Acquisition Test Manager-direct Hire Authority
Department of the Air Force
Summary
Click on “Learn more about this agency” button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as Chief Developmental Tester (CDT) for C3BM. Incumbent acts as the primary interface with senior management and the Directorate Commander concerning T&E issues.
Duties
- Serves as the Directorate technical authority for test and evaluation.
- Plans, organizes, and directs the activities, ensuring that Test and Evaluation (T & E) complies with legal and regulatory requirements and meets customer needs.
- Serves as the expert for current and proposed T&E guidance.
- Represents the organization and higher management echelons, and provides status information on assigned T&E projects/programs, as required, in high level meetings and discussions with senior government officials, both within and outside the Air Force and the DoD.
- Prepares, presents, defends, and interprets staff studies to the program director and /or other management officials.
How You Will Be Evaluated
Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. Your responses to the questionnaire may be compared to the documents you submit.
The documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of “not qualified” or “insufficient information” and you will not receive further consideration for this job. Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further. APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process.
Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.
Required Documents
- The following documents are required and must be provided with your application.
- Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration.
- Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming.
- Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming.
- Online Application: Questionnaire Resume: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts.
- You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable.
- Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply".
- Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license.
- ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date.
- Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave.
- At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
- Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position.
- The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following: Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member Branch of Armed Forces Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s) Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty Terminal leave start date (if applicable) Expected character of service/discharge and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement) Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.
- Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference.
- If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt.
About this role
The Acquisition Test Manager-direct Hire Authority position with the Department of the Air Force is based in Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts. Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The role pays $142,452 to $197,200 per year.
Day to day, the role serves as the Directorate technical authority for test and evaluation. The full list of duties, conditions, and required documents appears in the official announcement linked on this page.
Who should apply
Review the announcement's Qualifications section closely, since it defines exactly what federal administrative work experience this Acquisition Test Manager-direct Hire Authority position requires. Match your federal resume directly to the announcement's wording so a reviewer can confirm each requirement in writing. For this Acquisition Test Manager-direct Hire Authority position with the Department of the Air Force in Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts, confirm you meet each requirement before applying.
How competitive it is
At $142,452 to $197,200 per year, this is a mid-to-senior role where a precisely tailored application matters most. Because it is a supervisory or senior position, expect experienced candidates and a strong emphasis on a documented leadership and performance record. Based in Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts, it competes within that local market, which can mean lighter competition than major metropolitan postings. The announcement closes on October 14, 2026, and federal postings can close early once enough applications arrive, so applying promptly is wise.
This overview is general guidance from Job Army to help you understand the role. Always read the official announcement for exact duties, qualifications, and requirements before applying.