About the opportunity
You will serve as a Mechanical Engineer (EMALS/AAG Performance Engineer) in the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Lakehurst, Systems Engineering & Aircraft Launch Readiness Equipment (ALRE) Group, ALRE Department, Ford Class Launch & Recovery Division. In this role, you will provide technical expertise in establishing MK 15 arresting gear test plans and programs to achieve operational compatibility with aircraft. You will use computerized data analysis techniques to transform raw test data into performance charts and equations, and act as a technical advisor to aircraft manufacturing contractors concerning all phases of recovering aircraft.
Salary and benefits
- Annual salary range of $105,481 to $163,062 (DP pay plan)
- Comprehensive Department of the Navy civilian benefits
- Potential relocation expense reimbursement or recruitment incentives depending on funding availability
Who can apply?
- Must possess a professional engineering degree from an ABET-accredited school, or meet specific coursework requirements in physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences
- Alternatively, registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) is acceptable
- Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the DP-03/GS9-11 grade level in federal service or equivalent private/public sector experience
- Specialized experience must include: Advanced Arresting Gear System interface knowledge, complex data analysis, stakeholder collaboration, technical documentation/briefing, and modeling/simulation tools for ALRE systems
Required documents
- A complete resume (restricted to a maximum of 2 pages)
- Transcripts (official or unofficial) or a list of courses to support educational claims
- Documentation supporting eligibility and qualification claims (e.g., SF-50 for current/former federal employees claiming promotion eligibility)
- DD-214 and/or VA letter for veterans claiming preference (if applicable)
- Statement of service for active duty service members (if applicable)
- ICTAP documentation for displaced Federal employees (if applicable)
When to apply
- Applications open: August 28, 2026
- Application deadline: September 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to apply
- Click the 'Apply Online' button on the USAJOBS announcement page to log in or create an account
- Submit a complete resume (maximum 2 pages) and all required supporting documents
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire
- Ensure your complete application package is received by 11:59 PM EST on September 8, 2026
Additional information
- This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program (PPP)
- Applicants can opt-in to make their resume available to other hiring managers within the agency for 180 days
- A tentative job offer will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet pre-employment requirements
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…
- Engineers with an ABET-accredited degree or PE/EIT licensure.
- Professionals with specialized experience in Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) and complex data analysis.
- Those with at least one year of experience at the DP-03/GS9-11 level.
What should you think carefully about?
- Location is Lakehurst, NJ; candidates should verify if relocation assistance is available for their specific case.
- The application requires a very strict 2-page resume limit.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This is a high-impact role for an engineer looking to provide technical expertise to the U.S. Navy, focusing on cutting-edge electromagnetic launch and arresting gear systems.
Our take
Experienced mechanical engineers with specialized knowledge of aircraft launch and recovery systems are ideal candidates.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
