Engineering Technician (NJ-0802-04)

Air Force Test Center; Eglin Air Force Base (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Recruitment incentive

Relocation incentive

Job summary

The Air Force Test Center at Eglin AFB, FL seeks a Full-Time Engineering Technician (NJ-0802-04) to oversee the lifecycle of guns and ammunition testing programs. You will develop test concepts, conduct evaluations, and manage resources and events to deliver mission-capable weapon systems.

You will serve as a subject matter expert guiding leadership and collaborating with DoD, AF, and 96 TW to keep test windows on track, in line with strategic hiring guidance.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of a broad range of analysis disciplines and test and evaluation concepts.
• Expert knowledge of test concepts, plans, capability, modeling & simulation, and policy guidance for guns and ammunition testing.
• Ability to analyze and interpret high-level guidance and regulations and apply them to operations.
• Knowledge of data instrumentation, software/hardware and analytical methods related to gun/ammunition testing.
• Experience coordinating with civilian contractors, military range control, and leadership to keep test windows on track.

Responsibilities

• Provides subject matter, test expertise and guidance for test concepts, plans, funding resources and policy guidance for guns and ammunition testing programs.
• Conducts tests/evaluations to ensure systems are tested for effectiveness and mission capability.
• Attends, chairs test events, planning meetings, safety review boards, and program reviews to plan and execute tests.
• Directs resolution of test resource problems encountered when developing executable test plans for 780 TS programs.
• Adheres to applicable strategic hiring guidance and regulations.

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 Service image link on 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 Engineering Technician (NJ-0802-04) to work at the 96th Test Wing, 96th Operations Group, 780th Test Squadron, (780TS/TSM) at Eglin AFB, FL.

The primary purpose of this position is to provide expert oversight and direction for the complete lifecycle of guns and ammunition testing programs. This includes developing test concepts, conducting evaluations to ensure operational effectiveness and suitability, and managing all resources and events related to test and evaluation. The role serves as the key subject matter expert, guiding leadership and resolving complex issues to ensure the successful delivery of mission-capable weapon systems.

Announcement Closes: 09/16/2026.

Typical 2026 salary range: $89,508 - $138,370 per year (includes locality)

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

Incentives:

This position MAY be eligible for a recruitment/relocation incentive. Specifics will be discussed with the Selecting Official.

Desired Skills:

1. The ability to rapidly pivot test plans and adapt resource allocation when hardware delivery schedules or weather conditions change unexpectedly.

2. Proven experience bridging the communication gap between civilian contractors, military range control, and senior leadership to keep test windows on track.

3. Familiarity with utilizing advanced data visualization tools to quickly synthesize raw telemetry and sensor data into actionable post-test briefings.

Major Duties:

- Provides subject matter, test expertise and guidance to OSD, Joint Services, DoD, AF, AFMC, AFTC, and 96 TW leadership for issues concerning test concepts, test plans, test capability, modeling and simulation, funding resources, policy and guidance, and various other test related issues for guns and ammunition test programs.

- Conducts test and evaluations to ensure systems under test are evaluated operationally in terms of effectiveness, suitability, and mission capability.

- Attends, executes, chairs test events, test planning meetings, safety review boards, program management reviews, and any other meetings necessary to plan and execute guns and ammunition tests.

- Directs the solution of a wide variety of test resource problems encountered when developing and conducting executable test plans in support of 780 TS test programs.

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
• Knowledge of a broad range of analysis disciplines, concepts, principles, and practices involving such aspects as fire control electronics, hydraulics, or mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of a broad range of test and evaluation disciplines, concepts, principles, and practices. Expert knowledge of test and evaluation organization and structure, concepts, principles, practices, and applicable codes, regulations, policy, and issues.
• Knowledge of organizational concepts, principles and program management. Ability to research, analyze, and interpret high level guidance and regulations of general nature and determine their applicability and impact to the organization and its operations.
• Knowledge of data instrumentation, computer software and hardware and analytical methods as they relate to the testing of guns, ammunition, related systems, and subsystems. Knowledge of procedures and options to obtain training for the test team members to learn new systems that are involved in tests.
• Knowledge of the acquisition system, including the operational requirements development process, the role of test and evaluation, and the impact of development initiatives.

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