Program Engineer (NH-0801-03)-417 Flight Test Squadron

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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 Program Engineer (NH-0801-03) to work at the 96th Test Wing, 96th Operations Group, 417 Flight Test Squadron, at Eglin Air Force Base.

In this position you will serve as Chief Test & Evaluation Program Engineer where you will manage a team of Program Analysts as the primary POC for project management of test programs. You will develop program cost and schedules through Statement of Capability (SOCs), as well as develop Test Directives and other documentation related to the management of test programs. You will also interface with the customer alongside Test Engineers to respond to Test Requests, define test requirements, support planning meetings, report test status, and develop test program timelines.

You will also monitor and report test program EVM metrics.

Announcement Closes: 12 Aug 2026.

Typical 2026 salary range: $89,508 - $138,370 per year (includes Locality)

Travel Requirements:
travel may be required

Areas of Consideration (AOC):
Department – wide (DoD)

Incentives:

This position MAY be eligible for a recruitment/relocation incentive. Specifics will be discussed with the Selecting Official.

Desired

Skills:

Program Management & Fiscal Tracking: 2 years of hands-on experience managing program portfolios, including tracking budget execution, funding, and flying hour programs (FHP), while successfully monitoring end-to-end project life cycles from initiation through final closeout.

Technical Documentation & Standards Control: 2 years experienced in maintaining and reviewing critical engineering and acquisition artifacts (such as SOCs, ROMs, and TDs) within enterprise database systems, ensuring high technical accuracy and standardization across squadron templates.

Cross-Functional Liaison & Process Execution:
Proven ability to represent unit interests at System Program Office (SPO) meetings, manage executive-level program briefs, and execute structured workflows to streamline project engineering operations.

Major Duties:

1. Manage a team of Program Analysts as the primary POC for project management of test programs.

2. Ability to analyze data and establish requirements for test program objectives and characteristics.

3. Oversee and/or develop program cost and schedule estimates through Statement of Capabilities (SOCs).

4. Oversee and/or develop Test Directives and other documentation related to the management of test programs.

5. Primary interface with the customer (usually Program Offices).

6. Work with Test Engineers to respond to Test Requests, help define test requirements, support planning meetings, report test status, and develop test program timelines.

7. Monitor and report test program EVM metrics to supervisor, squadron, group and wing leadership.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• 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
• Obtain & maintain a security clearance
• A professional engineering degree at the bachelor’s level from an ABET-accredited institution
• This position has been designated as a Non-Critical Acquisition Position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). The incumbent must meet, or be capable of achieving, APDP Test & Evaluation Level 2 – Practitioner
• Knowledge of the principles of planning and program management; standard acquisition regulations. practices. and procedures; and other engineering disciplines.
• Ability to analyze data and establish requirements for technical objectives and characteristics.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy. both orally and in writing, as well as work in a professional manner with peers. management. contractors, and other agencies.
• Ability to use computer applications in support of planning, designing, analysis, and reporting..

ADHERENCE TO APPLICABLE HAF/AFMC/AFTC STRATEGIC HIRING GUIDANCE IS REQUIRED