Systems Engineer

Air Force Civilian Service; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 76,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Force Civilian Service seeks a General Engineer to serve as a Systems Engineer in the NATO Strike Support Division, handling USAF nuclear weapon lifecycle activities for air-delivered components. The role requires TS clearance, travel up to 25%, and experience with DoD cybersecurity and acquisition policies.

The position at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM, entails leading modernization efforts for secure access control and coordinating with DoD and NATO partners to refine requirements and

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering is required.
• Master’s degree in engineering is preferred.
• DoD acquisition knowledge and policies are preferred; DAWIA requirements and security clearance are required.

Responsibilities

• Lead modernization of security, storage, and access-control capabilities for nuclear weapon systems.
• Collaborate with DoD contractors, NNSA, SNL, USAFE, EUCOM, and NATO allies to refine requirements and documentation.
• Provide technical oversight on development, design, production, fielding, and sustainment engineering.
• Advise senior leadership on capabilities development and program status.

Skills

Multidisciplinary engineering

Systems engineering

DoD cybersecurity knowledge

Program management

Technical communication

Education

ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering

Master’s degree in engineering (preferred)

Job description

Come be a part of something big! Smart Minds, Cool Jobs and Awesome Rewards! Fueled by innovation, talent and ambition, the Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is seeking civilian professionals prepared to deploy war-winning capabilities on behalf of the United States Air Force. **IMPORTANT**

• Method of selection: Resumes will be reviewed for experience/skills, and you will be contacted if selected for an interview. The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) is seeking a full-time General Engineer to work in NATO Strike Support Division (NDW) of the Air Delivered Capabilities Directorate, Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, NM. Value of Position (VoP): NH-0801-03 (81) which has a typical 2026 salary range of $76,463– $112,690 (basic salary without locality included). Locality for Albuquerque-Santa Fe area is 18.33% of basic salary. **If your current basic salary is within the band, but above the VOP range, your basic salary will not be reduced if you are selected for the position. This position serves as a Systems Engineer within the NATO Strike Support Division, responsible for the USAF’s roles for Joint Nuclear Weapon Lifecycle activities for the air-delivered components of the United States’ nuclear triad. This position is eligible for situational telework but regular access to classified systems is required. DUTIES:
• Lead activities associated with modernizing existing security, storage, and/or access control capabilities as well as developing new capabilities to safeguard all United States nuclear weapons deployed overseas.
• Collaborate with DoD contractors, National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), USAFE, EUCOM, and NATO allies to refine requirements and documentation, oversee design efforts and documentation, trace and validate requirements are met, system performance assessment, evaluation and test activities to include emerging simulation and digital engineering methodologies.
• Provide technical oversight on development, design, production, fielding, and support sustaining engineering and surveillance efforts.
• Duties culminate in the ability to advise senior leadership on-going and future capabilities activities. SKILLS:
• Comprehensive knowledge of multidisciplinary engineering principles, standards, and techniques across structures, electronics, software, and mechanical systems.
• Experience with development, sustainment engineering, and continuous process improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of NIST and DoD cybersecurity requirements.
• Proficiency in logistics and program management, including the ability to set program goals, objectives, and completion strategies.
• Expertise in tracking program status, analyzing statistical data, and preparing quality reports to guide strategic improvements.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to build effective working relationships and communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, including personnel from the Departments of Energy and Defense, Air Force staff, and field-level users.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making abilities within a team environment.
• Experience with DoD and Air Force acquisition policy and planning is preferred.
• Knowledge of aging weapon systems and Nuclear Safety Certification Procedures is preferred.
• Experience with weapon system programs and the ability to interpret nuclear weapon and enterprise policies is preferred. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION:
• U.S. Citizenship
• A professional technical degree at the bachelor’s level from an ABET-accredited institution. Technical master's degree is desired.
• Engineer candidates must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) All Professional Engineering Positions, 0800, Individual Occupational Requirements: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf
• Employees must meet Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements, which includes achieving Engineering and Technical Management “Practitioner” certification category within required timeframe after appointment.
• Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise; employee must obtain and maintain Top Secret clearance.
• Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on commercial (or military) aircraft. Travel requirements are not expected to exceed 25%, depending on the phase of program to which the candidate is assigned.
• One-year probationary period is attached to this position unless you are a current Air Force civilian with more than one year or are eligible for a Probationary Period Credit which includes the following: Prior Federal civilian service (including non-appropriated fund service) will only count toward your probationary or trial period if it was served within the same agency (e.g., Air Force), were in the same line of work (based on actual duties), and contains no more than a single break in service that does not exceed 30 calendar days.