General Engineer (NH-0801-04) 40th Flight Test Squadron

Air Force Test Center; Eglin Air Force Base (FL); On-site; USD 126,000 - 192,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Recruitment/relocation incentive

Job summary

The Air Force Test Center at Eglin AFB, FL seeks a Full-Time General Engineer (NH-0801-04) to lead complex engineering efforts across weapon systems and support equipment. You will guide the planning, design, and execution of engineering solutions, oversee technical analyses, and provide expert advice to leadership on risks, options, and emerging technologies in a dynamic test environment.

Position offers a competitive 2026 salary range ($125,776 - $192,331) and situational telework where

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship.
• ABET-accredited engineering degree in Electronics Engineering or closely related field.
• Travel up to 25% may be required.
• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance (SCI access).

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering work for acquisition, development, testing, sustainment, and improvement of weapon systems, balancing performance, cost, schedule, and policy.
• Act as organization's engineering specialist by defining objectives, evaluating concepts, and developing methods, models, and prototypes for operational use.
• Perform detailed technical analysis, document processes and results, and support reviews and corrective actions on complex projects.
• Provide expert technical advice to leadership on engineering issues, project status, and emerging technologies.

Skills

T&E Leadership

AI/ML Authority

LVC & Digital Test

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree in Electronics Engineering or closely related field

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 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 General Engineer (NH-0801-04) to work at the 96th Test Wing, 96th Operations Group, 40th Flight Test Squadron, at Eglin Air Force Base.

Serves as the organization’s senior technical engineering authority for complex test and evaluation efforts, leading the planning, design, analysis, development, and execution of engineering solutions that support weapon systems, subsystems, and support equipment. Integrates technical requirements, develops standards and test approaches, advises leadership on risks and alternatives, and ensures projects deliver effective, reliable, and supportable capabilities aligned to program objectives, performance criteria, cost, and schedule.

Location: Eglin Air Force Base, FL

Typical 2026 salary range: $125,776 - $192,331 per year/per hour (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.

• 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.

Desired Skills

• Strategic Autonomy T&E Leadership: Demonstrated mastery in designing and leading comprehensive Test and Evaluation (T&E) and Verification & Validation (V&V) frameworks for fully autonomous aircraft, uncrewed systems, and safety-critical AI/ML software.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) Technical Authority: Deep understanding of advanced machine learning concepts (e.g., reinforcement learning, neural network verification, sensor fusion, multi-agent autonomy) and the ability to evaluate algorithmic reliability, bounding criteria, and failure modes.
• LVC & Digital Test Infrastructure: Experience directing and integrating Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC), Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL), and digital architectures to validate autonomy software against complex operational scenarios..

Major Duties

1. Leads and performs complex engineering work supporting the acquisition, development, testing, sustainment, and improvement of weapon systems, subsystems, and support equipment, while balancing performance, cost, schedule, and policy requirements.
2. Serves as the organization’s engineering specialist for critical systems and devices by developing technical objectives, evaluating design concepts, and creating engineering methods, models, prototypes, and test approaches for operational use.
3. Conducts detailed technical analysis, develops and documents engineering processes and project results, prepares reports and briefings, and supports reviews, planning, implementation, and corrective actions across complex projects.
4. Provides expert consultation and technical advice to leadership, senior specialists, and agency officials on engineering issues, project status, program alternatives, and the impact of emerging technologies on organizational processes and decisions.

Qualifications/Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship
• A professional engineering degree at the bachelor’s level from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited institution in Electronics Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline is highly desired.
• Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
• The work may require the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver’s license may be required for the position.
• The work requires the employee to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD STATEMENT

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.
(NOTE: Typically, the 1-year probationary period is for Competitive Jobs, and 2-year trail period is for Excepted Jobs.)

Drug Testing

This is a designated Drug Testing Position

Security Clearance

Must be able to obtain and maintain and "Top Secret" security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI))

Education Requirements

The incumbent must possess an engineering degree from an institution with ABET accredited engineering program.

Certifications/Licensure

This position has been designated as an acquisition position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP).

DAWIA Certification: (if applicable)

The employee must meet or be capable of meeting Defense Acquisition Work Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.

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: