Student Trainee (Computer Engineering)
Department of the Air Force - Agency Wide
Posted: January 29, 2026 (0 days ago)
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Department of the Air Force - Agency Wide
Department of the Air Force
Location
Salary
$132,751 - $172,578
per year
Type
Full Time
More Engineering 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 using advanced knowledge in electronics engineering or physics to tackle big challenges in defense technology, such as analyzing data, running simulations, and applying scientific methods to improve military capabilities.
It's based in Florida with the Air Force and suits experienced professionals who enjoy blending math, science, and real-world problem-solving.
A good fit would be someone with a strong technical background ready for senior-level work in a government intelligence role.
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.
The primary purpose of this position is to perform professional and scientific work requiring knowledge of the physical and engineering sciences and mathematics; electronic phenomena; statistical analysis, data science, modeling and simulations; and/or other scientific principles, methods, and techniques in order to close enterprise-level capability gaps.
This is a GG-13 position in the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS).
The GG-13 duties for the "Professional" work category are at the "Senior" work level and are equivalent to those at the GS-13 level.
The selectee's salary will be set within the grade equivalent to a GS/GG grade based on the selectee's qualifications in relation to the job.
In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions.
BASIC REQUIREMENT: ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING SERIES (0855) A. Degree: Engineering.
To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
OR B.
Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering.
The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: Professional registration or licensure, Written Test, Specified academic courses, Related curriculum.
Click the following link to view occupational requirements for the General Engineer position: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf PHYSICS SERIES (1310) A.
Degree: physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics. OR B.
Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in physics totaling at least 24 semester hours, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In either A or B above, the courses must have included a fundamental course in general physics and, in addition, courses in any two of the following: electricity and magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, and sound.
Click the following link to view occupational requirements for the Physics Series positions: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/physics-series-1310/ In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Your resume must reflect the quality level of experience which demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary for successful job performance required for this position.
Examples of creditable experience include: knowledge of a wide range of concepts, practices, principles, and methods in the field of physical science and/or broad interpretive knowledge in engineering, physicist, mathematics, electronic phenomena, statistical analysis, data science, and modeling and simulation is essential in order to independently develop new technologies and theories to address complex and unique interdisciplinary technical problems not covered by precedents.
Note: Creditable experience may include previous military experience, experience gained in the private sector, or experience gained in another government agency.
AND 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: 1.
Knowledge of advanced analytical principles, concepts, and methods in the field of physical sciences and/or broad interpretive knowledge in engineering, mathematics, electronic phenomena, statistical analysis, data science, and modeling and simulation to produce detailed analysis of complex information/situations.
2. Knowledge in program management concepts, principles and practices to include: planning, budgeting, scheduling, systems acquisition and contracting of scientific projects and programs. 3.
Knowledge in systems acquisition/lifecycle management concepts, including cost benefit analysis, system architecture, integration techniques, and testing methods. 4.
Skills in critical judgment in the development and transition of new methods, approaches and procedures from concept refinement through development and operational deployment.
Ability to apply experimental theories and groundbreaking developments to problems often not achievable via traditional methods or means; derive solutions in areas of uncertainty in approach, methodology, or interpretation to close critical mission capability gaps.
5.
Ability to interpret, organize, and present information in a clear, concise manner to produce scientific reports and briefings to senior level audiences, with proven ability to successfully negotiate and/or defend and justify program positions and policy.
6. Knowledge of security procedures to maintain control of classified material is required.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CONTINUED: Position is designated special-sensitive and requires eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in Top Secret Special Access Programs (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.
A non-disclosure agreement must be signed.
Drug Testing: This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program.
Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing.
Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety.
The employee must meet, or be capable of meeting, Defense Acquisition Work Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position; the APDP level required specifically for this position is Engineering and Technical Management - Foundational level, or equivalent.
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:
- Applies expert science or engineering knowledge in the planning, research, development, test, evaluation, integration, acquisition, dissemination, sustainment and/or modification of electronic systems related to electromagnetic or acoustic wave energy and associated information for purposes such as (but not limited to) sensing, control, or measurement.
- Leads development and documentation of operational concepts and strategies for assigned projects.
Demonstrates creativity and foresight by identifying, preparing, and presenting detailed technical reports and briefings on new concepts and technical directions impacting programs/projects and defining future technology requirements.
- Expertly assesses and provides recommendations on objectives and strategies, as well as the tactics necessary to successfully implement those strategies, to senior management.
Responsibilities include the development of long-range plans which involve defining broad courses of action and commitment of resources; the development of methods and procedures that may become established precedents in area of expertise; the identification and programming of resource requirements; the development of high-level briefings and technical reports; program budget preparation and execution; and/or the coordination of other activities to support assigned programs and/or projects.
- Analyzes available products, mission requirements, advances in technology, compatibility with current systems, cost, and life cycle of products to determine the best method to meet current and future needs.
Prepares technical specifications and supporting documentation which are incorporated into contract orders.
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