ACQUISITION TEST MANAGER - DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY
Air Force Materiel Command
Posted: January 12, 2026 (2 days ago)
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Air Force Materiel Command
Department of the Air Force
Location
Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
Salary
$92,841 - $143,523
per year
Type
Full Time
More Procurement & Contracts jobs →Closes
Base salary range: $62,107 - $80,737
Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-10. Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 years graduate study.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
This job involves leading the testing phase of military equipment projects, from planning budgets and resources to running tests and reporting results, ensuring everything meets Air Force standards.
It's ideal for someone with experience in managing complex projects, especially in defense or aerospace, who enjoys coordinating teams and solving technical challenges without clear guidelines.
A good fit would be a detail-oriented professional who can communicate clearly and build relationships across different groups.
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 an acquisition test manager responsible for developing, establishing, implementing, and controlling contractual, financial, and technical aspects of a project/program through designated phases of the acquisition cycle for which no closely related precedents exist.
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-02, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-11 or equivalent in other pay systems.
Specialized experience is experience in managing the full Test & Evaluation (T&E) lifecycle for acquisition programs, from planning and resource allocation to execution and reporting.
Experience in authoring and verifying all test-related documentation for compliance and accuracy. Proficient in performing data analysis and modeling to refine test strategies.
Experience in acting as the T&E process owner to ensure seamless integration across all program teams.
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: Knowledge of the policies, practices, regulations, and laws concerning the acquisition management process and initiative.
Broad knowledge of business, industrial management, contracting procedures, technical concepts, and production practices to evaluate contractor proposals and activities.
Knowledge of the missions, roles, functions, organizational structures, and operation of the DOD, Air Force, and organizations that govern, interface with, and/or influence the systems acquisition process.
Detailed knowledge of the AF DT&E planning process and its implementation in systems and equipment acquisition programs; through understanding of AF T&E policy and procedures including test program documentation; understanding of the program/project office responsibilities in planning for and supporting OT&E; understanding of the budgeting process and the T7E funding.
Ability to communicate both orally and in writing, clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy.
Ability to establish and maintain good relationships with individuals and groups within the office as well as outside the immediate work unit.
Ability to plan, organize, lead, and manage critical aspects of research, development, production, and support of subsystems or equipment, and integrate, analyze, and manage a variety of acquisition functions and personnel in the support of the process.
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 a senior specialist in the area of test and evaluation (T&E), analyzes current T&E policies, directives as related to aeronautical systems, subsystems, and support equipment, and recommends solutions.
Represents the organization at executive levels within the Government and to contractor/industry representatives and provides status on assigned T&E projects and programs as required.
Reviews and directs the progress of contractors in meeting program objectives.
Plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates activities of functional specialists including contracting, engineering, manufacturing, program control, configuration/data management, test, and logistics.
Develops, implements, and controls contractual, financial, and technical aspects of a project/program through designated phases of the acquisition cycle for which no closely related precedents exist.
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