ACQUISITION TEST MANAGER-DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY
Air Force Materiel Command
Posted: January 13, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Air Force Materiel Command
Department of the Air Force
Location
Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
Salary
$130,461 - $197,200
per year
Type
Full Time
More Procurement & Contracts jobs →Closes
Base salary range: $88,520 - $115,079
Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-12. Expert-level knowledge in field.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
This job involves leading test and evaluation efforts for Air Force bomber programs, acting as the main expert on testing new systems and advising top leaders on related issues.
The role requires coordinating across teams in areas like contracts, engineering, and budgeting to ensure tests run smoothly and meet goals.
It's a great fit for experienced professionals with a strong background in military acquisition and project management who enjoy solving complex technical challenges.
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as Chief Developmental Tester (CDT) for the Bombers Directorate programs for Test & Evaluation (T&E).
Incumbent acts as the primary interface with senior management and the Directorate Commander concerning T&E issues.
Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-03, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-13 or equivalent in other pay systems.
Specialized experience is experience in planning, organizing, and coordinating test management activities as they relate to contracting, engineering, logistics, and financial management, ensuring appropriate management procedures are followed in areas such as test planning and implementation, test conduct, resource control and reporting, supporting organization's programs in resolving technical, schedule, cost, performance, and supportability issues related to test management and workforce management, reviewing policy and regulations and interfacing with senior management in the area of test management.
NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Expert knowledge of laws, principles, policies, and practices of systems acquisition and program management.
In-depth knowledge and understanding of the entire weapon system acquisition process, from both managerial and technical perspectives; thorough working knowledge of the disciplines involved, including contracting, financial management, logistics, configuration and data management, etc.
Knowledge of the missions, functions, organizational structures, operations and roles of DoD, Air Force, and other entities that govern, interface with, and/or influence the systems acquisition process.
Knowledge of safety and security regulation, practices, and procedures. Ability to plan, organize, and manage aspects of research, development, production, and support of subsystems or equipment.
Ability to analyze, plan, and adjust work operations of the organization to meet requirements and objectives within available resources.
Ability to communicate both orally and in writing, clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and groups, within and outside the immediate work unit.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.
You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).
Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:
Serves as the Directorate technical authority for test and evaluation.
Provides technical advice, advisory support, and assistance on test and evaluation (T&E) matters, such as test planning and implementation, test conduct, resource control, and reporting.
Plans, organizes, and directs the activities, ensuring that Test and Evaluation (T & E) complies with legal and regulatory requirements and meets customer needs.
Develops goals and objectives that integrate organization and T & E objectives. Serves as the expert for current and proposed T&E guidance.
As the technical expert, identifies T&E guidance issues impacting the acquisition of aeronautical systems, subsystems, and support equipment.
Represents the organization and higher management echelons, and provides status information on assigned T&E projects/programs, as required, in high level meetings and discussions with senior government officials, both within and outside the Air Force and the DoD.
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