ACQUISITION TEST MANAGER - DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY

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.

Duties

• Serves as a senior specialist in the area of test and evaluation (T&E), analyzes current T&E policies and directives as related to aeronautical systems, subsystems, and support equipment, and recommends solutions. Represents the organization at the executive level 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.

Qualifications

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 serving as a senior test and evaluation (T&E) specialist to analyze policies, recommend solutions for aeronautical systems, and represent the organization at the executive level to government and industry partners. This includes experience directing contractors, managing multidisciplinary teams across engineering, contracting, and logistics, and controlling contractual, financial, and technical aspects of complex acquisition projects utilizing deep knowledge of DoD, Air Force, and DT&E/OT&E regulations and processes. Experience also includes evaluating contractor proposals, leading research and development for critical subsystems, and maintaining key professional relationships to deliver clear, technically accurate project communications. 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. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Combination of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts. 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; thorough understanding of the 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 progress. 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.

How to apply

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/23/2026 To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13047653 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: 1. 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. 2. A complete Application Questionnaire 3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name. 4. 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. OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS: Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Awards for Current Federal Civilian Employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume. Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s). 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.