Engineering Jobs in Palmdale California

PilotCBP Air Interdiction Agent

NEW RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION INCENTIVES!

Air and Marine Operations (AMO), a component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), offers skilled Pilots interested in law enforcement an opportunity to work with an elite team of highly trained professionals whose camaraderie, pride, and purpose are hallmarks of their daily mission to protect America.

If you are looking for an exciting and rewarding career with excellent pay, exceptional federal benefits and job stability, now is the time to make your move: become an Air Interdiction Agent. AMO is actively recruiting for these full-time security-based opportunities with a streamlined application process. Notably, seasoned pilots and those with military training are in demandAPPLY TODAY!

DONT FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE INCENTIVES SEE SALARY SECTION BELOW!

Duty Locations

Locations are offered based on operational requirements, mission requirements, and critical agency hiring needs as determined by AMO. You must be willing to work at any duty location within the region you select to include but not limited to the following:

Southeast Region:Homestead, FL and CAMB:Aguadilla, PR

Southwest Region: Tucson and Yuma, AZ; San Diego, CA; El Paso, Laredo, and McAllen, TX

NASOC UAS locations:Sierra Vista, AZ; San Angelo, TX

Duties and Responsibilities

As an Air Interdiction Agent (AIA) you will perform aviation-based law enforcement operations for the detection, prevention, interdiction, and apprehension of terrorists, terrorist weapons, and other contraband and persons from illegally entering or attacking the United States. Typical duties include:

• Conducting air patrol, surveillance, and pursuit activities related to the interdiction of smuggled contraband via land vehicles, aircraft, or vessels.
• Monitoring behavior patterns and activities of suspect persons, vehicles, or vessels believed to be engaged in illegal activities.
• Collecting, refining, and analyzing strategic and tactical intelligence.
• Supporting search and rescue and humanitarian efforts.

Salary and Benefits

Begin your career as an Air Interdiction Agent (AIA) and make up to $85,270 to - $110,846 per year based on your qualifications for the GS-11 grade level and possible extra compensation based on your duty location (see below).

Recruitment Incentive:New hires may be eligible to receive a one-time Recruitment Incentive payout of $10,000 after completing Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy (FLETC) (1 year service agreement will need to be completed) (Recruitment Incentive is only available to new Federal employees as described in 5 CFR 575.102. Eligibility will be determined by Human Resources.)

Your starting salary will include Special Salary Rate (SSR); Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP); Recruitment Incentive; and Retention Incentive.

This career ladder position has a grade level progression of GS-11, GS-12, and GS-13. You may be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level automatically (without re-applying) once you complete 52 weeks at each grade level (with supervisor approval).

Example of annual compensation for the first three years at our new-hire locations which are currently authorized to receive LEAP (amounts below include the SSR + LEAP).

• GS-11, 1st year annual pay - $106,588
• GS-12, 2nd year annual pay - $127,754
• GS-13, 3rd year annual pay - $151,918

Example of annual compensation for the first three years at our new-hire locations which are currently authorized to receive a 10% Retention Incentive (amounts below include the SSR + LEAP + 10% Retention Incentive UAS Sites: Sierra Vista, AZ; Grand Forks, ND; San Angelo, TX).

• GS-11, 1st year annual pay - $115,115
• GS-12, 2nd year annual pay - $137,974
• GS-13, 3rd year annual pay - $164,071

Example of annual compensation for the first three years at our new-hire locations which are currently authorized to receive a 25% Recruitment Incentive (amounts below include the SSR + LEAP + 25% Recruitment Incentive CAMB location only; Aguadilla, PR).

• GS-11, 1st year annual pay - $127,906
• GS-12, 2nd year annual pay - $153,305
• GS-13, 3rd year annual pay - $182,302

Retention Incentive: Retention Incentive is contingent on eligibility. Eligibility will be determined by Human Resources.

