About the opportunity
You will serve as the Senior Engineering Lead Assistant Program Manager for Systems Engineering (APMSE) for the Tactical Communications and Networks (TCN) of the F/A-18 & EA-18G Weapon Systems within the Systems Engineering Department, Air Platform Systems Engineering Division, PEO(T) Program Branch of NAVAIRWARCENAC DIV. Responsibilities include the acquisition, development, test and evaluation, qualification, certification, airworthiness, safety, performance, and sustainment of tactical communications and networks. You will maintain knowledge of current and future capabilities, integrate cost estimates with program plans into a total acquisition POM and budget, develop contract engineering specifications, evaluate technological developments, and direct project planning objectives for engineering development.
Salary and benefits
- Salary ranging from $143,913 to $197,200 per annum (DP-04 pay band)
- Comprehensive federal employee benefits package including health, retirement, and leave provisions
- Potential relocation expense reimbursement or recruitment incentives for new employees depending on funding availability
Who can apply?
- Must meet OPM professional engineering basic education requirements (bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or equivalent engineering coursework, or appropriate scientific degree plus professional experience, or registration as an Engineer Intern/Professional Engineer)
- Must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12/13 grade level or DP-04 pay band in federal service or equivalent private/public sector experience
- Specialized experience includes serving as a principal systems engineer/technical authority directing multidisciplinary engineering teams through the entire system lifecycle
- Must be a U.S. citizen
Required documents
- A complete resume restricted to no more than 2 pages showing relevant experience, job title, duties, accomplishments, employer name, start/end dates, hours per week, pay plan, series, and grade level
- Documentation supporting all eligibility and qualification claims made in the resume
- Transcripts or coursework lists verifying educational requirements if using education to qualify
- SF-50(s) if applying for promotion or demonstrating time-in-grade requirements
- DD-214 and supporting documentation if claiming veterans' preference
When to apply
- Applications open on October 22, 2026
- Application closing date is October 29, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to apply
- Click the Apply Online button on USAJOBS to create an account or log in to your existing account
- Complete the application package including a 2-page max resume and supporting documentation
- Submit all required documents and complete the assessment questionnaire before the announcement closing date
Additional information
- This position is subject to an initial drug screening and random testing thereafter
- Position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program
- Recruitment will utilize structured resume reviews and structured interviews as technical assessment tools
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Extensive background in systems engineering leadership, program management, or airworthiness certification within aerospace or defense sectors.
- Demonstrated track record of directing multidisciplinary technical teams through complex system lifecycles from requirements definition to testing.
- Familiarity with Department of Defense acquisition processes, tactical communications, or aircraft weapon systems.
What should you think carefully about?
- Strict two-page resume restriction requires concise and highly targeted professional summarization.
- Mandatory drug screening and ongoing random drug testing are mandatory conditions of employment.
- Role is physically located in Patuxent River, Maryland, requiring relocation if not locally based.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This senior engineering role offers an impactful career advancement opportunity for professionals seeking to direct high-profile naval aviation programs and influence critical tactical communications architectures within federal service.
Our take
Experienced systems engineers with a background in aerospace acquisition and defense networks should seriously consider applying before the October 2026 deadline. Applicants who lack federal engineering qualifications or cannot meet the strict resume length limit will find this opportunity unsuitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
