Come be a part of something big! Smart Minds, Cool Jobs, and Awesome Rewards! Fueled by innovation, talent and ambition, the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) is seeking civilian professionals prepared to deploy war-winning capabilities on behalf of the United States Air Force.
OPENS: 30 MARCH 2026
CLOSES: 13 APRIL 2026
**IMPORTANT**
- AFNWC is requiring the 2-page resume format for our job announcements. Please access this link to learn more about what to include in your resume: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include
- Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience, education, and professional development is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors.
- The hiring manager will reject any illegible/unreadable resumes or resumes that do not comply with the 2-page limitation.
- Provide all academic degrees, professional military education and any other professional certifications on your 2-page resume.
Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) is seeking one full-time Lead General Engineer to work in the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Systems Directorate, Sentinel Systems Division at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.
This position (981849) is an NH-0801-04, which has a typical 2026 salary range of $125,776 – $192,331.
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the Sentinel Command Systems Segment Lead Engineer.
DUTIES:
- This position will hold delegated OSS&E from the Sentinel Chief Engineer, with voting authority at Segment level technical boards, and will be expected to provide inputs to the Weapon System level boards as the responsible authority for technical decisions within the Command Systems Segment. Proactive understanding and integration coordination with the Sentinel Chief Engineer and other lead engineers across the Weapon System is a must due to the integrated nature of this complex system.
- The incumbent serves as the technical advisor to the Sentinel Command Systems Segment SML-L and will have OPCON/mentoring responsibilities for other IPT lead engineers within the Segment. This position will work with engineers of varying grades, badges, and disciplines to ensure all appropriate systems engineering rigor is planned and executed across the Segment, along with the inclusion of all specialty functions as needed in accordance with program requirements and design review execution plans.
EXPERIENCE:
- At least eight (8) years of relevant technical experience is highly desired to perform this critical Systems Engineering role. Specialized experience at the NH-04 or equivalent grade as a Chief Engineer or Lead Systems Engineer; nuclear command and control systems experience is highly preferred.
- This is a Critical Engineering Position (CEP). All candidates must meet the minimum core criteria for a Lead Engineer per AFMC Instruction 62-202. This includes the foundational requirement of having prior product technical management experience.
- Experience in defense weapon system and nuclear weapon system development, especially experience related to strategic missile systems, is highly desired.
- Ideal candidates will possess a combination of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities, which are critical differentiators for success in this role:
Ability: Inherent capacity to lead, influence, and manage in a complex environment, including:
- Mentorship & Influence: The ability to provide technical oversight, mentorship, and operational control (OPCON) to a diverse team of engineers across various grades and disciplines.
- Strategic Coordination: Ability to proactively anticipate integration challenges and coordinate effectively with the Chief Engineer and other lead engineers across a complex and highly integrated Weapon System.
- Advising Leadership: The ability to serve as a trusted technical advisor, translating complex engineering issues into actionable information for senior materiel leader-level management.
Skill: Demonstrated technical leadership and program execution skills, including:
- Technical Milestone Management: Proven skill in leading the technical preparation for and execution of major program milestones, specifically Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and Critical Design Review (CDR).
- Systems Integration: Advanced skill in managing and executing the integration of complex systems with numerous internal and external interfaces, multiple contractor deliverables, and Government Furnished Property (GFP).
- Team Leadership: Experience leading a technical team as an Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead or Lead Engineer, preferably at the NH-04 level.
Knowledge: Expert understanding of complex technical and acquisitions domains, including:
- Technical System Domains: Subject matter expertise in ground systems, secure weapon system communication links/pathways, and Nuclear Command & Control (NC2/NC3) systems.
- Certification Processes: Comprehensive knowledge of the requirements and rigor associated with critical certification focus areas, such as cybersecurity (Risk Management Framework), nuclear certification, and cryptography.
- Acquisition Program Execution: Deep familiarity with the MDAP/ACAT I lifecycle, including experience navigating critical program events like a Nunn-McCurdy declaration and subsequent restructuring.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION (NOT ALL-INCLUSIVE):
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance and required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
- This is a Critical Engineering Position (CEP). Candidates must meet the minimum core criteria at the Lead Engineer level per AFMC Instruction 62-202, Criteria for Critical Engineering Positions, 13 November 2023.
- To qualify as an Engineer, employee must meet the education and specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards, Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf
- A professional engineering degree at the bachelor’s level from an ABET accredited institution is required; an advanced engineering degree, such as a Master’s or a PhD is preferred.
- This position is designated as a drug testing position. The incumbent is subjected to pre-employment drug testing as a condition of employment, and participation in random drug testing thereafter.
- Employee must meet Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements, which includes achieving Engineering and Technical Management “Practitioner” certification category within required timeframe after appointment.
- In accordance with the Ethics in Government Act, 1978, employee may be required to file an OGE Form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, upon appointment and will be required to file annually.
- Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
HOW TO APPLY:
- When applying at the link below, please use Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.
- Click here to apply: https://afcs.experience.crmforce.mil/s/registration?jobId=a05Rw000004zN2DIAU by Midnight Eastern Time, 13 APRIL 2026. Complete your application and upload your resume and any additional documents (e.g., unofficial transcripts, certifications, cover letters, etc.).
- Permanent Change of Station (PCS) will be covered. Recruitment incentives and or relocation costs might be offered upon review of qualifications, and other significant factors.
- If you have questions about this position or about the application process, please contact AFNWC Talent Acquisition at afnwc.dpd.talentacquisitions@us.af.mil .
- To find all current job and internship opportunities at the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, visit the AFNWC webpage at: https://www.afnwc.af.mil/About-Us/Jobs/.
- To receive additional information about current and future job openings with AFCS via email notification, please subscribe at www.Afciviliancareers.com and sign up to “Get Career Updates.”
U.S. citizenship required. AFCS is Equal Opportunity Employer. Must be of legal working age.