• RI: Retention Incentive (25% for UAS Sites, Sierra Vista, AZ, Grand Forks, ND, San Angelo, TX)

• RI: Retention Incentive (25% for Key West, FL)

RI: Retention Incentive (25% for Caribbean Air and Marine Branch (CAMB) and subordinate locations)

Air Interdiction Agents are eligible to select from an array of federal employment benefits that include health, dental and other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan akin to a traditional and ROTH 401(k) offering.

Qualifications

Experience:You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized professional aviation experience performing duties such as:

• Flying as a Pilot-in-Command or sole manipulator in an airplane and helicopter in all environments of flight, including night, poor weather, unfavorable terrain, low altitudes, or speed.
• Evaluating information rapidly and making judicious decisions promptly during in-flight operations.
• Developing strategies and coordinating aircraft and ground assets.
• Using information systems and databases to conduct information surveys, queries, update files and disseminate information.
• Experience may include Operation of an aircraft as Captain, Pilot in Command, Aircraft Commander, First Officer, Certified Flight Instructor, Second in Command, or Co-pilot.

Hiring Minimums:

Certification & Ratings: A current FAA Commercial or ATP Pilot Certification with one of the following ratings:

• Dual Rated: Airplane (Single-engine land or multi-engine land) with instrument rating AND Rotorcraft Helicopter with instrument rating.
• Airplane Rated: Airplane (Single-engine land or multi-engine land) with instrument.
• Helicopter Rated: Rotorcraft Helicopter with instrument rating.
• Equivalent military rating of the above at the time of application (eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot).

Flight Hours: Pilot Enter on Duty minimums are 1500 flight hours; (up to 500 hours can be waived, reducing the pilot enter on duty minimums to 1000 hours.

250 Pilot-in-Command hours; 75 Instrument hours; 75 Night hours (Flight Hour Waiver available, see Required Documents); and 100 Flight hours in the last 12 months This qualification requirement is currently being waived by OPM through August 5, 2025.

FAA Class 2 medical required for assessment dated within the last 12 calendar months; FAA Class 1, FAA Class 2 or Military medical flight clearance dated within the last 12 months qualifies to start the pre-employment process for the AIA position.

Apply at 750 hours total time: Applicants applying at 750 flight hours are required to obtain at least 1,000 flight hours (depending on the number of hours approved for a waiver) at their own expense before being able to attend the 3-part flight assessment. Applicants must still meet 250 Pilot-in-Command, 75 instrument, and 75-night hours (100 flight hours in the last 12 months. This qualification requirement is currently being waived by OPM through August 4, 2026)

UAS Flight Hours:Applicants may include UAS Predator A (MQ-1), Predator B (MQ-9) flight hours and Predator A (MQ-1), Predator B (MQ-9) or predator-based flight hours. These hours may be credited towards satisfying the ""Total flight time"" 1,500 flight hour requirement only. UAS hours do not count towards the 250 flight hours as a Pilot in Command, 75 flight hours Instrument, and 75 flight hours Night. Flight hour logbooks will be required at the time of your Flight Assessment for verification.

Other Requirements

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.

Residency: You must have had primary U.S. residency (includes protectorates as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years.

Age Requirement: Provisions of Public Laws 93-350 and 100-238 allow the imposition of a maximum age for initial appointment to a primary Law Enforcement Officer position within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In accordance with DHS Management Directive 251-03, the ""day before an individual's 37th birthday"" is the maximum age for original appointment to a position as a primary law enforcement officer within DHS. The age requirement is also necessary to ensure that you are able to complete the 20 years of applicable service for retirement.

NOTE: The Commissioner of CBP has approved a temporary increase in the maximum allowable age to 40 for original placement into an Air Interdiction Agent position.

Age Waiver: Creditable law enforcement officer service -Covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d), or creditable service covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8401(36) (as a Customs and Border Protection Officer) on or after July 6, 2008, may be applied toward the maximum age requirement. This age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving in a federal civilian (not military) law enforcement position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d).

