Advance Your Career as a Senior Strategic Basing Engineer with the U.S. Air Force
The United States Air Force (USAF) invites highly qualified engineering professionals to apply for the position of General Engineer (GS-15) in Arlington, Virginia. This leadership role is vital to the Air Force’s ability to project power globally, requiring a candidate who can balance advanced technical expertise with high-level strategic policy oversight.
Job Responsibilities
As a Senior Strategic Basing Engineer, your primary responsibilities will include:
- Policy Oversight: Developing and interpreting complex policies regarding encroachment, airspace, and strategic basing.
- Operations Expert: Serving as the lead technical advisor for Strategic Basing decisions for the Air Force.
- Coordination: Liaising with intra-agency and inter-agency partners to ensure basing decisions are unified and harmonize with existing policy.
- Project Leadership: Spearheading special initiatives directed by the Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, applicants must fulfill specific federal criteria:
- Educational Foundation: A bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited institution or equivalent coursework in physical/mathematical sciences.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-14 grade level or equivalent.
- Time-in-Grade: Current federal employees must have served at the GS-14 level for at least 52 weeks.
- Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance.
Qualifications Comparison Table
| Criteria | Requirement Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Grade Level | GS-15 | Senior Leadership |
| Education | Engineering Degree | ABET Accredited |
| Experience | 1 Year | Specialized GS-14 Level |
| Clearance | SCI | Mandatory |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with the responsibilities of the role. The annual salary range is $169,279 – $197,200.
Benefits
Employees of the federal government enjoy robust benefits, including:
- Comprehensive health and life insurance plans.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.
- Generous vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- Access to professional development programs.
- Telework flexibility where applicable.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limit: Ensure your resume does not exceed two pages; this is a strict requirement.
- Documentation: Include your most recent SF-50 and all relevant performance appraisals.
- Clarity: Clearly state the dates of employment and hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Status Check: Verify that your application has been received via the USAJOBS portal.
This role is more than an engineering position; it is an opportunity to shape the future of military installations. If you possess the leadership, technical mastery, and strategic vision required to excel in this environment, we encourage you to apply by November 12, 2026.
Why This General Engineer Job Matters
Shape the future of global airpower as a Senior Strategic Basing Engineer for the United States Air Force in Arlington, Virginia.
General Engineer Job Overview
The Department of the Air Force is seeking a distinguished General Engineer (GS-15) to serve as a pivotal subject matter expert in the Strategic Basing process. This high-level position offers the unique opportunity to influence national security infrastructure, policy development, and complex engineering operations. You will act as a primary advisor for basing decisions, working across inter-agency channels to harmonize long-term operational goals and critical infrastructure planning.
Requirements for General Engineer
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program or a combination of education and experience equivalent to a major in engineering.
- Must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level (or equivalent).
- Must meet Federal Time-In-Grade requirements (52 weeks at the GS-14 level).
- Must pass a drug test and hold or be able to maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance.
Preferred Qualifications for General Engineer
- Mastery of multi-disciplinary engineering concepts and strategic basing processes.
- Extensive experience in managing complex, multi-faceted engineering projects for the DoD or Air Force.
- Advanced skills in policy development related to encroachment, range, and airspace management.
- Demonstrated ability to negotiate with senior leadership on large-scale resource allocation and infrastructure changes.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Life insurance and long-term care options.
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) benefits.
- ✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and training.
- ✓Flexible work arrangements including telework options.
💡 How to Apply General Engineer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for General Engineer Job
- Review your eligibility and ensure you meet the GS-15 qualification standards.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages, including all relevant dates and hours worked.
- Gather your official transcripts and, if applicable, your most recent SF-50 and performance appraisals.
- Log into the official application portal and complete the mandatory questionnaire.
- Submit your entire application package by the deadline of November 12, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume focused; submissions exceeding two pages will be automatically disqualified.
- Ensure your resume explicitly states hours worked per week for all positions.
- Verify that your SF-50 documentation clearly demonstrates your time-in-grade.
- Upload documents early to allow sufficient time for virus scans.
- Double-check that all uploaded files are readable and clearly labeled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a security clearance required for this role?
Yes, this position requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance.
What is the maximum page length for my resume?
Resumes must not exceed two pages; submissions that are longer will not be considered.
Can I qualify using a combination of education and experience?
Yes, provided the combination demonstrates a thorough understanding of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering.
What does the hiring process involve?
Applications are evaluated based on quality, depth, and complexity of experience as related to the specific duties of the role.
Is there a possibility for remote work?
While this role is based in Arlington, VA, the position is telework eligible, depending on organizational policy.
Job from Hq Usaf And Support Elements
Driven by the mission to fly, fight, and win, the Air Force relies on a vision of global vigilance and reach. Working at the headquarters level allows professionals to contribute directly to the infrastructure and basing strategies that support our nation's defense. The organization values integrity, service, and excellence above all else.