Advance Your Career: General Engineer Opportunity at the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center
The United States Air Force offers unique opportunities for civil servants to develop leadership skills that bridge the gap between technical expertise and strategic mission execution. The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) at Kirtland AFB is currently offering a premier 36-month career-broadening assignment for a General Engineer. This role is designed for professionals looking to influence national-level defense projects while enhancing their mastery of civil engineering, program management, and installation support.
Job Responsibilities
As a General Engineer in this broadening assignment, you will take on responsibilities that go far beyond standard engineering tasks:
- Leadership Development: Engage in high-level planning for Weapons Generation Facilities (WGF).
- Project Oversight: Manage and contribute to studies, designs, and MILCON reviews.
- Integration: Serve as the vital link between warfighting requirements and the Civil Engineer functional community.
- Governance: Represent the AFNWC on steering groups and working boards to solve complex organizational challenges.
- Mentorship: Provide guidance and expertise to junior engineers, fostering a culture of innovation.
Salary and Comparison
| Pay Level | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| GS-14 Equivalent | $127,141 - $165,288 |
Note: Salary is based on the General Schedule (GS) pay scale for professional engineering positions.
Requirements
To be considered for this high-impact role, you must meet strict federal criteria:
- Status: Must be a current permanent Air Force employee in the Civil Engineer career field.
- Experience: 52 weeks of Time-in-Grade (TIG) at the GS-13 level.
- Education: Completion of an ABET-accredited engineering degree.
- Clearance: Ability to hold and maintain SCI clearance.
Benefits
Employees in this role benefit from the robust package associated with federal service, including full health/life insurance, a competitive retirement pension plan, and the potential for a $10,000 relocation incentive, should your move qualify under current regulations.
Application Tips
- Be Concise: Your resume must be strictly two pages or less.
- Be Specific: Include dates of employment and hours per week for every position.
- Include Performance Data: Highlight your awards and performance ratings from the last three years.
- Check Your SF-50: Ensure your uploaded documents clearly substantiate your grade and TIG requirements.
This 36-month assignment is more than a job; it is a defining moment in your career. By leveraging your engineering expertise at the AFNWC, you will gain unparalleled experience that sets you apart as a leader. Ensure your application is submitted by July 22, 2026, to be considered for this exclusive opportunity.
Why This General Engineer Job Matters
Elevate your engineering career with a high-impact, 36-month broadening assignment at the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, driving mission-critical infrastructure projects at Kirtland AFB.
General Engineer Job Overview
The Air Force Civilian Career Training program is seeking a seasoned General Engineer for a prestigious career-broadening opportunity within the AFNWC/PI Directorate at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. This 36-month assignment is designed to sharpen leadership, project management, and business acumen for high-potential individuals. You will work at the intersection of civil engineering and nuclear enterprise warfighting requirements, helping to oversee and integrate Weapons Generation Facilities and vital national infrastructure. This is an internal opportunity aimed at current permanent competitive service employees within the Civil Engineer career field.
Requirements for General Engineer
- Must be a current permanent competitive service career/career-conditional employee or current permanent AF DCIPS employee with reinstatement rights.
- Limited to current permanent internal Air Force employees serving in the Civil Engineer (CE) career field.
- Must have served at least 52 weeks at the GS-13 grade level or equivalent (Time-in-Grade requirement).
- Must hold a professional degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program or a combination of education and experience.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
- Resume must not exceed two pages and include hours worked per week and specific dates of employment.
Preferred Qualifications for General Engineer
- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI) or Professional Engineer (PE).
- Evidence of passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination.
- Experience in integrating asset management, planning, and acquisition within Civil Engineering.
- Expertise in Air Force Corporate Structure and Federal Budgeting systems.
- Demonstrated ability to brief senior leadership and produce complex analytical reports.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- βCompetitive Federal Salary ($127,141 - $165,288)
- βRelocation incentive of up to $10,000
- βComprehensive health and life insurance options
- βFederal retirement benefits
- βGenerous paid time off and federal holidays
- βTelework eligibility as permitted by position requirements
π‘ How to Apply General Engineer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for General Engineer Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Ensure your resume is updated, does not exceed two pages, and includes all required employment data.
- Complete the online application questionnaire through the USA Staffing portal.
- Upload all required supporting documents, including your most recent SF-50.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of July 22, 2026.
π‘ General Tips
- Verify that your SF-50s clearly reflect your one-year Time-in-Grade requirement.
- Tailor your two-page resume to emphasize leadership and program management accomplishments.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents contain your full name.
- Submit your application early to allow time for the system to process your documents.
- List performance ratings and awards from the last three years directly on your resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a permanent position?
No, this is a career-broadening assignment with a duration of 36 months.
Who is eligible to apply?
This announcement is limited to current permanent internal Air Force employees who are currently serving in the Civil Engineer career field.
What is the security clearance requirement?
This position requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance, as it is classified as a Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk role.
Job from Air Force Civilian Career Training
The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) is responsible for the acquisition, modernization, and sustainment of nuclear systems. Its mission is critical to global security, and the PI Directorate is at the heart of this effort, ensuring that infrastructure supports warfighter requirements anytime, anywhere. Working here means aligning yourself with the core values of integrity, service, and excellence.
