Acquisition Test Manager or Nuclear Systems Test Engineer

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. OPEN: 13 May 2026 CLOSE: 28 May 2026 The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) is currently seeking a full-time, Non-Supervisory Acquisition Program Management Specialist/Acquisition Test Manager OR General Engineer/Nuclear Systems Test Engineer 009379421M (General Business and Industry Series) to work in the Center Test Authority Division of the Engineering and Technical Management Directorate at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, NM. Note: This is a multi-disciplinary position and can either be hired as a 0801 or a 1101. The position is an NH-801/1101-03 with a typical 2026 salary range of $90,479 – 139,871, locality included. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a nuclear air-delivered systems and nuclear command, control, & communications (NC3) systems 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 as well as testing to sustain legacy capabilities. You will provide expert advice and feedback to as a member of Integrated Test Teams for their acquisition/sustainment test programs, fostering the development of integrated test approaches and pioneering AFNWC digital testing methods. DUTIES:

• Act as the Center Test Authority representative to numerous program Integrated Test Teams (ITTs), and Test Planning Working Groups (TPWGs). Provide technical advice, advisory support, and assistance on T&E matters, such as test planning and implementation, test conduct, resource requirements identification, to support Program Managers, Chief Developmental Testers/Test Managers within the air-delivered systems and NC3 systems portfolios. Support the Center commander on all test issues.
• Review test documentation to include 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, ensuring completeness and adherence to policy. Clearly articulate concerns with test documentation and resolve any issues with project offices in a timely fashion. Recommend 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, if applicable.
• Maintain cognizance of test schedules, test readiness/certification, government test facility scheduling, and requisite funding for programs that fall within assigned responsibility.
• Coordinate test planning and reporting efforts between USAF and Dept of Energy (DOE)/National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA)/Sandia National Laboratories (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 you to cross organizational boundaries in developing solutions to advance program success. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION:
• U.S. CITIZENSHIP
• Employee must meet Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements, which includes 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 skill sets, 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.
• This is a drug testing designated position and is subject to random drug testing.
• 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 with SCI eligibility. Qualifications:
• 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://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf HOW TO APPLY: When applying at the link below, please use Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. Click the apply button to complete an application and upload resume (PDF or Word Doc) and/or additional documents (Transcripts, certifications, Vet Docs (DD214), SF-50). To receive additional information about current and future job openings with AFCS via email notification, please register at www.Afciviliancareers.com and sign up to “Get Career Updates.” Equal Opportunity Employer. U.S. citizenship required. Must be of legal working age.