Become a Public Affairs Specialist with the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command

Are you a communications professional with a passion for national security? The U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) is looking for a dedicated Public Affairs Specialist to join its headquarters at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. This role offers the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between complex military testing and the public eye.

Job Responsibilities

As a Public Affairs Specialist, your duties are broad and mission-critical:

Strategic Planning: Develop and execute comprehensive communication plans that align with organizational goals.
Leadership Advisory: Brief senior leadership on sensitive legislative matters and the potential public impact of ATEC projects.
Media Management: Serve as a primary point of contact for media inquiries, crafting official responses alongside technical subject matter experts.
Stakeholder Engagement: Plan and lead outreach events involving international partners, media representatives, and high-ranking officials.

Requirements

Candidates must meet specific merit promotion requirements. You must be able to demonstrate one year of specialized experience at the NH-03 or GS-13 level. Your resume must highlight your ability to handle legislative and political issues while maintaining organizational transparency.

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$143,913 - $197,200
Location	Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
Security Clearance	Secret
Resume Limit	2 Pages Max

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary consistent with high-level federal professional roles. Beyond the base salary, civilian employees at ATEC enjoy comprehensive health benefits, federal retirement plans, and the stability of a career within the Department of Defense.

Application Tips

Format Matters: Your resume must be two pages or less. Do not exceed this limit.
Use Plain Language: Avoid obscure acronyms. Describe your work so that a reviewer unfamiliar with your specific office can understand your accomplishments.
Proof of Eligibility: Be ready to provide documentation that proves you meet the specific hiring authority (e.g., Veteran, Military Spouse).

If you have the strategic mindset and the communication skills to influence the public narrative of modern defense testing, we invite you to apply. Help us tell the story of how ATEC provides our soldiers with the best equipment in the world.

Why This Public Affairs Specialist Job Matters

Shape the narrative of the future force: Join the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command as a Public Affairs Specialist and lead strategic communications for cutting-edge defense technology.

Public Affairs Specialist Job Overview

The U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) is seeking a highly skilled Public Affairs Specialist to join its headquarters at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. In this pivotal role, you will act as a strategic advisor to senior leadership, managing complex communication plans and media outreach for mission-critical defense testing and evaluation programs. You will be responsible for translating technical advancements into clear, impactful narratives for internal and external stakeholders while navigating sensitive legislative and organizational landscapes.

Requirements for Public Affairs Specialist

Must be a current U.S. Army Test & Evaluation Command employee with competitive status, or meet specific eligibility categories (CTAP, ICTAP, Military Spouse, Veteran, or Land Management Workforce Flexibility).
Must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the NH-03 or GS-13 grade level.
Proven track record of developing strategic communication plans and media products.
Demonstrated ability to advise organizational leaders on legislative, political, and public perception issues.
Experience in coordinating official organizational responses with subject matter experts.
Must be able to maintain a Secret security clearance.
Resume must not exceed two pages; applicants exceeding this length will be disqualified.

Preferred Qualifications for Public Affairs Specialist

Advanced experience in managing congressional inquiries.
Strong project management skills within a high-stakes military or government environment.
Exceptional ability to translate technical/engineering data into accessible public information.
Proven experience in organizing and executing high-level official functions with international partners.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary with locality pay.
✓Comprehensive health insurance programs.
✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional development within the DoD.
✓Telework eligibility as authorized by agency policy.

💡 How to Apply Public Affairs Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Public Affairs Specialist Job

Review your eligibility against the 'Who May Apply' criteria to ensure you qualify for this merit promotion.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, focusing on specific examples of your specialized experience.
Log in to your USAJOBS account to complete the online application questionnaire.
Ensure all supporting documentation, including performance appraisals or proof of eligibility (e.g., military spouse documentation), is uploaded.
Verify that your application package is complete and submit before 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise; any document longer than two pages will lead to automatic disqualification.
Use plain, clear language. Avoid internal jargon or acronyms that a general reader might not understand.
Clearly link your work experience to the three core requirements listed (Strategic communications, legislative advising, and media coordination).
Double-check your uploaded documents to ensure they are the correct versions; uploaded files may take up to an hour to clear system security scans.
If claiming veteran or spousal preference, provide clear, unredacted (or sanitized as permitted) proof with your initial submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is education a substitute for the required experience?

No, for this specific position, you must qualify based on your professional experience alone. Education cannot be used as a substitute.

What security clearance is required for this role?

This position requires a Secret security clearance.

Does the position offer relocation assistance?

No, payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized for this position.

Can I telework in this role?

*A: Yes, the position is telework-eligible, subject to agency policy.*

What is the probation period?

*A: This position requires a one-year probationary period.*

Job from U.S. Army Test And Evaluation Command

ATEC is the cornerstone of Army innovation. As an independent testing organization, the agency ensures that the equipment our soldiers wear, ride, and deploy is safe and effective. From hypersonic weapons to autonomous vehicles, ATEC pushes the boundaries of technology. Joining our team means supporting a force of over 8,500 personnel dedicated to equipping the American soldier with the best tools available.