Computer Scientist

Air Force Civilian Service; Kirtland (NM); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Force Civilian Service seeks a Software Test/Technical Advisor for the 1st Test and Evaluation Squadron to lead testing strategy for software-intensive systems. You will review technical documents, support safety planning, and ensure adherence to policy and guidance as part of a mission-critical testing team.

Applicants should hold a US citizenship, ABET-accredited CS degree, and be able to obtain Top Secret w/SCI clearance.

Qualifications

• Requires a computer science (or related) degree from an ABET-accredited institution in the specific discipline.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret w/SCI clearance.
• Experience with developmental and/or operational testing of space systems is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Serve as software test/technical advisor to the Test Director and Test Project Leads.
• Review and create technical documents in support of test programs.
• Support the Project Safety Lead by reviewing Test Safety Plans.
• Ensure test teams follow the Technical Director’s guidance and established procedures.
• Develop and validate test methodologies and design of experiments for software-intensive systems.

Skills

Software testing

Test design

Technical writing

Security clearance

Education

ABET-accredited computer science degree

Job description

PCS Funding/Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: No Telework: YA002: Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed “Unscheduled Telework” Closes: 20 October 2026 Locality pay not calculated in this posting. The 1st Test and Evaluation Squadron leads the integrated testing of USSF Command and Control and Space Domain Awareness programs of record in support of weapon system acquisition, operational acceptance, and readiness. Mission: 1 TES prepares USSF forces to prevail in a contested, degraded, and operationally-limited environment through the independent test and evaluation of operational-level command and control technologies and the delivery of timely, accurate, and expert information in support of weapon system acquisition, operational acceptance, and readiness decisions. Purpose of position: Works as part of a test team led by a Test Director. Responsible for ensuring test documents (plans, reports, etc.) are technically sound, support the overall Test Campaign Strategy, and adhere to Delta 12 policies and guidance. Works closely with the test team’s analyst to ensure test designs and methodologies are appropriate/valid for tests on software intensive systems under test (SUTs).

Duties

• Software test/technical advisor to Test Director and Test Project Leads
• Reviews/creates technical documents in support of test programs
• Supports the Project Safety Lead by reviewing Test Safety Plans
• Ensures test teams follow the squadron Technical Director’s guidance
• Develops/validates test methodologies and design of experiments Knowledge and skills for the position:
• Strong understanding of how software intensive systems are tested prior to deployment/fielding.
• Knowledge of theories, concepts, principles, practices, standards, methods, techniques associated with professional software engineering as they apply to testing software intensive systems and subsystems.
• Ability to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
• Test & Evaluation Foundational or Practitioner level DAWIA certification (Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act).
• Experience in developmental and/or operational testing of USSF space systems highly desired.
• Knowledge of the principles of planning, program management, and standard acquisition regulations, practices, and procedures.
• Experience in technical writing Requirements for the position:
• U.S. citizenship
• A computer science (or related) degree at the bachelor’s level from an ABET accredited institution in the specific discipline of the position or a closely related field.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret w/SCI clearance.
• Employee needs to obtain and maintain approval to access the portfolio of Special Access Programs required to perform daily duties.
• Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
• This position is designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions present a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. It is required that you (a) refrain from the use of illegal drugs and (b) if requested, submit to urinalysis testing.
• May be required to travel by military or commercial aircraft in the performance of TDY assignments.
• May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis.

Company Culture

The United States Space Force (USSF), Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) is a military service that organizes, trains, and equips military members and civilians to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and provide space capabilities to the joint force. USSF responsibilities include developing Guardians, acquiring military space systems, maturing the military doctrine for space power, and organizing space forces to present to our Combatant Commands (CCMDs). The strategic importance of space can’t be overstated. Political and humanitarian interests as well as commercial concerns vital to the world economy all rely on space-based systems. Launched in 2019 as the nation’s sixth and newest military branch, the USSF was created to protect the interests and assets of America and its allies in this heavily contested realm. The Department of War relies on satellites and advanced space-based technology for secure communications, navigation, real-time reconnaissance, precision targeting on the battlefield, early warning of potential missile launches, and even weather forecasting. Guardians and civilians of the USSF are challenged every day to reach new heights in protecting and amplifying these space-based capabilities and defending our way of life by maintaining our edge in space. The Space Force wants to attract talent with the character and potential to excel, empower them with information and choices, and develop them in line with their desires and the Space Force’s needs to create a high-performing organization necessary to secure and defend space. Please review the new Guardian Ideal to learn more about the new talent culture within the new U.S. Space Force, as we have a chance to make history and rewrite some of the rules—we hope you are excited about the opportunities this will present!