test and evaluation, conducting leading edge developmental flight test to deliver high-quality data and analysis on new and modified aircraft.

Announcement Closes: 10/19/2026

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

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.

Must have requirements or may not be considered:

Information Assurance (IA) Certification may be a condition of employment. Per DoD 8570.01-M, the incumbent of position must attain the appropriate IA certification within six months of assignment of these duties.

Desired Skills:

One or more years of professional engineering experience within an aerospace, defense, or test environment.

Applied experience utilizing MATLAB and/or Python to support engineering calculations, data processing, or analysis.

Familiarity or practical knowledge of airframe structures sub-disciplines, such as aeroelasticity/flutter, external loads, or noise and vibration.

Major Duties:

Performs a broad range of multi-disciplinary professional engineering work to manage test and evaluation (T&E) efforts for assigned programs.

Plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates significant and complex projects in test engineering which represent critical segments of major programs.

Develops plans for conducting tests (or a series of tests) to evaluate system design and capability to meet established performance requirements.

Assesses, evaluates, and compares test data and results with modeling and simulation results, system performance and mission requirements, test plan objectives, and presents the outcome in the form of plots, tables, and other graphic representations.

Provides technical guidance, direction, and advice to other engineers and specialists.

In support of engineering reviews and/or panels, develops evaluations and technical justifications of feasibility, practicability, and technical soundness.

Participates in planning conferences, prepares management reports, and conducts technical presentations for planning, implementation, and corrective actions.

Qualifications/Requirements:

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 is a designated Drug Testing Position.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a “Top Secret” security clearance.

Position requires a professional engineering degree at the bachelor's level from an ABET accredited institution. Advanced degrees are preferred.

Must be able to obtain and maintain the required level of Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certification within 3 years of assigned duties.

Knowledge of a wide range of professional engineering concepts, principles, practices, standards, methods, techniques, materials, and equipment to effectively apply advanced multidisciplinary engineering theories and concepts to test and evaluation activities and advisory services.

Knowledge of advanced system/item development testing and evaluation sufficient to apply experimental theories and/or new applications to issues and provide technical advice and direction in support of test activities.

Knowledge of security guidelines, safety issues, and relevant government and industry standards, regulations, practices, and procedures.

Skill in negotiating and/or defending test results and test program concepts with technical accuracy.

Ability to execute projects and/or studies within established financial and/or time constraints; to gather, assemble, analyze facts, form conclusions, devise and recommend solutions to problems; and work in a professional manner with peers, management, contractors, academia, and other 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.

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:

ADHERENCE TO APPLICABLE HAF/AFMC/AFTC STRATEGIC HIRING GUIDANCE IS REQUIRED