Test and Evaluation Engineer (NH-0801-03) 40th Flight Test Squadron

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

Job summary

The Air Force Test Center at Eglin Air Force Base seeks a Full-Time Test and Evaluation Engineer (NH-0801-03) to plan, execute, and report ground and airborne test programs in support of 96 OG mission requirements.

You will develop test documentation, analyze technical information, and apply engineering methods to evaluate systems and meet mission objectives; up-to-date safety and acquisition practices will be maintained. Some travel is required.

Qualifications

• Autonomy & V&V frameworks for autonomous systems and safety assurance.
• Foundational AI/ML concepts and evaluation of algorithms.
• Familiarity with test and evaluation principles for crewed/uncrewed aircraft.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and report ground and/or airborne test programs including air-to-air and air-to-ground testing.
• Develop test documentation such as test cards, MOTs, and test reports.
• Collect and analyze technical information and data to support test engineering tasks.
• Identify root causes of engineering problems and develop effective solutions.
• Support special projects with summaries, reports, and team participation.
• Present findings to engineers, customers, and senior officials.

Skills

Autonomy & V&V

AI/ML Fundamentals

Autonomous Aircraft T&E

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

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 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 linkto view additional job announcements. For further assistance, please contact [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 Test and Evaluation Engineer (NH-0801-03) to work at the 96th Test Wing, 96th Operations Group, 40th Flight Test Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base.

Performs professional test and evaluation engineering work in support of 96 OG mission requirements by planning, executing, analyzing, and reporting ground and/or airborne test activities; developing test documentation and engineering solutions; and applying technical expertise, data analysis, and current engineering practices to support effective evaluation of systems, mission objectives, and organizational priorities.

Typical 2026 salary range: $89,508- $138,370 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:

• Autonomy & Algorithm V&V: Working knowledge of Verification & Validation (V&V) and safety assurance frameworks for autonomous systems, machine learning models, and adaptive flight control architectures.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) Fundamentals: Foundational understanding of machine learning concepts (e.g., neural networks, reinforcement learning, sensor fusion) and how to evaluate algorithmic decision boundaries and failure modes.
• Autonomous Aircraft Test & Evaluation (T&E): Familiarity with test and evaluation principles, safety-of-flight considerations, and range safety protocols unique to crewed/uncrewed and fully autonomous aircraft platforms.

Major Duties:

• 1. Plans, executes, and reports on ground and/or airborne test programs, including air-to-air and air-to-ground testing.
• 2. Develops test documentation such as test cards, Methods of Test (MOT), and test reports.
• 3. Collects and analyzes technical information, data, and standards needed to perform test engineering tasks.
• 4. Research engineering problems, identifies root causes, and develops solutions using appropriate engineering methods and techniques.
• 5. Supports special projects by preparing written summaries and reports, participating on teams, and contributing to complex initiatives.
• 6. Presents findings in reports and briefings to engineers, customers, and senior officials.
• 7. Maintains technical currency by monitoring emerging technologies and using engineering analysis and project-tracking tools to support assignments.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• 1. Travel by regularly scheduled commercial or military aircraft in accordance with Joint Travel Regulations may be required in performance of TDY.
• 2. Temporary duty away from home base may be required. Incumbent may be required to fly as a passenger on military aircraft.
• 3. The work requires incumbent to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance.
• 4. The duties of this position require an advanced level of competence in basic science. The incumbent must possess an engineering degree from an institution with ABET accredited engineering program.
• 5. This position has been designated as an acquisition position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). The employee must meet or be capable of meeting Defense Acquisition Work Improvement Act (DA WIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.
• 6. Employee is expected to meet Continuing Acquisition Education requirements. The Acquisition Position Career Category (APCC) of the position is T - Test and Evaluation (T&E) and the Acquisition Career Level required is 2 -Intermediate Level II.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD STATEMENT: (Required) – For All Positions

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 the appropriate clearance.

Education Requirements:

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:

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: