Job Requirements
Patuxent River, MD
Secret Polygraph Unspecified
Mid Level Career (5+ yrs experience)
$143,913 - $197,200
Job Description
Summary
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA AcqDemo Business & Technical Management Professional Career Path (NH) to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: This position is located at the U.S. Army Redstone Test Center (RTC), with a duty location of Patuxent River / ST. Mary's /Maryland.
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Open 10/20/2026 to 11/03/2026
Location
Patuxent River, MD
1 vacancy
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—Situational as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Salary
$143,913 - $197,200 per year
Pay scale & grade
NH 4
Promotion potential
None
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel up to 25 % of the time for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Secret
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
SDSE-27-13035813-DHA-R
Control number
889311100
This job is open to
Help
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Duties
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Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
Qualifications
Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the NH-03 or GS 13 grade level in the Federal service that includes: 1) Conducting flight tests to evaluate the performance of substantially modified aircraft; and 2) Instructing personnel to successfully deliver aviation test curriculum; and 3) Managing aviation programs to align resources with organizational objectives.
This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (NH-03 or GS-13).
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.
In addition to meeting the qualification requirement (above), to qualify for this position you must also meet the individual occupational requirements listed below:
Flight Certificate: Candidates must possess the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificate with commercial or higher privileges in the appropriate aircraft category (e.g., Airplane Multi Engine Land, Rotorcraft Helicopter, Instrument Ratings), and FAA Flight Instructor Certificate and/or an equivalent U.S. military pilot rating.
NOTE: Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. *You must submit supporting documentation for this requirement.
Medical Certificate: Candidates must possess a current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Medical Certificate, Second Class or higher, or an equivalent active military flight physical (e.g., U.S. Army Class 2 / USAF Class II) without restrictive waivers that would preclude the performance of the duties.
Note: A copy of the certificate or appropriate military medical clearance document must be provided at the time of application.
Military Experimental Test Pilot School Graduate: Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited military experimental test pilot school. Acceptable test pilot schools include U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS), U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School (USAFTPS), Empire Test Pilot School (ETPS), and Ecole du Personnel Navigant d' Essais et de Reception (EPNER). Attendance to one or more "short courses" at these schools and/or on the job training does not meet this eligibility requirement.
Note: A copy of the graduation certificate must be provided at the time of application.
Flight Experience: Candidates must meet certain minimum flight hour requirements, including recent flight experience due to the hazardous nature of our operations. Minimum (IOR) individual occupational requirements are: 1) Total flight time 1750 hours; and 2) Pilot in command time 1150 hours; and 3) Night flying time 75 hours; and 4) Heavy multi-engine airplane/heavy helicopter time 500 hours (heavy is defined as gross takeoff weight in excess of 12,500 pounds); and 5) 100 hours of flying time in the last 12 months (Can be achieved in either fixed wing or rotary wing).
Note: Documentation of all claimed flight hours, such as official military or civilian flight logs, must be provided at the time of application.
OPM qualification standard: Aircraft Operation Series 2181 (opm.gov).
Education
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications
Additional information
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.
Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required documents
Required Documents
Help
The documents you are required to submit vary based on whether or not you are eligible for preference in federal employment. A complete description of preference categories and the associated required documents is in the Applicant Checklist for Public Announcements.
As described above, your complete application includes your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
1. Your resume:
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Help
To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/03/2026 to receive consideration
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA AcqDemo Business & Technical Management Professional Career Path (NH) to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: This position is located at the U.S. Army Redstone Test Center (RTC), with a duty location of Patuxent River / ST. Mary's /Maryland.
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Open 10/20/2026 to 11/03/2026
Location
Patuxent River, MD
1 vacancy
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—Situational as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Salary
$143,913 - $197,200 per year
Pay scale & grade
NH 4
Promotion potential
None
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel up to 25 % of the time for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Secret
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
SDSE-27-13035813-DHA-R
Control number
889311100
This job is open to
Help
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Duties
Help
- Perform duties as an experimental test pilot flight instructor (TPFI) at the United States Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Maryland.
- Provide instruction to operationally experienced pilots, flight officers, and test engineers to conduct aircraft and airborne systems flight tests.
- Provide aircraft systems test instruction that include sophisticated weapons systems, electro-optical sensors, and threat countermeasure suites.
- As a subject matter expert, advise management and colleagues on difficult problems, conduct special studies, propose options and alternatives, and represent the command.
- Manage project/program requirements, objectives, and metrics; and resolves conflicts among schedules, funding, and resources.
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
- Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
- You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
- This is an Army Acquisition, Logistics and Technology Workforce position.
- This is an Army Acquisition, Logistics and Technology Workforce position. Selectee must meet position requirements for Test and Evaluation certification within 60 months as of entrance on duty.
