Summary Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. Duties The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as the AMCTES Operational Test and Evaluation Program Manager for the operational testing of the Department of Defense major weapons systems programs. Leads, plans, coordinates, executes, and reports on operational test activities during the design, development, production, and fielding of new and/or modified DoD weapon systems.
Duties
- Serves as an Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) Test Director for Air Mobility Command assigned weapon systems and subsystems.
- Designs, develops, and directs the operational test plan for assigned ACAT I, II, or DoD oversight major weapons systems programs.
- Responsible for the final report that will be submitted to Director, Air Mobility Command Test and Evaluation to support a fielding decision or stop further development of new or modified weapon systems.
- Executes, chairs, and/or attends test events, integrated test planning meetings, deficiency report boards (DRB), Leadership Review Boards (LRB), Safety Review Boards (SRB), critical design reviews, and any other meetings necessary to plan and execute operational testing and evaluations (OT&E).
- Manages and enforces the operational test planning, reporting, and coordination program and trains test cadre on these programs.
Qualifications
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, Administrative and Management Positions, series 0301.
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 mastery level knowledge of AF, DoD, and Joint test and evaluation and acquisition principles, concepts and methodologies on issues or studies concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of program operations; Extensive knowledge of a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methods for the assessment and improvement of critical command plans and programs for conducting major test and evaluation operations such as those evaluating the effectiveness and suitability of logistical support operations; Extensive knowledge of mobility operations, aircraft ground equipment, and aerial port systems and associated equipment, to include the various command entities involved in the overall planning and execution of operations and evaluations; Knowledge of military command structure, missions, programs, and organizational relationships and program goals and objectives, the sequence and timing of key operational events and milestones, and methods of evaluating the effectiveness of planning actions as related to actual events; mastery of planning, organizing, and directing teams and in negotiating effectively with management to accept and implement recommendations involving substantial agency and DoD resources; and mastery in preparing operational test and evaluation reports that will significantly affect weapon systems acquisition and modification.
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:
- Comprehensive knowledge of DoD, Joint, other Services, Air Force, foreign governmental agencies, and contractor command test and evaluation principles, concepts, policies, and methodologies to resolve program issues and provide analytical studies concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of program operations.
- In-depth knowledge of DoD, Air Force, and command directives and instructions concerning ground/air safety programs pertaining to the worldwide mobility mission and its relationship to the various agencies involved in acquisition and sustainment program planning and execution for military operations.
- Knowledge sufficient to analyze and draw conclusions regarding test results and write technical reports appropriate for senior AF, DoD, and joint service executive and technical level reviews.
- Knowledge of a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methods for the planning and assessment of operational tests for highly complex weapon systems and subsystems.
- Skill in test planning, execution, and reporting for mobility air forces (MAF) aircraft, mission planning, maintenance, aerial delivery, Command and Control (C2), and aerial port support systems, as well as other DoD, MDA, NASA, Joint and Coalition systems. Knowledge of DoD, Air Force and MAJCOM acquisition test goals and objectives, sequence and timing of key operational events pertaining to test planning and program milestones, and methods of evaluating the effectiveness and suitability.
- Ability to research, analyze, and interpret high-level guidelines including general, DoD, Joint Service, and military service directives and instructions requiring considerable adaptation and/or interpretation for application to issues or problems. Ability to communicate effectively and clearly, both orally and in writing; negotiate complex issues; and maintain good working relationships. Ability to lead teams; originate new ideas, projects, and methodologies; and execute projects and/or studies within established financial and/or time constraints.
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. How you will be evaluated 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.
BASIS OF RATING:
Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable.
Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements
Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements.
Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements.
The resume/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.
For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here.
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.
Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further. How to apply The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/18/2026
To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13113601
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp.
- Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here.
- For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume.
- Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy.
- Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume.
- A complete Application Questionnaire
- Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
- Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here.
PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant. Other information Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.
Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.
120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.
Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.
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