Launch Your Career at the Frontier of Defense Technology

Are you an engineer or scientist with a passion for high-stakes testing? The U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) is currently seeking an Interdisciplinary professional to join the Neutron Effects Branch at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), New Mexico. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the nation’s defense by ensuring that the equipment used by our soldiers is safe, reliable, and cutting-edge.

Job Responsibilities

As a member of the Ionizing Radiation Facilities Division, your day-to-day duties will be varied and highly technical:

Reactor Operations: You will conduct test setups, ensure compliance with safety protocols, and have the authority to terminate operations if necessary.
Technical Troubleshooting: Review electrical schematics and maintain diagnostic systems, including Flash X-ray units and programmable logic controllers.
Data Analysis: Monitor and analyze reactor performance data to ensure compliance with Department of Army Technical Specifications.
Facility Maintenance: Perform hands-on work, including special nuclear material handling and system inspections.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Education: A Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or chemistry (as defined by specific series requirements).
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the NH-02 (GS-11) level.
Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Certifications: Readiness to pursue or maintain certifications like PI-538 flash X-ray operator and Personal Reliability Program (PRP) status.

Salary Overview

This position uses the AcqDemo pay band system.

Pay Band	Salary Range	Equivalent GS Range
NH-03	$89,508 - $138,370	GS-12/13

Benefits of Working at ATEC

Beyond a competitive salary, civilian employees at WSMR enjoy:

Housing: Availability of on-post civilian housing.
Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System and the Thrift Savings Plan.
Stability: Federal health and life insurance benefits.
Environment: Access to world-class testing facilities and collaborative work with top-tier scientists.

Application Tips

Format Matters: Your resume must be two pages or less. Overly long resumes will be excluded from consideration.
Be Explicit: Clearly state your hours per week for all previous positions.
Use Plain Language: Avoid complex acronyms that may confuse HR specialists reviewing your file.

If you are ready to work on projects that directly impact national security in a premier research environment, this position at White Sands Missile Range is the perfect next step. Ensure your application is submitted by October 30, 2026, and be sure to highlight your technical expertise in your resume.

Why This Interdisciplinary Job Matters

Join the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command at the world's premier open-air testing range as an Interdisciplinary Engineer or Scientist, playing a critical role in the future of national defense readiness.

Interdisciplinary Job Overview

This unique interdisciplinary position is located within the Ionizing Radiation Facilities Division at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. As part of ATEC, you will support the testing and evaluation of military technologies. The role encompasses various disciplines, including general, mechanical, nuclear, electrical, and electronics engineering, as well as physics and chemistry, depending on your qualifications and agency requirements.

Requirements for Interdisciplinary

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
Must complete a 1-year probationary period.
Must meet positive education requirements for the specific occupational series (Engineering, Physics, or Chemistry).
One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (NH-02/GS-11 equivalent).
Must maintain required certifications including PI-538 flash X-ray operator, and Personal Reliability Program (PRP) certification.
Must be physically able to perform hands-on reactor maintenance and work in radiation-monitored environments.

Preferred Qualifications for Interdisciplinary

Demonstrated proficiency in nuclear reactor safety evaluations or critical assembly testing.
Experience troubleshooting complex electrical schematics and electronic instrumentation.
Expertise in operating Flash X-ray diagnostic systems.
Ability to execute and manage test setups for unprecedented projects.
Strong background in technical customer support within a test/evaluation setting.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave
✓On-post housing opportunities for civilian employees
✓Relocation incentives may be authorized
✓Professional development and training opportunities within the AcqDemo project

💡 How to Apply Interdisciplinary Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Interdisciplinary Job

Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, clearly detailing relevant work experience and dates.
Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Complete the online application and questionnaire.
Upload all required supporting documents, including transcripts and professional licenses/certifications.
Submit your complete application package before the deadline of October 30, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
Avoid using unexplained acronyms; use plain language to describe your accomplishments.
Ensure your resume includes the number of hours worked per week for each job entry.
Double-check that all required certifications (e.g., PE, EIT) are attached.
Submit your documents early to account for the time needed for virus scanning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position only for engineers?

No, it is an interdisciplinary position. While it covers various engineering branches, it also considers candidates with professional backgrounds in Physics (1310) and Chemistry (1320).

What is the pay system for this position?

This position operates under the Acquisition Demonstration Project (AcqDemo). The NH-03 pay band corresponds roughly to the former GS-12/13 levels, with a salary ceiling of $138,370.

Are there housing options for civilians?

Yes, due to the remote location of White Sands Missile Range, on-post housing is available to civilian employees.

Can I use education to substitute for experience?

*A: No, this position requires meeting qualification standards through specialized experience alone.*

What is the significance of the AcqDemo project?

*A: It is an alternate personnel system that replaces traditional GS grades with broader pay bands, allowing for more flexible salary management based on performance.*

Job from U.S. Army Test And Evaluation Command

ATEC serves as the independent testing organization for the U.S. Army. With the motto, "If a Soldier rides, wears, shoots, or deploys it, we test it," the agency is central to the development of everything from autonomous vehicles to hypersonic weapons. WSMR is the largest fully-instrumented, open-air range in the Department of Defense, offering a premier environment for research and evaluation.