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Air Force Materiel Command

Acquisition Test Manager-Direct Hire Authority

Location: Ohio, Wright-Patterson AFB
Requires Relocation: No
Start Date: 12/01/2026
End Date: 12/05/2026
Offering Type: Permanent
Hiring Paths: The public
Service Type: Competitive
Travel Percentage: Occasional travel
Full Time On-site

Air Force Materiel Command

About Air Force Materiel Command

The mission of the United States Air Force is: To fly, fight, and win … Airpower anytime, anywhere. To achieve that mission, the Air Force has a vision of Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power. That vision orbits around three core competencies: Developing Airmen, Technology-to-Warfighting and Integrating Operations. Core competencies and distinctive capabilities are based on a shared commitment to three core values — integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide: 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans AF DCIPS Interchange AF Internal Employee DoD Transfer (Excluding Air Force) EO 12721 Certain Former Overseas Employees EO 13473 Appointment of Certain Military Spouses Former Federal Employees (Reinstatement) Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan Land Management Employee Military Spouse Preference Non-Appropriated Fund Non-DoD Transfer People with Disabilities, Schedule A PPP DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians PPP DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible PPP Mil Res (MR) and Nat Guard (NG) Pref Eligible Technician Receiving Disability Retirement Veterans Employment Opportunities Act

Summary

Job summary

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.

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.

Qualification

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.

Education

ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience; transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Evaluations

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. Your responses to the questionnaire may be compared to the documents you submit. The documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job. Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further. APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.