Materials Examiner and Identifier
Air Combat Command
Posted: January 26, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Air Combat Command
Department of the Air Force
Location
Salary
$108,719 - $141,337
per year
Type
Full Time
More Science & Research jobs →Closes
Base salary range: $74,441 - $96,770
Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-11. Advanced degree + significant experience.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
This job involves serving as a top expert in analyzing and testing advanced weapon systems for the US Air Force, focusing on methods to evaluate air, space, and cyber technologies during combat simulations and real-world scenarios.
The role supports the commander of a test and evaluation group by providing data-driven insights to improve military operations.
It's ideal for someone with a strong math and statistics background who enjoys solving complex problems in a high-stakes defense environment.
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 the senior operations research analyst and advanced weapon system test methodology subject matter expert to the Commander, 53d Test and Evaluation Group {TEG), a group under the 53d Wing (53 WG) within the US Air Force Warfare Center as the primary organization in the Department of Defense.
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, and the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the 1515 Operations Research Series.
BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Degree in operations research; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics.
At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus. Click here to view occupational requirements for this position. NOTE: You must submit a copy of transcripts with your application.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12, or equivalent in other pay systems.
Examples of specialized experience includes professional experience of air, space and cyber systems, and tools; weapons and weapon systems; systems integration; mission planning systems; computer software in general; and statistical concepts, principles, practices, and analysis applicable to a broad range of assignments.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible.
One year at the GS-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.
NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
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.
This is a professional position and requires a bachelor's degree: in operations research; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics.
At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus. 2. Expert knowledge and experience in OR and statistical analysis, T &E, and M&S are required.
Experience in the application of these disciplines to complex ground/airbome/space/cyber weapon and weapon system platform combat, support, testing, experimentation, and/or training is also required.
3. Comprehensive understanding of the organizational mission and interfaces with combat units, intelligence organizations, and support agencies. 4.
Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to interact and negotiate effectively with contemporaries at all levels and to advise higher leadership using professional levels of skill, tact, and diplomacy.
5. Knowledge of financial and operational management and an ability to execute projects within established resource constraints. 6.
Knowledge of policies, programs, organizations, functions, resources, and legislation affecting assigned projects/programs; ability to use common office software for messaging, word processing, presentations/briefings, and spreadsheets.
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 Technical and Senior Analyst in support of the 53 TEG Commander and Staff.
Responsible for coordinating and execution of 53 TEG annual fiscal year (FY) test programs among various organizations across multiple Commands.
Provides insight and direction for hardware and software implementation, integration, and support.
Responsible for identification, research, and evaluation of new and emerging weapon, weapon system platform and JADC2 technology with potential for application to operational combat, and combat support.
As senior operations research analyst and analytic subject matter expert to the Commander represents the 53 TEG
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