Engineering the Future of Defense: Electrical Engineer Roles at JWAC

The Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC), part of the Air Force Elements of U.S. Strategic Command, is currently seeking highly skilled Electrical Engineers to join their team in Dahlgren, Virginia. If you are a professional who thrives on solving complex, high-stakes technical problems and wants to contribute directly to national security, this may be the career pivot you have been searching for.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will go beyond standard engineering tasks. You will:

Perform physics-based modeling and analysis on power grid components and nodes.
Utilize Python to develop innovative targeting solutions.
Partner with intelligence agencies to translate complex data into actionable operational plans.
Mentor junior team members and provide technical guidance on SCADA and power system methodologies.

Comparison of Role Levels

Feature	DR-0850-01 Level	DR-0850-02 Level
Focus	Individual analysis & modeling	Strategic leadership & experiment design
Guidance	Minimal guidance provided	High autonomy in complex projects
Scope	Data-driven targeting solutions	System-wide innovation & integration

Requirements

To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet the OPM qualification standards for professional engineering positions. A typical applicant will have at least one year of specialized experience in electrical circuit design, power systems, or SCADA modeling. Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team are non-negotiable.

Salary Overview

This position offers a highly competitive salary range, reflecting the technical rigor required for the role. With a floor of $62,688 and a ceiling of $158,756 per year, compensation is based on experience, qualifications, and the specific duties assigned to the selected candidate.

Benefits

Federal service comes with industry-leading benefits, including:

Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB).
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
Robust paid leave and holiday schedule.
Career growth opportunities within the Department of Defense.

Application Tips

Respect the Limit: Keep your resume to exactly two pages. Longer resumes will be disqualified.
Be Specific: Explicitly state the hours worked per week for every position listed.
Provide Documentation: Ensure your transcripts are ready, as they are mandatory if qualifying based on education.

Serving as an Electrical Engineer at the JWAC is more than just a job; it is a commitment to national protection and innovation. With a clear path for professional development and the chance to solve real-world problems, this position is an excellent opportunity for any seasoned engineer looking to make a meaningful difference.

Why This Electrical Engineer-Direct Hire Authority Job Matters

Join the Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC) and leverage your electrical engineering expertise to solve critical national security challenges in a high-stakes, innovative environment.

Electrical Engineer-Direct Hire Authority Job Overview

The Air Force Elements at the U.S. Strategic Command is seeking talented Electrical Engineers to support the Joint Warfare Analysis Center in Dahlgren, Virginia. In this role, you will apply complex modeling, simulation, and analysis to solve intricate problems related to electric power grids, SCADA networks, and electromagnetic energy. This position offers the unique opportunity to influence targeting solutions and defense strategies for the United States, utilizing your skills to bridge the gap between technical data and operational mission success.

Requirements for Electrical Engineer-Direct Hire Authority

U.S. Citizenship.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance.
Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
Must be able to successfully undergo a high-risk security background investigation.
Submission of a professional resume (maximum 2 pages).
Evidence of relevant education (official transcripts required upon selection).
One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications for Electrical Engineer-Direct Hire Authority

Experience in SCADA network operations and power grid modeling.
Proficiency in programming languages, specifically Python, for data analysis.
Expertise in performing physics-based modeling and simulation.
Proven track record of leadership in multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
Experience in project management, including milestone development and financial oversight.
Background in Intelligence Community collaborative environments.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Generous retirement plans including FERS and TSP.
✓Paid federal holidays, vacation time, and sick leave.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Work-life balance with telework eligibility.
✓Stable federal career path with upward mobility.

💡 How to Apply Electrical Engineer-Direct Hire Authority Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Electrical Engineer-Direct Hire Authority Job

Create or update your account on USAJOBS.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages, including hours worked per week and specific dates of employment.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Upload all required supporting documents, including transcripts and current/former federal SF-50 forms if applicable.
Submit your application package before the closing date of December 4, 2026.
Monitor your email for status updates and acknowledgment receipts.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly lists the number of hours worked per week; failure to include this can lead to an 'insufficient information' status.
Double-check that your resume is under the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be automatically removed from consideration.
Highlight any performance awards or ratings from the past three years to strengthen your application.
If you are a current federal employee, ensure your SF-50 accurately reflects your current pay plan, series, and grade.
Use the 'Searchable' feature in your USAJOBS profile to help recruiters find your credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level of security clearance is required for this position?

This position requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance. You must be able to obtain and maintain this status to remain in the role.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No. The application guidelines strictly state that resumes must not exceed two pages. Resumes exceeding this limit will not be considered.

Is telework available for this role?

Yes, this position is telework-eligible, though specific arrangements may be discussed with your supervisor upon hire.

Job from Air Force Elements, U.S. Strategic Command

The JWAC provides unique analytical and technical expertise to support the mission of the Department of the Air Force. Their work involves cutting-edge technology, integrated operations, and a commitment to excellence. Working here means collaborating with top-tier scientists, analysts, and fellow engineers to solve the most pressing challenges facing the Department of Defense today.