Flight Test Engineer

Missile Defense Agency•Redstone Arsenal, AL

About The Position

This is a Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Personnel Demonstration Project (AcqDemo) position recruited under Direct Hire Authority for AcqDemo Engineering and Technical Management. The role is at the NH-0801-4 broadband level and requires regular flight on military and/or civilian test aircraft. The incumbent must obtain and maintain a Third Class FAA Medical Certificate or higher and complete and maintain physiological training within 180 days of onboarding. Failure to maintain flight qualifications or refusal to fly will result in being deemed unqualified. The position is coded as an acquisition practitioner in Engineering and Technical Management. It requires DoD Acquisition Engineering and Technical Management certification, which must be obtained within the specified period after entry, and 80 Continuous Learning Points every 24 months. The selectee must hold and maintain a Critical Sensitive/Secret security clearance and sign an agreement to remain in the federal service in this critical acquisition position for at least three years. The role is situational telework eligible, has a full-time schedule, a Maxi Flex tour of duty, occasional travel, and occasional overtime.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the NH-03/GS-13 level in Federal service, meeting at least two of these three areas: executing tests for complex weapon systems, including modifying or reviewing test plans, executing flight, ground, or cyber tests, and/or analyzing test data; integrating weapon systems by coordinating with multiple organizations or directorates/divisions; developing test concepts, policies, or standards for weapon-system verification, validation, or accreditation.
Meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 0801 professional engineering series through an acceptable engineering degree, or an allowed combination of education and experience such as professional registration/licensure, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering examination or another qualifying written test, at least 60 qualifying semester hours, or an appropriate related curriculum plus professional engineering experience under supervision and guidance.
Provide transcripts; failure to provide them will result in being rated ineligible.
Obtain and maintain a Critical Sensitive/Secret security clearance.
Obtain the required DAWIA/Acquisition Engineering and Technical Management certification within the required period after entering the position.
Obtain and maintain an FAA Medical Certificate Third Class or higher and complete and maintain physiological training within 180 days of onboarding.
Fly regularly on military and/or civilian test aircraft and maintain flight qualifications.
Obtain 80 Continuous Learning Points every 24 months.
Sign a written agreement to remain in federal service in this critical acquisition position for a minimum of three years.
Meet federal employment suitability requirements, as determined by a background investigation; may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
Undergo an initial drug screening and random testing thereafter; a selected candidate may be required to sign a Drug Test Statement of Understanding.
Meet all qualifications and eligibility criteria by the announcement closing date.

Responsibilities

Lead a team of more than 100 internal and external stakeholders at the Forward Staging Area to execute complex target operations supporting C-17 Air-Launched Target missions.
Manage target lifecycle integration, from target missionization and component-level testing through launch execution, and proactively identify and resolve nonconformances to meet Program Office Integrated Master Test Plan commitments.
Develop and implement risk-reduction approaches for launch operations, using real-time operational decision-making, crew training, guidance, and certification programs to strengthen readiness, minimize mission risk, and ensure successful mission execution.
Oversee target activities to meet Best Estimated Test Dates through budget execution and management of Support Agreements, Statements of Work, and Task Orders.
Serve as the primary Program Office point of contact and executive subject-matter expert, resolving priority conflicts among Department of War and industry stakeholders.