Engineering the Future: Careers in Missile Defense at NAVAIR
The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is currently seeking talented, driven professionals for General Engineer roles based in Tucson, Arizona. If you are passionate about national security and want to advance your career in a high-stakes engineering environment, this position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge missile defense programs. This guide covers what you need to know about joining the Department of the Navy as a civilian leader.
Job Responsibilities
As a General Engineer, you will:
- Act as a technical subject matter expert for missile development and production.
- Provide technical assessments and written reporting to senior leadership.
- Monitor cost, schedule, and technical metrics to mitigate project risk.
- Lead reviews of Engineering Change Proposals and Major/Minor Variances.
- Conduct root cause investigations during equipment failure events.
Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the basic education requirements, which include a degree in an ABET-accredited engineering program or a combination of 60 semester hours of engineering coursework and professional experience. Additionally, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS 9-11 or DP-03 equivalent level.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Category | Requirement Standard |
|---|---|
| Education | Professional Engineering Degree or Equivalent |
| Experience | 1+ Year Specialized (GS 9-11 Equivalent) |
| Security | Top Secret (Special-Sensitive) |
| Certification | Recommended (PE or EIT) |
Salary Overview
This position offers a highly competitive salary range between $91,205 and $140,994 per year, commensurate with your experience and the specific requirements of the vacancy.
Benefits
- Federal retirement plans (FERS/TSP)
- Extensive health and life insurance options
- Generous leave accrual
- Mentorship and leadership training
- Potential recruitment/relocation incentives
Application Tips
- Focus on the Resume: Your resume is your primary evaluation tool. Keep it under two pages.
- Be Specific: Detail your accomplishments and your role in past projects.
- Verify Documents: Ensure your transcripts clearly demonstrate how you meet the OPM engineering science requirements.
Serving as a General Engineer with the Naval Air Systems Command in Tucson is an unparalleled opportunity to influence the defense industry. If you meet the criteria and are ready to tackle complex engineering challenges, prepare your application documentation today and take the next step in your federal career.
Why This General Engineer Job Matters
Launch your engineering career with the Naval Air Systems Command in Tucson, where innovation meets national security. We are seeking technical experts to shape the future of missile defense.
General Engineer Job Overview
The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is seeking dedicated General Engineers to join our team at the TECHREP Office in Tucson, Arizona. This position offers a unique opportunity to serve as a subject matter expert in the development, integration, and production lifecycles of advanced munitions and missile defense systems. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring mission success by providing critical technical oversight, managing complex acquisition projects, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to safeguard our national interests.
Requirements for General Engineer
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Must possess a professional engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program or meet rigorous alternative education standards in physical/mathematical sciences.
- At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS 9-11 level or DP-03 pay band.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Must provide a concise, two-page resume detailing relevant project management and engineering experience.
Preferred Qualifications for General Engineer
- Proven history of leading engineering teams through complex missile system development life cycles.
- Advanced knowledge of government contracting, procurement policies, and logistics resources.
- Current licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) or Engineer in Training (EIT).
- Extensive experience in reviewing Engineering Change Proposals (ECP) and technical variance documentation.
- Demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis during failure investigations.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary packages.
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance and life insurance options.
- ✓Defined benefit pension plan and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent).
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and specialized training.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
💡 How to Apply General Engineer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for General Engineer Job
- Prepare a detailed, two-page maximum resume highlighting specific engineering accomplishments.
- Gather necessary documentation, including academic transcripts, certifications, and proof of veteran status if applicable.
- Visit the official NAVAIR application portal to submit your materials.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are legible and include critical employment details (dates, hours per week, pay scales).
- Verify the receipt of your application package through the online portal.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages; documents exceeding this limit may not be reviewed.
- Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure you capture all required federal employment data, such as series, grade, and full contact information.
- Be explicit about your experience level; quantify your achievements in terms of cost, schedule, and technical impact.
- Redact sensitive personal information like Social Security Numbers before submitting, though be prepared to provide unredacted copies if selected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of a General Engineer at the Tucson TECHREP office?
You will serve as a subject matter expert, overseeing the technical aspects of missile development, production, and integration to support the Portfolio Acquisition Executive.
Is this a remote-friendly position?
While this role is telework-eligible, it is not a fully remote position and requires a physical presence at the Tucson facility.
What level of security clearance is required?
This role is classified as Special-Sensitive (High Risk) and requires a Top Secret security clearance.
How do I submit my application?
Applications must be submitted through the official NAVAIR portal provided in the application link.
Will I be notified of my status?
Qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager; however, the agency may not send out notices to all applicants.
Job from Naval Air Systems Command
The Department of the Navy is committed to safeguarding the freedoms of the United States through innovation and excellence. The TECHREP office in Tucson is essential to the Munitions and Missile Defense Agency (MDA), where engineers ensure that critical defense hardware is ready for the field. Working here means more than just a job; it means joining a community of scientists, engineers, and professionals who prioritize service.