- This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment. A background investigation and credit check are required.
- This position is subject to a pre-employment screening, and random testing thereafter, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.
- This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 25% of the time.
- Appointment to this position is subject to a one year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 11. While probationary the incumbent can be terminated with limited appeal rights.
- This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
Qualifications
Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the NH-03 or GS 13 grade level in the Federal service that includes: 1) Conducting flight tests to evaluate the performance of substantially modified aircraft; and 2) Instructing personnel to successfully deliver aviation test curriculum; and 3) Managing aviation programs to align resources with organizational objectives.
This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (NH-03 or GS-13).
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.
In addition to meeting the qualification requirement (above), to qualify for this position you must also meet the individual occupational requirements listed below:
Flight Certificate: Candidates must possess the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificate with commercial or higher privileges in the appropriate aircraft category (e.g., Airplane Multi Engine Land, Rotorcraft Helicopter, Instrument Ratings), and FAA Flight Instructor Certificate and/or an equivalent U.S. military pilot rating.
NOTE: Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. *You must submit supporting documentation for this requirement.
Medical Certificate: Candidates must possess a current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Medical Certificate, Second Class or higher, or an equivalent active military flight physical (e.g., U.S. Army Class 2 / USAF Class II) without restrictive waivers that would preclude the performance of the duties.
Note: A copy of the certificate or appropriate military medical clearance document must be provided at the time of application.
Military Experimental Test Pilot School Graduate: Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited military experimental test pilot school. Acceptable test pilot schools include U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS), U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School (USAFTPS), Empire Test Pilot School (ETPS), and Ecole du Personnel Navigant d' Essais et de Reception (EPNER). Attendance to one or more "short courses" at these schools and/or on the job training does not meet this eligibility requirement.
Note: A copy of the graduation certificate must be provided at the time of application.
Flight Experience: Candidates must meet certain minimum flight hour requirements, including recent flight experience due to the hazardous nature of our operations. Minimum (IOR) individual occupational requirements are: 1) Total flight time 1750 hours; and 2) Pilot in command time 1150 hours; and 3) Night flying time 75 hours; and 4) Heavy multi-engine airplane/heavy helicopter time 500 hours (heavy is defined as gross takeoff weight in excess of 12,500 pounds); and 5) 100 hours of flying time in the last 12 months (Can be achieved in either fixed wing or rotary wing).
Note: Documentation of all claimed flight hours, such as official military or civilian flight logs, must be provided at the time of application.
OPM qualification standard: Aircraft Operation Series 2181 (opm.gov).
Education
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications
Additional information
- Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
- This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
- Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
- If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
- This is an Aviation Career Program position aligned under the Installation Career Management Directorate.
- Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
- Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
- When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/ for more information..
- Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.
- The U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command has various incentives that may be available for highly qualified candidates. These include Recruitment Incentives, Relocation Incentives, and Permanent Change of Station Allowance IAW agency policy.
- The NH-04 band is equal to the GS-14 step 01 through GS-15 step 10. This position is subject to the NH-04 Professional/ Evaluator/ Tester/ Analyst equivalent control point of the ATEC Control Point Policy at $188,167 per year (Includes locality pay).
- U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) provides direct support to Transformation and Training Command and relevant, timely information to senior Army leaders to make future force decisions enabling Multi-Domain Operations through rigorous developmental testing and independent operational tests and evaluations.
- Redstone Test Center's mission is to provide Superior Technical Expertise and State-of-the-Art Facilities and Capabilities to Plan, Conduct, Analyze, and Report the Results of Tests on Aviation, Missile, and Sensors Systems, Subsystems and Components.
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.
Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required documents
Required Documents
Help
The documents you are required to submit vary based on whether or not you are eligible for preference in federal employment. A complete description of preference categories and the associated required documents is in the Applicant Checklist for Public Announcements.
As described above, your complete application includes your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
1. Your resume:
- Your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
- For each relevant work experience, make sure you include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (include month and year), for qualifications purposes, the number of hours worked per week, and a brief description that show you can perform the tasks at the required level listed in the job announcement. If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position.
- Use plain language. Avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood. The hiring agency will not make assumptions about what's in your resume.
- If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
- For additional information, to include formatting tips, see: What to include in your resume.
- Cover Letter, optional
- Most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable
- This position has an individual occupational requirement and/or allows for substitution of education for experience. If you meet this requirement based on education you MUST submit a copy of your transcript with your application package or you will be rated ineligible. See: Transcripts and Licenses
- This position requires a job-related license or certification. You MUST submit a copy of your license or certification with your application package or you will be rated ineligible. See: Transcripts and Licenses
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Help
To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/03/2026 to receive consideration
- To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13085357).
- Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. As a reminder, your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. For additional information, refer to the 'Required Documents' section.
- You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the
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