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Space Systems Command

Lead T&E Engineer, 2Sts

Location: Colorado, Peterson AFB
Requires Relocation: No
Start Date: 18/11/2025
End Date: 25/11/2025
Offering Type: Permanent
Hiring Paths: The public
Service Type: Competitive
Travel Percentage: 25% or less
Full Time On-site

Space Systems Command

About Space Systems 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: AF DCIPS Interchange AF Internal Employee Cyber Interagency Transfer Authority (CITA) DoD Transfer (Excluding Air Force) Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan Non-AF DCIPS Interchange 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

Summary

Job summary

To submit your resume for this Direct Hire opportunity click here. For additional information on other USSF direct hire opportunities visit the Air Force Civilian Careers Space Force website and follow USSF on LinkedIn.

Major duties

The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado is searching for a Lead T&E Engineer (NH-0801-03, GS 12/13 equivalent). Description: Are you an engineering visionary ready to tackle the most complex challenges at the forefront of Test & Evaluation? This advanced-level position offers an unparalleled opportunity to leverage your expert knowledge, shape critical segments of major programs, and directly influence strategic decisions. You'll serve as a recognized technical authority, innovating new methodologies and extending established theories to solve the most intricate problems, all while driving significant change and ensuring operational excellence across vital initiatives. This role is for a seasoned professional who thrives on intellectual rigor, profound impact, and the opportunity to lead and define the future of test engineering on both software and hardware-based systems. In this dynamic role, your days will be dedicated to leading multidisciplinary T&E projects, from initial planning and strategic alignment to in-depth analysis and interpretation of results. You will develop sophisticated test plans, evaluate system performance against rigorous requirements, and devise new methods to assess capabilities. Expect to serve as a key technical advisor, engaging with senior leadership, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring robust data management and reporting. Your expertise will be crucial in mitigating risks, making critical decisions, and continually advancing the state of the art in test and evaluation. An ideal candidate for this advanced-level position would possess a robust background reflecting significant progressive experience in professional engineering, particularly within Test & Evaluation (T&E). This individual would demonstrate expert knowledge and mastery of advanced engineering theories, principles, concepts, standards, and methods, likely acquired through extensive formal education (e.g., graduate-level degrees in engineering) coupled with a proven track record of independently planning and executing highly complex assignments. They would have experience conceiving and defining solutions to intractable problems, interpreting sophisticated findings, and guiding the technical and programmatic work of junior team members, indicating a seasoned professional capable of operating with high autonomy and strategic impact. Key Skills and Abilities: 1. Knowledge of a wide range of professional engineering concepts, principles, practices, standards, methods, techniques, materials, and equipment to effectively apply advanced multidisciplinary engineering theories and concepts to test and evaluation activities and advisory services. 2. Knowledge of advanced system/item development testing and evaluation sufficient to apply experimental theories and/or new applications to issues and provide technical advice and direction in support of test activities. 3. Knowledge of the principles of system engineering and program management to ensure system requirements, interfaces, capabilities, and program factors are considered in planning, monitoring, and reviewing tests and test results. 4. Knowledge of security guidelines, safety issues, and relevant government and industry standards, regulations, practices, and procedures. 5. Skill in negotiating and/or defending test results, test program concepts, and in communicating clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy, both orally and in writing. 6. Ability to execute projects and/or studies within established financial and/or time constraints; together, assemble, analyze facts, form conclusions, devise and recommend solutions to problems; and work in a professional manner with peers, management, contractors, academia, and other agencies.

Qualification

The 0801 series has an individual occupational requirement that must be met and can be viewed here. In addition to the above requirements, you can view the experience level requirements here. Please scroll down to the 4th section titled Professional and Scientific Positions.

Evaluations

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies as related to the series and grade of the position being filled. Final qualifications determinations will be assessed based on OPM's General Schedule Qualifications Standards found here: Interviews: You will be contacted by e-mail and/or telephone if your application is identified as qualifying for a position being filled. An interview may be conducted. If interviewed, you will be asked to address the same knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies used to initially qualify your application for the position.