Lead T&E Engineer, 2STS

The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado is searching for a Lead T&E Engineer (NH-0801-03, GS 12/13 equivalent).

Description:

Are you an engineering visionary ready to tackle the most complex challenges at the forefront of Test & Evaluation? This advanced-level position offers an unparalleled opportunity to leverage your expert knowledge, shape critical segments of major programs, and directly influence strategic decisions. You'll serve as a recognized technical authority, innovating new methodologies and extending established theories to solve the most intricate problems, all while driving significant change and ensuring operational excellence across vital initiatives. This role is for a seasoned professional who thrives on intellectual rigor, profound impact, and the opportunity to lead and define the future of test engineering on both software and hardware-based systems. In this dynamic role, your days will be dedicated to leading multidisciplinary T&E projects, from initial planning and strategic alignment to in-depth analysis and interpretation of results. You will develop sophisticated test plans, evaluate system performance against rigorous requirements, and devise new methods to assess capabilities. Expect to serve as a key technical advisor, engaging with senior leadership, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring robust data management and reporting. Your expertise will be crucial in mitigating risks, making critical decisions, and continually advancing the state of the art in test and evaluation.

An ideal candidate for this advanced-level position would possess a robust background reflecting significant progressive experience in professional engineering, particularly within Test & Evaluation (T&E). This individual would demonstrate expert knowledge and mastery of advanced engineering theories, principles, concepts, standards, and methods, likely acquired through extensive formal education (e.g., graduate-level degrees in engineering) coupled with a proven track record of independently planning and executing highly complex assignments. They would have experience conceiving and defining solutions to intractable problems, interpreting sophisticated findings, and guiding the technical and programmatic work of junior team members, indicating a seasoned professional capable of operating with high autonomy and strategic impact.

Key Skills and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of a wide range of professional engineering concepts, principles, practices, standards, methods, techniques, materials, and equipment to effectively apply advanced multidisciplinary engineering theories and concepts to test and evaluation activities and advisory services.
2. Knowledge of advanced system/item development testing and evaluation sufficient to apply experimental theories and/or new applications to issues and provide technical advice and direction in support of test activities.
3. Knowledge of the principles of system engineering and program management to ensure system requirements, interfaces, capabilities, and program factors are considered in planning, monitoring, and reviewing tests and test results.
4. Knowledge of security guidelines, safety issues, and relevant government and industry standards, regulations, practices, and procedures.
5. Skill in negotiating and/or defending test results, test program concepts, and in communicating clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy, both orally and in writing.
6. Ability to execute projects and/or studies within established financial and/or time constraints; together, assemble, analyze facts, form conclusions, devise and recommend solutions to problems; and work in a professional manner with peers, management, contractors, academia, and other agencies

Requirements:

1. Must be a U.S Citizen.
2. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
3. Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise; must obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance for the position.
4. A professional engineering degree at the bachelor’s level from an ABET accredited institution in (specific discipline of position) or a closely related field is required.
5. This position is designated a NON-CRITICAL APDP position. (Position Career Category: T – Test & Evaluation | Certification Category Required: 1 – Foundational) This position is part of the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). The employee is expected to meet the functional area certification requirements within the timeframe range of 1 - 5 years from appointment date into the position. The employee and manager are responsible for ensuring completion within the given time period.
6. Employee must within 30-days of assuming this position and by 31 October annually thereafter, file an OGE-450, “Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.” Employee is required to attend annual ethics and procurement integrity training.
7. Employee may be required to work extended or other than normal duty hours to include evenings and weekends and may be subject to recall. Incumbent may be required to report to work during base exercises, contingencies, or emergency situations and overtime/comp time/credit hours may be required to accomplish assigned duties.
8. Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed “Unscheduled Telework”.
9. Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 20 days per year.
10. PCS is not authorized. Incentive is not authorized.
11. This position will close after 5 business days or 75 applications, whichever comes first.

Organization:

The United States Space Force (USSF) is a military service that organizes, trains, and equips military members and civilians to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and provide space capabilities to the joint force. USSF responsibilities include developing Guardians, acquiring military space systems, maturing the military doctrine for space power, and organizing space forces to present to our Combatant Commands (CCMDs).

The strategic importance of space can’t be overstated. Political and humanitarian interests as well as commercial concerns vital to the world economy all rely on space-based systems. Launched in 2019 as the nation’s sixth and newest military branch, the USSF was created to protect the interests and assets of America and its allies in this heavily contested realm. The Department of Defense relies on satellites and advanced space-based technology for secure communications, navigation, real-time reconnaissance, precision targeting on the battlefield, early warning of potential missile launches, and even weather forecasting. Guardians and civilians of the USSF are challenged every day to reach new heights in protecting and amplifying these space-based capabilities and defending our way of life by maintaining our edge in space.

The Space Force wants to attract talent with the character and potential to excel, empower them with information and choices, and develop them in line with their desires and the Space Force’s needs to create a high-performing organization necessary to secure and defend space. Please review the new Guardian Ideal to learn more about the new talent culture within the new U.S. Space Force, as we have a chance to make history and rewrite some of the rules—we hope you are excited about the opportunities this will present!

https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2782534/cso-unveils-guardian-ideal-space-force-values-at-afa/