Lead Critical Defense Initiatives: Supervisory Physical Scientist/General Engineer Opportunity

Are you an expert in engineering and physical sciences looking to take your career to the next level? The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist/General Engineer (GS-14) to lead the Site Management Division at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. This is a unique opportunity to oversee national security infrastructure and manage teams dedicated to weapon effects testing.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will be the lead for the Test and Assessment Department's Site Management Division. Your core duties include:

Leadership: Providing direct supervision and guidance to a diverse group of civilian and military staff.
Project Oversight: Managing the construction, operation, and maintenance of specialized testbeds used for high-explosive and air blast testing.
Strategic Planning: Developing and justifying long-term goals for personnel and ensuring effective deployment of government resources.
Budgeting: Assisting in the formulation and execution of divisional budgets.
Technical Compliance: Enforcing administrative and technical provisions of high-value construction contracts.

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-14 position, you must demonstrate one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the federal government. This experience should include:

Technical direction of construction projects involving weapon effects testing.
Maintenance of test infrastructure and specialized test equipment.
Managing contractor resources and ensuring technical compliance.

Comparison of Qualifications

Requirement	Description
Grade Level	GS-14
Experience	1 Year specialized at GS-13 equivalent
Clearance	Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)
Education	Required (Must provide transcripts)

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is $127,141 to $165,288 per year. Salary placement is subject to federal pay regulations and experience.

Benefits

As a federal employee, you will have access to an industry-leading benefits package, including:

Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
A robust retirement package including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Opportunities for career development and leadership training.

Application Tips

Mind the Limit: The two-page resume limit is strictly enforced. Keep it concise and impact-focused.
Highlight Experience: Use clear, measurable metrics to describe your success in managing budgets and personnel.
Submit Required Documentation: Ensure you upload your transcripts and most recent SF-50 (if applicable) immediately to avoid an incomplete application status.

This position at DTRA is more than just a job; it is a vital contribution to national security. If you have the technical engineering background and leadership experience needed to maintain our nation's testbed capabilities, we encourage you to apply today through the USAJobs portal.

Why This Supervisory Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist/General Engineer Job Matters

Take command of mission-critical defense infrastructure and shape the future of high-stakes testing with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

Supervisory Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist/General Engineer Job Overview

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is seeking a visionary Supervisory Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist/General Engineer to lead the Test and Assessment Department's Site Management Division at Kirtland AFB. In this high-impact role, you will oversee a specialized team and manage the construction, maintenance, and strategic operations of complex testbeds. You will be responsible for balancing technical engineering oversight with administrative leadership to ensure our national security efforts remain effective, secure, and ready for emerging threats.

Requirements for Supervisory Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist/General Engineer

One year of specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level (or equivalent).
Expertise in advising on the construction and management of high-explosive and air blast test articles.
Proven history of managing government resources, infrastructure maintenance, and construction contract administration.
Ability to develop and execute complex divisional budgets and test master plans.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance.
Required to pass an initial drug screening and participate in random drug testing.
Must submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Form (OGE 450).
U.S. Citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist/General Engineer

Professional Engineering (PE) licensure or Engineer in Training (EIT) certification.
Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams of military and civilian personnel.
Extensive experience in interdisciplinary physical science or engineering environments.
Strong background in federal contract enforcement and resource deployment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Health and Life Insurance programs
✓Federal Retirement System (FERS)
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
✓Paid Time Off (Annual and Sick leave)
✓Telework opportunities available
✓Professional growth and training programs

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist/General Engineer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist/General Engineer Job

Prepare a resume that does not exceed the mandatory two-page limit.
Ensure your resume reflects your work schedule, hours per week, and dates of employment.
Gather your educational transcripts to confirm you meet degree requirements.
Obtain your most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former federal employee.
Submit your complete application package via the USAJobs portal by the closing date.
Complete the online questionnaire as prompted.

💡 General Tips

Strictly follow the two-page resume limit; exceeding this will result in immediate disqualification.
Use a clear, legible font like Lato or Arial to ensure readability for the automated systems.
Save all documents as PDFs to maintain formatting and ensure compliance.
Double-check that your transcripts clearly list your name, school, degree awarded, and credits earned.
Address each competency listed in the job duties to ensure your resume highlights relevant experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is telework available for this position?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework, though specific schedules are determined by agency policy and operational requirements.

What is the security clearance requirement?

The position requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance, classified as Special-Sensitive/High Risk.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No. The vacancy announcement explicitly states that any resume exceeding two pages will lead to removal from consideration.

Do I need a Professional Engineering license?

*A: While it is a strong preferred qualification, applicants can also qualify through a combination of education (including 24 semester hours in physical sciences/engineering) and relevant professional experience.*

What is the security clearance level?

*A: You must be able to obtain and maintain a Special-Sensitive/High-Risk SCI clearance.*

Job from Defense Threat Reduction Agency

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is a premier Department of Defense organization. Its mission is to enable the U.S. government to deter strategic attacks, prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and prevail against WMD-armed adversaries. Working at DTRA means being part of a team that tackles some of the most significant challenges to global security.