Program Analyst

Join the Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) and help build the future—from next-generation aircraft to revolutionary cyber defense systems. This federal position offers a rewarding career with exceptional benefits in Albuquerque, NM.

About the role

As a senior-level Test Operations Analyst/Programs Manager at the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC), you will lead, plan, coordinate, and manage mission support activities and reports on operational test activities for Department of Defense (DoD) Acquisition Category (ACAT) I and II major weapons systems. This non-supervisory role involves evaluating the combat effectiveness and suitability of advanced fighter and bomber aircraft, conventional and nuclear weapons, and emerging technologies before they are fielded. Your work will directly influence DoD acquisition decisions and shape the design of systems relied upon by service members.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an AFOTEC senior-level Test Operations Analyst/Programs Manager, applying military and operational test experience to oversee test activities during the design, development, production, and fielding of DoD major weapons systems.
• Lead, plan, coordinate, and manage mission support activities and reports on operational test and evaluation (OT&E) for advanced defense programs.
• Deliver independent, objective evaluations on the combat effectiveness, suitability, and mission capability of assigned major defense acquisition programs.
• Impact DoD acquisition decisions and shape the design of systems used by service members daily.
• Apply knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methods for testing, assessing, and evaluating system effectiveness measures and critical operational issues (COIs).
• Understand DoD, Joint Service, Air Force, MAJCOM, and program goals, key milestones, and methods for evaluating program effectiveness.
• Integrate military modernization planning with overall program execution of operational test and evaluations.
• Apply Air Force military, air, space, and cyberspace expertise as it relates to assigned programs.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
• This position is designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program.
• Must meet Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.
• May be required to travel by military or commercial aircraft for TDY assignments.
• May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methods and tools for testing, assessing, and evaluating effectiveness measures and COIs for systems such as next-generation aircraft, armament, electronic warfare, C4ISR, space, missile defense, or technology projects.
• Knowledge of DoD, Joint Service, Air Force, MAJCOM, and program goals, key operational events, milestones, and methods for evaluating program effectiveness and suitability.
• Knowledge of military modernization planning and its relationship to program planning and execution of operational test and evaluations.
• Skill in applying Air Force military, air, space, and cyberspace expertise to operational test and evaluation of assigned programs.

Skills

• Test & Evaluation (T&E)
• Acquisition Frameworks (DoD 5000)
• Aviation & Weapons Systems (Fighter, Bomber, Platform Integration)
• Advanced & Emerging Technologies
• Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E)
• System Effectiveness Analysis
• Defense Acquisition University (DAU) training or equivalent
• Familiarity with 5th-generation platforms (e.g., F-35, B-21)

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: 11 federal holidays per year, 13 sick leave days earned annually (accumulative), and 13–26 vacation days per year based on length of employment.
• Health Insurance: No waiting period to qualify for coverage for you and your family.
• Retirement: Immediate coverage under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) Basic Benefits Plan, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with automatic 1% agency contribution and up to 5% matching.

Pay

$76,463 – $118,204 per year (without locality pay). Relocation or recruitment incentives may be authorized.

About the area

Trade city gridlock for a stress-free commute onto Kirtland AFB from safe, family-friendly communities like Rio Rancho or the Northeast Heights. Albuquerque offers an accessible housing market and New Mexico’s low property taxes, stretching your federal paycheck further. Enjoy top-performing schools, wholesome neighborhoods, and outdoor recreation with DoD civilian gear rentals from the base Force Support Squadron. Explore the Sandia Mountains and elevate your family’s quality of life with reduced daily stress and more time together.

U.S. citizenship is required. This position may close at any time.