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Posted: February 5, 2026 (2 days ago)

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PROGRAM ANALYST

Air Combat Command

Department of the Air Force

Fresh

Location

Salary

$108,719 - $141,337

per year

Closes

February 12, 2026

GS-3 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $26,979 - $35,074

Typical requirements: 6 months general experience. Some college or vocational training.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves analyzing and improving military flight operations, training programs, and aircraft maintenance for the Air Force, focusing on advanced fighter jets like the F-35 and F-22.

It requires evaluating plans for missions, deployments, and resource management to ensure efficiency and readiness.

A good fit would be someone with military aviation experience, strong analytical skills, and knowledge of defense planning who thrives in high-stakes, security-sensitive environments.

Key Requirements

  • One year of specialized experience at GS-12 level or equivalent, involving assessment of military operations and programs
  • Expert knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methods for evaluating command plans, including mission operations, tactical airlift, and training
  • Military rated aviator experience (e.g., pilot or navigator) applied to analytical evaluation of programs and weapons systems
  • In-depth knowledge of F-35 Lightning, F-22 Raptor, and 5th generation aircraft software/hardware sustainment, development, and policies
  • Understanding of Air Force program goals, operational milestones, and evaluation methods for military planning and execution
  • Ability to design comprehensive studies and develop solutions for broad military operational and contingency challenges
  • Must pass initial and periodic drug testing as a Testing Designated Position (TDP)

Full Job Description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

Conditions of Employment Cont.: This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Testing Program.

Employees 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.

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, Management Analysis and Program Analysis Series, GS-0345 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 expert knowledge of and skill in applying a broad range of qualitative and quantitative methods for the assessment and improvement of critical command plans and programs for participating in or conducting major operations such as mission and flight operations, tactical airlift, tactical training, rescue, deployment, mobilization, PPBS, acquisition, special operations, exercise, flying training systems both manned and unmanned, rescue, foreign military sales, contingency, or similar operations.

Expert knowledge and skill in the application of military rated aviator experience with analytical and evaluative methods and techniques sufficient to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of major command programs; management and organizational productivity; program funding and acquisition; and the development of aircrew and aircraft training policy.

Expert knowledge of F-35 Lightening, F-22 Raptor, and 5th Generation aircraft software and hardware sustainment, development, and evaluation policies, procedures, processes, and directives sufficient to analyze, develop and evaluate detailed plans, goals, and objectives for long-range implementation.

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: Knowledge of a wide range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods for the assessment and improvement of command level plans and programs for conducting major operations such as rescue, mission and flight operations, tactical airlift, deployment, mobilization, exercise, flying training systems both manned and unmanned, rescue, foreign military sales, PPBS, acquisition, special operations, or similar operations.

Knowledge of Air Force and command program goals and objectives, the sequence and timing of key operational events and milestones, and methods of evaluating the effectiveness of planning actions related to actual events; and the relationship of the various command entities involved in overall program planning and execution of military operations and evaluations.

Knowledge of the application of Air Force military rated aviator (e.g., pilot, navigator) expertise as it applies to assigned programs and assigned weapons systems.

Skill in designing and conducting comprehensive studies; and preparing solutions to especially broad, important, and severe military operational and contingency areas.

Ability to plan, organize, and lead others in studies or projects and to negotiate effectively with management to accept and implement recommendations, where proposals involve substantial resources, and require extensive changes in established concepts and procedures.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; negotiate complex issues; and maintain good working relationships.

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:

The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as a unit level senior program analyst, applying Air Force military rated aviator experience, to plan, organize, and determine necessary policies, regulations, directives, programs, doctrine, and procedures for the establishment and maintenance of certain assigned major command program(s).

Command level duties are necessary since this unit is the primary F-35 Test and Evaluation organization for all of Air Combat Command.

Applying Air Force military rated aviator experience, analyzes, develops, and evaluates detailed plans, goals, and objectives for long-range implementation of assigned major command program(s).

Documents planning and programming decisions in appropriate formats to meet Air Force and Major Command requirements.

Actively participates in strategic planning to improve organizational direction and focus using strategic planning tools and techniques.

Prepares and delivers oral presentations such as briefings, training sessions, consultations, and strategy sessions with other staff service functions and activities to secure cooperation, resolve controversial matters, and convey information relative to proposed changes in assigned program(s).

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Posted on USAJOBS: 2/5/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/5/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: 9H-AFPC-12873986-093683-AZC