Rocket Test Division Chief Engineer

Job Overview OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS. This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PDT, 14 November 2026.

Duties The Rocket Test Division seeks to hire someone to serve as Chief Engineer. This position will be filled at the DR-03/04 (GS-14/15 equivalent) level, and is located at Edwards Air Force Base. Position duties include, but are not limited to:

• Apply Systems Engineering: Ensure that proper systems engineering discipline is applied during test facility buildup and sustainment, and test planning and execution, and that tests commence only with Test Execution Authority (TEA) approval.
• Chair Technical Review Boards (TRBs): Chair TRBs or delegate these duties. The TRB's purpose is to ensure technical rigor and identify potential risks.
• Develop Technical Review Processes: In coordination with the AFRL/RJ Test Lead, develop a technical review process to ensure that each test activity includes an assessment of its technical risk level.
• Chair Design Reviews: Serve as the chair for design reviews.
• Ensure Proper Resources and Disciplines: Make certain that programs employ the correct disciplines and resources necessary to achieve their technical objectives safely and in accordance with applicable guidance.
• Data & Performance Evaluation: Oversee post-test data analysis, comparing empirical test results to analytical models to validate test facility performance, structural margins, and thermal properties.
• Team Mentorship & Growth: Lead, mentor, and inspire a highly skilled team of test, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and software engineers, fostering a culture of rapid innovation, accountability, and technical excellence.

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship.
• Possess a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Chemical, or Systems Engineering or a related field.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Must be APDP certified at the Practitioner level in Engineering & Technical Management (ETM), or obtain certification within 60 months.
• To qualify, an applicant must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower broadbands (DR-02/03) or standard federal grade (GS-12/13/14 equivalents).

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, Chemical, or Systems Engineering or a related field.
• 10 years of relevant experience
• Direct experience in rocket propulsion development and hardware testing
• Direct experience in a technical leadership or principal engineering role
• Background/training in Systems Engineering
• Background/training in Risk Management
• Strong communication skills, exceptional ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights for design teams and executive leadership
• Familiarity with industry and/or military standards for propulsion systems testing and facility safety protocols

Telework Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy

Eligible for a Referral Bonus? Yes

Series 0801

Additional Information Instructions on how to submit documents are provided in the automated email you will receive once you apply. Candidates with resumes longer than 2-pages will not be considered.

Requisition Number 56383

Posting End Date 11/14/2026