180-Day Developmental Assignment: Ghost Test Officer, (NH-04 (GS-14 EQUIVALENT)), U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), J8 – Operational Test & Evaluation, MacDill AFB, FL, HQ ATEC – 83398

Full TimeOtherHQ ATEC
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Eligibility Requirements

US Citizenship

Career Category

Engineer

IT/Computer Science

Math and Statistics

Job Summary

This is a developmental assignment opportunity for a high performing NH- 04 (GS14 equivalent) DA Civilian or LTC DA Military LTC to gain experience as a Ghost Test Officer in support of USSOCOM. This position provides full exposure of how USSOCOM generates requirements for SOF Peculiar (SOF-p) materiel, runs the Verification and Validation process, and achieves a fielding authorization. Will provide technical advice, analysis, and staff support to the Director, Operational Testing and Evaluation (OT&E) for all matters within developmental assignment. 

 

Duration: This is a recurring developmental assignment for a period of up to 180 days. Start date o/a: 06 January 2025. 

 

Target Competencies: 

 

  1. Knowledge of acquisition management and operational test principles of SOF-p materiel and MFP-11 programs addressed in USSOCOM Directives 70-1 and 71-5.
  2. Knowledge of conventional testing and evaluation methods to develop non-conventional testing methods to satisfy the requirements.
  3. Knowledge of requirements processes to include development of Initial Capabilities Documents (ICDs), Capabilities Development Documents (CDDs), Capabilities Production Document (CPDs), and Accelerated Acquisition Processes 
  4. Skill in adapting analytical techniques and evaluation criteria to determine program execution effectiveness and in developing new and modified testing methods.
  5. Ability to apply new concepts, explain approaches to unstructured problems and to develop and define alternative test strategy courses of action.

 

Funding: Salary and benefits will be the responsibility of the parent organization. 

 

Temporary Duty Orders (TDY) to and from the assignment’s duty location will be the responsibility of the host organization.

Any TDY incurred for mission duties of the developmental assignment will be the responsibility of the host organization. 

Premium pay is not authorized

 

Work Schedule/Telework/Remote Work: The host organization will determine tour of duty and duty days. 

 

Telework Policy: The employee will be expected to travel to Tampa, FL periodically to integrate with the Operational Test & Evaluation Team as well as get set up with both NIPR/SIPR access (NTE 25% of DevA duration). Additionally, the employee will be expected to travel TDY to support test events. This is a hybrid assignment and allows for the employee to work remotely from their home duty station for the majority of the assignment.

 

Resources: IT support and facility access will be provided by the host organization, if needed.

 

Submission: This opportunity will require the submission of a resume and an endorsement letter from both the employee’s immediate Supervisor and Director. A copy of the endorsement letter template should have been provided through the various announcement mechanisms (e.g. email notification, AAMP, SharePoint). 

 

For any questions, concerns, or requests for templates, please reach out to usarmy.apg.atec.mbx.atec-developmental-assignments@army.mil and reference the requisition number (HQ ATEC – 83398) . 

 

NOTES: Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Job Responsibilities

Duties for this position include but are not limited to the following: 

  • Directs and develops an independent assessment of the results of Operational Test Agencies (OTA) operational tests for SOF-p systems with particular emphasis on the following: assessment of operational effectiveness, operational suitability, system safety, and survivability; determine if the need for follow-on tests to address remaining issues; and evaluation of the extent to which performance results demonstrate that each system element meets operational requirements and objectives. Formulates independent evaluation of Operational Test (OT) results and prepares reports for use by the USSOCOM Director, OT&E. Routinely participate as a member of all assigned SOF-p systems Integrated Product Teams the as the Operational Test subject matter expert. Establishes required testing parameters for assigned programs to complete to receive Fielding and Deployment Release.

 

  • Reviews OT&E plans developed by OTA for SOF-p systems to evaluate adequacy, ensuring that they will provide sufficient results needed for USSOCOM Director, OT&E management decisions. Evaluates unit mission, Concept of Operations (CONOPS), and key performance parameters around which test programs are to be structured; evaluates the design of OT&E operations and events for feasibility and effectiveness; generates sufficient data under realistic operational conditions to assess their capabilities to meet operational requirements and objectives. Considers adequacy of test resource (test articles, ranges, instrumentation, etc.) and funding; and determine opportunities for combined Developmental Test (DT) and OT. Directs and coordinates OT&E of SOF-p systems involving more than one military service (joint operational testing). Formulates test design modification as necessary to facilitate the accomplishment of joint test objectives. Directs technical analyses using relevant technologies to define appropriate test methods. Reviews joint test financial plans and status for conformance to policy guidelines. Routinely reviews operational test plans, ensuring testing criteria address capability requirements for operational effectiveness and operational suitability. Investigates and analyzes unusual testing conditions or problems to provide valid data. Accurately analyzes testing requirements and capabilities contained in draft capabilities documents.

Job Qualification

1. Candidates must possess at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or the physical sciences. Transcripts or verifying documentation may be required. 

2. Candidates must be experienced in the use of program assessment methods and possess a working knowledge of research and development, planning, and related activities of the Department. 

 

Specialized Experience

Preferable experience in the following areas: conducting, supporting, or managing efforts in the scientific or engineering disciplines; planning, programming, budgeting, and execution; writing technical reports, presentation materials. 

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED. You will be evaluated based on your level of competency in the following areas:

Candidates will be evaluated based on their resume and recommendation letters from their immediate Supervisor and Director. Qualifications and education requirements will be validated.

Candidates will undergo an interview process before final selections are made. 

Conditions of Employment

1. Position requires a Top Secret/SCI clearance. This position has recurring access to Top Secret/SCI information.

 

2. ATEC employees must meet minimum eligibility requirements according to the latest guidance published on ATEC 350-01, Chapter 9, Section III, Paragraph 9-6. External candidates must comply with their local policy’s eligibility requirements. 

 

3. Candidates must be able to travel on-site to the host organization and to test events as needed and coordinated through local point of contact.

4. Continued Service Agreement. Per AR 350-1, Army Civilians selected for non-Government training in excess of 40 hours, or Government training/developmental assignments in excess of 160 hours must sign a CSA in the Department of the Army before training begins. The period of service obligation will be equal to at least three times the length of the training period, at a minimum. Command or career program funding the training may require more time based on associated training costs. Calculation of the continued service obligation period will not include weekends or federal holidays. The obligation period begins on the first day following the completion of training or program of study. 

 

The calculator and agreement will be sent after the start and end dates have been finalized. This must be signed and returned to the S1/G1 proponent managing this action prior to the start date. A copy should also be provided to the selectee’s supervisor.