Federal

C-sUAS Equipment Program Analyst - Direct Hire Authority

Air Force Materiel Command ยท Department of the Air Force
๐Ÿ“ Edwards AFB, California GS-3 $89,508 - $138,370/yr
Posted: Mar 12, 2026 Deadline: Mar 23, 2026 (Closed days left)

About This Position

Veteran's preference does not apply to DHA recruitment "Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for more information. . The primary purpose of this position is to provide a senior Plans and Programs Specialist providing strategic planning and consultation services, project management, and management advisory services for the most complex and difficult projects that typically have a installation-wide impact.

Qualifications

Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-02, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-11 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience is described as: Coordinate work assignments of other analysts, provide advice and assistance, train the staff on new methods or innovative approaches, and handles the most difficult and complex issues that arise in the area of responsibility.

Identify operational requirements, assesses impact on assigned programs, and develop recommendations. Analyze problems created by changes to existing programs and their relations to the broader mission and initiate corrective action as appropriate. Orchestrate the execution of facility/infrastructure programs and projects in accordance with survey and mission plans.

NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. Ideal Candidate: Ideal Candidate Profile: C-sUAS Equipment Program Analyst The ideal candidate for the C-sUAS Equipment Program Analyst role is a highly experienced professional with a comprehensive, current understanding of the Counter-small Unmanned Aerial Systems landscape. The primary focus of this role is to analyze program effectiveness, evaluate emerging technologies, and ensure our organization is equipped with the most effective and relevant C-sUAS solutions to counter a dynamic threat environment.

Core Qualifications & Experience A minimum of three years of direct, operational hands-on experience with C-sUAS equipment and systems is required. This background should stem from either military service in a relevant field (such as Air Defense, Electronic Warfare, or Security Forces) or from direct industry experience in the C-sUAS sector. The candidate must possess a current and thorough understanding of the operational challenges posed by hostile unmanned systems.

Technical and Operational Expertise A strong candidate will demonstrate proficiency and familiarity with a wide array of C-sUAS technologies, systems, and operational concepts. Systems Familiarity: The candidate must be proficient in the function, application, and integration of C-sUAS equipment. This expertise should cover the full spectrum of detection, tracking, identification, and mitigation capabilities, including: Integrated Defense Systems: Experience with fixed-site, mobile, and dismounted systems that combine multiple sensors and effectors into a single, cohesive platform.

Detection and Tracking Technologies: Deep knowledge of various sensor types, including radio frequency (RF) detection, radar, electro-optical (EO), and infrared (IR) systems used to find and track unauthorized UAS. Non-Kinetic Mitigation: Familiarity with a range of electronic warfare effectors, such as man-portable or vehicle-mounted RF jammers, GPS denial/spoofing tools, and systems designed to take control of UAS command links. Kinetic Mitigation: Understanding of systems designed to physically neutralize a UAS, including high-energy lasers, advanced projectiles, and other direct-fire solutions.

Layered Defense Strategy: Crucially, the candidate must be an expert in employing a "layered defense" strategy. This involves the ability to design, integrate, and manage a multi-faceted security posture that combines different detection and mitigation systems. Analytical and Programmatic Skills Beyond technical knowledge, the analyst must possess strong programmatic and analytical skills, including the ability to: Analyze and assess capability gaps in current C-sUAS postures.

Develop and evaluate training programs for C-sUAS system operators. Consult with program managers and system developers on technology integration, testing, and modernization efforts. Prepare detailed reports, briefings, and strategic recommendations for leadership on C-sUAS threats, equipment, and operational doctrine.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1. In-depth knowledge of accepted management and program analyst concepts, principles, and practices as they apply to organization operations, systems, and resources and ability to apply this knowledge to conventional work assignments. Applies analytical skills to the programming process key installation resources.

  1. Knowledge of the financial, budgetary, maintenance and operational plans, policies, and programs of the organization to forecast budgets for installation programs and systems. Knowledge of the probable effects of changes in current and future year funding requirements.
  2. Knowledge and skill in verifying and tracking fiscal expenditures, available funds, etc., and to identify adverse trends and other incongruities.
  3. Knowledge of the missions, functions, and organizational components of the Air Armament Center and relationships with lateral and higher headquarters within the US Air Force to precisely articulate resource requirements and develop resource allocation/reallocation recommendations.
  4. In-depth knowledge of established qualitative and/or quantitative methods for the assessment and improvement of field level plans and programs for conducting major operations such as research, mission and flight operations, strategic airlift, deployment(s), mobilization(s), exercise(s), rescue, PPBS, acquisition, special operations, or similar operations.
  5. In-depth knowledge of Air Force and command program strategic and performance planning priorities, goals objectives and metrics, the sequence and timing of key events and milestones, and methods of evaluating the effectiveness of planning actions related to actual or planned events; and the relationship of the various command entities involved in overall program planning and execution of military operations and evaluations.
  6. Skill to design, plan, organize, and conduct comprehensive studies; and prepare solutions to important and highly visible military operational and contingency mission areas.
  7. Skill to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to gain cooperation from others through tact, courtesy, and diplomacy.
  8. Ability to access or locate information through the use of a personal computer and software programs. I0. Skill to plan, organize, develop and conduct studies and projects, making recommendations on substantive operating programs, and collaborate effectively with others to develop solutions, coordinate with affected leadership and implement recommendations. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.

You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Major Duties

As a senior analyst and technical lead directing lower graded analysts in the office, develops planning/programming proposals and decisions providing recommendations to meet Air Force, Major Command, Center and Wing requirements. Assists in developing and maintaining installation site survey and new mission beddown plans. Establishes, integrates, and executes beddown plans for new customer organizations to Eglin Air Force Base.

Participates in conferences and meetings to deliver presentations on substantive mission and support issues, project/program status, accomplishments, challenges encountered and anticipated, support requirements, and the integration and advocacy of program and project objectives as it relates the mission of the Wing and/or Center.

Education

ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience; transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education.

Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements.

You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

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.

Additional Information

This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in selection.

This job announcement may close at any time - apply now! This is an acquisition demonstration project position NH-03 equivalent to a GS-12 to GS-13. Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

How to Apply

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 03/23/2026 To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12904972 To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.

Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1.

Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp. Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors.

Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here. For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present).

If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09.

Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy.

Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume.

  1. A complete Application Questionnaire
  2. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
  3. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here. OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS: Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Awards for Current Federal Civilian Employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.

Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s). PLEASE

NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date.

You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the C-sUAS Equipment Program Analyst - Direct Hire Authority position at Air Force Materiel Command?
The salary range for this position is $89,508 - $138,370/yr. This is a GS-3 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the C-sUAS Equipment Program Analyst - Direct Hire Authority job located?
This position is located in Edwards AFB, California. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-02, equivalent to the next lower grade ...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Mar 23, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Top Secret clearance is required.
What does GS-3 mean?
GS-3 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.