OT&E Program Manager

Air Force Civilian Service; Edwards (CA); On-site; USD 104,349 - 161,313; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

11 Federal Holidays

13 sick leave days per year

Paid Vacation Time: 13–26 days

Job summary

Air Force Civilian Service seeks an OT&E Program Manager (NH-0301-03) to lead the operational testing of DoD major weapon systems at Edwards AFB, CA. The role requires directing test activities, coordinating with DoD and MAJCOM, and reporting results to senior leadership.

Travel and occasional off-hour duties are expected. The position offers a permanent role with potential relocation support; 1–2 years of experience is desired and a TS clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Experience leading OT&E programs for major weapon systems.
• Ability to design and direct operational test plans and coordinate with DoD and MAJCOM.
• Strong written and verbal communication for senior reviews and reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead OT&E program management for assigned weapon systems and subsystems across development to fielding.
• Develop, coordinate, and report on operational test plans; oversee testing events and reviews.
• Prepare final OT&E reports for AFOTEC, MAJCOM, and DOT&E oversight.

Skills

Program management

Test planning

Operational testing

Leadership

Research analysis

Education

Master’s degree

Job description

As civilians, we share the same responsibility and passion as those in uniform — driving innovation, building the systems that protect our nation, and meeting every challenge with purpose.

The Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is looking for an OT&E Program Manager (Test Director, NH-0301-03 (GS-12/13 equiv)) to work at AFOTEC Det 5 at Edwards AFB, CA.

Member will serve as a Test Director, leading the operational testing of Department of Defense (DoD) Acquisition Category (ACAT) I, II, or DoD oversight major weapons systems programs. She/he will lead, plan, coordinate, execute, and report on operational test activities during the design, development, production and fielding of new and/or modified major weapon systems.

Salary: $104,349 – $161,313.

Value of Position (VOP): 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.

Work requires travel away from the normal duty station by commercial and/or military aircraft.

No remote work (situational telework).

Permanent position.

Recruitment & Relocation may be authorized.

1‑2 years desired experience.

AFCS Benefits

• Paid Time Off
• 11 Federal Holidays each year
• 13 sick leave days earned per year (accumulative)
• Paid Vacation Time: 13‑26 days per year based on length of employment
• Life Insurance
• Health Insurance: No waiting period to qualify for you and your family
• Retirement:
  • Immediate coverage by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
  • Basic Benefits Plan
  • Social Security
  • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), similar to a 401(k) (Automatically receive 1% agency contributions and up to 5% matching)

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required
• Position requires drug testing
• Must obtain/maintain a TS Security Clearance.
• Employee must meet or be capable of meeting Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements, which includes achieving Test and Evaluation category "Foundational" level certification within the required timeframe after appointment.
• Occasional Temporary Duty assignment (TDY) travel required.
• May require irregular duty hours (evenings/weekends/holidays).
• Serves as the Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) Program Manager for assigned weapon systems and subsystems. Leads a diverse test team of military, civilian, and contractor personnel encompassing a wide variety of disciplines to include engineering, analysis, logistics, communications, maintenance, intelligence, modeling, simulation, and operations.
• Designs, develops, and directs the operational test plan for assigned major weapons systems programs. Coordinates plans, testing, and resource requirements with DoD, major commands (MAJCOM), Product and Test Centers, joint and other services, and foreign countries.
• Conducts testing and evaluation in the appropriate operationally representative environment.
• Responsible for the final report that will be presented to senior AFOTEC, MAJCOM, and Air Force Leadership, and the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) for over-sight programs.
• Executes, chairs, and/or supports test events, integrated test planning meetings, integrated test team sub-groups, core teams, critical design reviews, and any other meetings necessary to plan and execute integrated operational testing and evaluations.

Desired Skills/Expertise

• Knowledge of airpower plans and procedures for conducting major operations, and the ability to apply this knowledge to evaluate mission readiness of new or modified weapon systems applying prior military officer expertise, or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of airpower program goals, objectives, operational missions, and the government acquisition process, while planning, coordinating, and budgeting OT&E test activities.
• Knowledge sufficient to develop technical reports appropriate for senior AF, DoD, and joint service executive and technical level reviews.
• Knowledge of a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methods for the planning and assessment of operational tests for highly complex weapon systems and subsystems.
• Ability to research, analyze, and interpret high-level guidelines including general, DoD, Joint Service, and military service directives and instructions.
• Skill in effectively interacting, operating, and communicating (both verbally and in writing) with personnel from diverse backgrounds/qualifications/experience.
• Prior experience as a rated military aviator (e.g. pilot/navigator) or equivalent is desired.
• Prior experience in aircraft test, either developmental test or operational test, as an aircrew member is highly desired.
• A master’s degree in a related area is highly desirable.

Qualification Requirements

Refer to OPM Qualification Standards for information on required position series/education requirements at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

• Experience at the next lower broadband/grade level (or equivalent).

AFCS is Equal Opportunity Employer. U.S. citizenship required.