Launch Your Career: Engineering and Science Opportunities at White Sands

Are you ready to support the men and women of the United States Armed Forces through cutting-edge technology? The U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) is currently hiring for an interdisciplinary role at the White Sands Test Center. This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical skills in a high-stakes environment where innovation meets national security.

Job Responsibilities

As an interdisciplinary professional, your daily responsibilities will include:

Test Development: Designing and supporting test plans to verify technical requirements.
Team Leadership: Coordinating multidisciplinary teams to ensure mission objectives are met on time.
Technical Analysis: Conducting advanced engineering and scientific investigations to solve complex problems.
Advisory Services: Providing expert consultation to various defense and energy agencies regarding system survivability.

Requirements

To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Education: A Bachelor's degree or higher in an engineering, physics, or chemistry field, meeting OPM series-specific requirements.
Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level.
Documentation: A resume of two pages or less and appropriate supporting documentation.

Eligibility Comparison

Feature	Qualification Type
Academic	Engineering, Physics, or Chemistry Degree
Experience	1+ Year Specialized (GS-11 Equivalent)
Security	Secret Clearance Eligibility

Salary Overview

This position is part of the Acquisition Demonstration Project (AcqDemo), specifically under the NH-03 broadband. Salaries for this role range from $89,508 to $138,370 per year, commensurate with qualifications and locality pay.

Benefits

Employees enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Paid annual and sick leave.
Opportunities for relocation incentives and student loan repayment.

Application Tips

Focus Your Resume: Keep it to two pages. Emphasize your technical accomplishments rather than general duties.
Check Your Eligibility: Ensure you select the correct hiring authorities to maximize your consideration.
Prepare for Verification: Have your transcripts and SF-50 forms ready to upload early in the process.

Serving as a civilian at ATEC provides a rewarding career path where your technical expertise protects the warfighter. Apply today to contribute to the next generation of defense readiness at White Sands Missile Range.

Why This Interdisciplinary Job Matters

Join the forefront of defense innovation at the White Sands Missile Range, where your engineering or scientific expertise directly impacts the safety and success of our Soldiers.

Interdisciplinary Job Overview

The U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) is seeking a highly skilled professional for an interdisciplinary role at the White Sands Test Center in New Mexico. This position operates within the Acquisition Demonstration Project (AcqDemo) and supports critical survivability assessment activities. As an interdisciplinary hire, you will apply your background in materials, mechanical, or electronics engineering, physics, or chemistry to ensure cutting-edge military technologies meet rigorous defense standards.

Requirements for Interdisciplinary

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering, physics, or chemistry that meets OPM standards.
Minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Completion of a one-year probationary period.
Submission of a Public or Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.
Resume must be two pages or less.

Preferred Qualifications for Interdisciplinary

Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification.
Demonstrated experience in supporting test plan development and technical data collection.
Strong background in interdisciplinary program coordination and schedule management.
Experience in nuclear and electromagnetic environmental effects testing.
Proven ability to provide authoritative advisory services to defense agencies.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary with locality pay.
✓Participation in the AcqDemo pay band system.
✓Opportunities for Recruitment or Relocation incentives.
✓Potential for Student Loan Repayment programs.
✓Relocation allowances for eligible candidates (PCS).
✓Telework eligibility as per agency policy.
✓Comprehensive federal health, life, and retirement benefits.

💡 How to Apply Interdisciplinary Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Interdisciplinary Job

Log in or create a profile on the USAJOBS portal.
Review the specific eligibility criteria for internal/merit promotion announcements.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, highlighting specialized experience.
Upload required documentation, including transcripts and applicable SF-50 forms.
Verify all documents have cleared the system’s virus scan before submission.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Use plain, clear language in your resume and avoid obscure acronyms.
Ensure your resume includes start/end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every position listed.
Do not include personal photographs or sensitive private information in your application materials.
Double-check your application status on your USAJOBS dashboard after submission.
Verify that your uploaded transcripts meet the specific positive education requirements for your engineering or science discipline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Interdisciplinary position?

It means the position can be filled by an applicant from one of several related fields—such as mechanical engineering, physics, or chemistry—provided the candidate meets the specific educational and professional requirements for that series.

What is the AcqDemo system?

The Acquisition Demonstration Project is a personnel system that replaces traditional GS grade levels with broadband pay structures to provide more flexibility in compensation and career progression.

Is a security clearance required?

Yes, this position is designated as Secret and requires the ability to obtain and maintain this clearance level.

Can I apply if I don't have a security clearance?

*A: You must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance to be considered.*

What fields qualify for the interdisciplinary label?

*A: Materials, Mechanical, or Electronics Engineering; Physics; and Chemistry.*

Job from U.S. Army Test And Evaluation Command

The U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command is the Army's premier independent organization for testing and evaluating equipment. From autonomous ground vehicles to hypersonic weapon systems, ATEC ensures that the technology soldiers ride, wear, and shoot is safe and effective. Working at White Sands Missile Range means being part of the Department of Defense’s largest fully-instrumented, open-air test facility.