Become an IT Specialist (Network Services) at Eglin Air Force Base

In the modern defense landscape, military dominance is defined by digital infrastructure. The Department of the Air Force relies on sophisticated, secure, and resilient computer networks to power its next-generation aircraft and simulation environments. If you are a skilled network professional looking to merge your technical talents with national defense, the Information Technology Specialist (Network Services) position at Eglin Air Force Base (AFB) in Florida offers an extraordinary opportunity.

This civilian GS-11 role works directly with the elite F-35 Lightning II program, administering the networks that support advanced hardware simulations, electronic warfare systems, and mission-planning exercises. Operating within the Air Combat Command, this position offers an ideal environment for growth, innovation, and direct service to our nation's defense goals.

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About the Agency: Air Combat Command

The Air Combat Command (ACC) is the primary provider of combat air forces to the United States Air Force. Headquartered at Langley AFB, Virginia, with critical operations hubs like Eglin AFB, ACC organizes, trains, equips, and maintains combat-ready forces.

ACC civilian employees work alongside active-duty military personnel, supporting a vision of Global Vigilance, Global Reach, and Global Power. The civilian workforce is guided by three core values:

• Integrity First: Adhering to the highest moral and ethical standards.
• Service Before Self: Prioritizing duties and missions over personal convenience.
• Excellence in All We Do: Striving to deliver premium capabilities, systems, and performance.

By joining ACC, you become an essential link in the chain that keeps American airpower safe, precise, and unmatched.

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Job Responsibilities

As a journeyman IT Specialist (Network Services), you will manage the network infrastructure for the unit's F-35 Local Area Network (LAN) and its highly specialized F-35 Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) Electronic Warfare and Flight Simulation Laboratories.

Key responsibilities include:

• Network Administration: Developing, testing, installing, operating, and maintaining network services to support complex, high-priority functional requirements.
• Simulation Lab Support: Ensuring stable network performance across advanced Hardware-in-the-Loop systems and flight simulation modules used by military test pilots and engineers.
• Problem Diagnosis: Executing rapid-response network troubleshooting, analyzing performance trends, and resolving hardware or configuration issues.
• Technology Integration: Planning for future software and hardware integrations, keeping local system capabilities aligned with technological advancements and security protocols.
• Information Security: Rigorously applying DoD information assurance policies and network security frameworks to protect critical mission planning and weapon systems data.

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Requirements and Qualifications

To qualify for this GS-11 position under the GS-2210 Information Technology Management series, candidates must meet specific education or specialized experience standards.

Core Competencies

All applicants must demonstrate competence in four primary areas:

1. Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to complex network documentation and configurations.
2. Customer Service: Providing technical guidance and reliable troubleshooting support to mission personnel.
3. Oral Communication: Translating complex technical requirements for non-technical leadership and teams.
4. Problem Solving: Diagnosing complex outages or performance drops and developing secure solutions.

Educational Option

Applicants can qualify based on education if they have completed a Ph.D. (or equivalent doctoral degree) or completed three full years of progressive graduate-level education leading to such a degree. This education must be from an accredited institution in one of the following fields:

• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Information Science
• Information Systems Management
• Mathematics
• Operations Research
• Statistics
• Technology Management

Note: Your program must include at least 24 semester hours of coursework in these fields, emphasizing the design, adaptation, or development of applications, systems, or networks. Transcripts are required at the time of application.

Experience Option

Applicants can qualify via experience by proving they have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the federal civil service. This specialized experience must include:

• Designing, installing, managing, and troubleshooting LAN/WAN infrastructure.
• Analyzing system requirements and executing network configuration adjustments.
• Testing security protocols and ensuring strict compliance with system architecture limits.

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Salary & Compensation Overview

The salary range for this GS-11 position is $75,278 to $97,867 per year, paid on a bi-weekly basis. This range includes local cost-of-living and locality adjustments for Eglin AFB, Florida. Career progression in the GS-2210 series is highly structured, offering consistent opportunities for step increases, promotions, and lateral career shifts within the Department of Defense.

Path Comparison Table

Feature	Education Qualification Path	Experience Qualification Path
Minimum Credentials	Ph.D. or 3 years of progressive graduate-level study	1 year of specialized IT experience equivalent to GS-09
Subject Area Focus	Computer Science, IT Management, Engineering, Math	LAN/WAN administration, network security, configuration
Key Document	Complete official or unofficial academic transcripts	Tailored 2-page resume detailing hours worked per week
Clearance Requirements	Must obtain/maintain Top Secret clearance	Must obtain/maintain Top Secret clearance

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Benefits & Perks

Working as a federal civilian employee with the Department of the Air Force grants you access to an exceptional suite of benefits:

• Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance: Choose from premium plans under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
• Retirement Pension: Earn a lifetime annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Tax-deferred savings with an automatic 1% agency contribution and up to 4% matching.
• Paid Time Off: Earn paid annual vacation days, sick leave, and observe 11 federal holidays annually.
• Work-Life Balance: Telework flexibility options based on local command approvals and operational requirements.
• Disabled Veteran Leave: Veterans with a 30% or higher service-connected disability rating receive up to 104 hours of specialized sick leave during their first year of employment.

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Step-by-Step Application Guide & Tips

The application process for a federal job requires precision. Follow these critical steps to ensure your package is not disqualified before review:

1. Respect the Resume Page Limit: Your resume must not exceed two pages. If you submit a resume with three or more pages, your application will be removed from consideration. Keep your descriptions high-impact and concise.
2. Include Crucial Resume Details: For each job entry, you must include your start and end dates (Month/Year to Month/Year) and the exact number of hours worked per week (e.g., "40 hours/week"). Leaving this off may lead to an "insufficient information" rating.
3. Transcripts are Mandatory for Education: If you are using a degree to qualify, upload clean, legible copies of your transcripts. Ensure they show your name, institution, and major fields of study.
4. Federal Time-in-Grade: If you are a current or former federal employee, you must submit your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) verifying you have served at least one year at the GS-09 level.
5. Review and Submit: Check your USAJOBS account to confirm all files have passed the virus scans and that your application questionnaire is complete before the closing date of September 9, 2026.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is a background check required for this position?

Yes. Because of the highly sensitive nature of F-35 networks and advanced electronic warfare flight simulations, this position requires a comprehensive background check and the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance. Pre-employment and random drug testing are also mandatory.

What is Eglin Air Force Base like?

Located in the Florida Panhandle (Okaloosa County), Eglin AFB is one of the world's largest military bases. It offers pristine coastal living, a robust military community, and excellent educational and recreational facilities.

Are veteran preferences applied?

Yes. Eligible veterans (including VEOA, VRA, and 30% Disabled Veterans) will receive appropriate preference in the hiring process. Make sure to upload your DD Form 214 (Member Copy 4) and SF-15 (if applicable) with your application package.

Can I edit my application after submission?

Yes, you can edit your answers and swap documents any time before the closing deadline on September 9, 2026. Once the announcement closes, no further modifications can be made by you or Human Resources.

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Managing network infrastructures for state-of-the-art fighter programs like the F-35 is more than just a job; it is a vital contribution to national security. If you have the technical expertise, academic qualifications, and a passion for working with hardware-in-the-loop and flight simulation technologies, the Department of the Air Force invites you to apply. Don't wait—gather your transcripts, refine your two-page resume, and submit your application today to launch an exciting civilian career at Eglin AFB.