Acquisition Test Manager or Nuclear Systems Test Engineer

The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) is currently seeking a full-time, Non‑Supervisory Acquisition Program Management Specialist/Acquisition Test Manager M) or General Engineer/Nuclear Systems Test Engineer. This multi‑disciplinary position can be hired as a 0801 or 1101 and is an NH‑801/1101‑03 with a typical 2026 salary range of $90,479 – $139,871, locality included. The primary purpose of the position is to serve as a nuclear air‑delivered systems and nuclear command, control, & communications (NC3) Staff Test Engineer/Acquisition Test Manager in the Center Test Authority (CTA) Division, overseeing and facilitating the Center's testing—including nuclear certification—pertaining to the modernization of Air Force nuclear weapon capabilities and sustaining legacy capabilities.

OPEN: 13 May 2026 CLOSE: 28 May 2026

• Act as the Center Test Authority representative to multiple program Integrated Test Teams (ITTs) and Test Planning Working Groups (TPWGs), providing technical advice, advisory support, and assistance on T&E matters such as test planning and implementation, test conduct, and resource requirements identification to support Program Managers and Chief Developmental Testers/Test Managers within the air‑delivered systems and NC3 portfolios.
• Review test documentation—including test plans and reports, Test and Evaluation Master Plans, ITT charters, Lead Developmental Test and Evaluation Organization designations, Life Cycle Sustainment Plans, Systems Engineering Plans, and other T&E planning documentation—to ensure completeness and adherence to policy. Articulate concerns and resolve issues with project offices in a timely manner, recommending adoption of best testing practices.
• Provide independent technical assessments for Technical, Safety and Test Readiness Reviews, System Engineering Technical Reviews (SRR, SDR, PDR, CDR, etc.), test infrastructure, cyber testing, and incorporation of simulation & modeling into test programs, when applicable.
• Maintain cognizance of test schedules, test readiness/certification, government test facility scheduling, and requisite funding for programs within assigned responsibility.
• Coordinate test planning and reporting efforts between the USAF and DOE/NNSA/SNL through weapon Project Officers Groups (POGs).
• Support the CTA on digital transformation initiatives and the implementation of best practices to incorporate test activities and responsibilities into a digital acquisition, digital engineering, and the digital test ecosystem.
• Identify and resolve highly complex problems that require crossing organizational boundaries to develop solutions that advance program success.

• U.S. citizenship.
• Employee must meet Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements, including achieving Test and Evaluation “Practitioner” certification within the required timeframe after appointment.
• Background in developmental or operational testing of USAF weapon systems is highly desired.
• Background in systems/digital engineering and nuclear weapon systems design/sustainment/employment desired.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to work well in an integrated and highly demanding environment.
• Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
• Position is drug‑testing designated and subject to random drug testing.
• Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and classified information in accordance with regulations; employee must obtain and maintain Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
• To qualify as an engineer, employee must meet the education and specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards, Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-

Equal Opportunity Employer. U.S. citizenship required. Must be of legal working age.