Computer Scientist (NH-1550-03) 445 TS/EWJI-OL

Air Force Test Center; Edwards Air Force Base (CA); On-site; USD 91,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Recruitment incentive

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Air Force Test Center seeks a Full-Time Computer Scientist (NH-1550-03) to develop aircraft flight simulators at Nellis AFB. The role involves modeling and simulation systems, SILs, and HITL facilities with software including navigation, targeting, flight controls, and sensor integration.

Responsibilities include developing/operating simulators, reporting test results, and documenting algorithms and procedures. Requires TS/SCI potential, ABET CS degree, and DAU Level II qualifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field; ABET accreditation preferred.
• Security clearance: Top Secret (SCI possible) and required program experience.
• Experience programming in multiple languages and integrating models for simulation environments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as 412 EWG project engineer for developing aircraft flight simulators.
• Conduct and report simulator tests on dynamic/static stability, performance, and flight control.
• Prepare technical docs describing mechanization techniques, algorithms, and test results.

Skills

C

C++

Golang

Lua

TCP/IP

Linux kernel

Kernel drivers

Parallel algorithms

Education

ABET-accredited CS degree

Tools

Linux

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 link to 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 Computer Scientist (NH-1550-03) to work at the 412th Test Wing, 412th Electronic Warfare Group, 445th Test Squadron-Operating Location (445 TS/EWJI-OL) at Nellis Air Force Base.

The primary purpose is to apply technical work and professional engineering to modeling and simulation systems that support developmental and operational test and evaluation (DT&E and OT&E) test programs. These systems consist of computer networks, system integration laboratories (SIL), and/or hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) facilities integrating digital and analog processors, cockpit displays and controls, mechanical and electrical interfaces, and operational flight program software. The software includes algorithms for navigation, ordnance targeting/delivery, flight controls, energy & propulsion management, communications, sensor imaging, and target locations and identification.

Announcement Closes: 10/12/2026

Typical 2026 salary range: $91,427 - $141,337 per year (includes locality)

Travel Requirements: Up to 25% travel possible

Areas of Consideration (AOC): Department – wide (DoD)

Incentives:

• This position MAY be eligible for a recruitment incentive. Specifics will be discussed with the Selecting Official.
• This position MAY be eligible for paid relocation (Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs MAY be paid). Specifics will be discussed with the Selecting Official

Desired Skills:

• 1 year of experience with programming languages, specifically C, C++, Golang, Lua, and/or ability to learn and use any similar language in a short amount of time (given the web as a learning resource) desired.
• 1 year of experience with parallel algorithms and race conditions, network programming with TCP/IP including examining routing tables, Big-O notation for the efficiency of algorithms, how the Linux kernel works and how to implement kernel drivers or modules, and any knowledge of combat aircraft platforms and capabilities, and experience with simulated environments desired.
• Ability to take on a project and push it to its conclusion when needing to interact with others.

Major Duties:

• Serve as 412 EWG project engineer for development of aircraft flight simulators.
• Conduct and report on simulator tests in the area of dynamic and static stability, performance, and flight control systems.
• Prepare technical documentation of simulator development and operation which describe, in detail, mechanization techniques, new or unique software algorithms, operations procedures, configuration control; presents test results; draw conclusions and makes recommendations.
• Perform technical and engineering work using classified information in various media and formats.
• Develop, prioritize and report on organization performance goals and objective.

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 position requires a top secret and possibly SCI security clearances as well as possible clearances with special access programs.
• This is a drug testing designated position.
• A professional computer science at the bachelor’s level from an ABET accredited institution. (Check OPM Qualifications Standard and Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR))
• Obtain & maintain DAU Level II for Test and Evaluation.
• Ability to program (various languages and protocols), integrate/manipulate models and generate computer networks for virtual live and constructive simulation of combat aircraft avionics, armament, or electronic warfare systems.
• Knowledge of concepts, principles, and techniques across multiple interrelated and integrated technical and test engineering disciplines (combat aircraft avionics, armament, or electronic warfare systems or related systems/subsystems).
• Knowledge of flight and laboratory air vehicle/missile test conduct, coordination and supervision, data analysis/evaluation and applicable flight test truth sources, modeling and simulation systems and techniques, technical report preparation, and administrative aspects of flight test programs.
• Ability to plan and organize work, coordinate between various electronic/aerospace/mechanical engineering and test disciplines, and coordinate with other Air Force, DOD, and other domestic and foreign government 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