Veterans' Preference Eligibility: To ensure compliance with statutes pertaining to the appointment of preference eligible veterans as determined by the Merit Systems Protection Board in its decisionIsabellav.Dept of State,the maximum age for original appointment articulated above shall not apply to the hiring of individuals entitled to veterans' preference eligibility under 5 U.S.C. 3312. You must submit proof of Veteran's Preference (DD-214 Member 4 Copy) at the time of application.

Training:This position has a training requirement. You may be required to successfully complete the training requirement as a condition of employment. Failure to successfully complete the required course(s) of training in accordance with CBP standards and policies will result in placement into either a former or different position, demotion, or separation as determined by management and appropriate procedures.

Travel Required: You may be expected to travel for this position based on operational needs.

How to Apply

There Are Three Ways to Apply to Become an Air Interdiction Agent:

• Fill out theAir Interdiction Agent applicant checklistand email it to a recruiter at along with a copy of your resume; OR

• Apply onUSAJOBS;OR

• Apply onAirline Apps.

Stay Updated Opt into CBPs talent repository (highly recommended) by selecting the Contact a Recruiter button. For Position of Interest select Air and Marine Operations, Air Interdiction Agent, then complete the pre-screening questions. Youll receive monthly emails with information about webinars, career expos, and future opportunities with AMO and CBP.

• Government & Military

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add a Senior Principal Electronics Engineer - Infrastructure Architect to our team in Rancho Bernardo, CA or Palmdale, CA, depending upon the selected candidate’s preference. The candidate should have familiarity working in an Integrated Product Team construct.

Roles and Responsibilities will include:

• Understand and decompose customer requirements to support Infrastructure as a Service development and delivery across multiple business areas and baselines
• Monitor external technology development and maturation both in industry and within the company, applying new technologies and principles across programs to build a consistent technical vision for data center systems
• Participate in development and peer reviews
• Work with Thread Leads as well as system Responsible Engineers to develop acceptance criteria for engineering design and implementation, ensuring consistency of implementation across multiple business areas and baselines
• Lead new design and capture efforts across the enterprise to build the foundation for future systems and incorporate opportunities into existing programs
• Decompose complex issues into high-level executive briefs for program leadership
• Provide technical leadership to a team of cloud and infrastructure engineers
• Provide technical leadership, direction, and knowledge transfer to other team members during the implementation of technical solutions

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility.  There is no remote / hybrid / telework available for this position.  Travel up to 25% may be required.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 8 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a relevant STEM discipline and 6 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a relevant STEM discipline and 4 years of related engineering experience.
• Experience developing and deploying highly scalable datacenter systems to support IaaS models
• Experience designing and developing on-premises and hybrid datacenter systems utilizing technologies such as VMware ESXi/VCF and Microsoft Azure
• Experience in scripting/programming languages such as Python, PowerShell, Visual Basic, .Net, Java, C, and C#
• Experience designing and developing multi-tier storage solutions
• Infrastructure automation experience with tools such as Ansible, Puppet, Terraform, etc.
• Experience with automated documentation tool(s) such as Sphinx or MkDocs
• Experience with or ability to author and maintain technical installation, configuration, and update documentation
• Experience with or ability to create end-to-end infrastructure blueprints/roadmaps that meet scalability, reliability, security, and program SOW
• Active DoD Top Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 5 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
• Current SCI OR SCI eligibility
• Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Program Access (SAP/PAR). This SAP/PAR must be obtained prior to commencement of employment and must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current applicable program access.
• Experience leading a technical team including estimating, assigning, and tracking work
• Experience with matrixed organizations and remote/distributed teams
• Proven track record of building and mentoring high performing engineering teams.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management, and translate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Position: Program Manager

Position Type: Direct Hire

Location: Palmdale, CA

Industry: Aerospace & Defense

Environment: Manufacturing

Pay: $170,000 to $190,000

Shift: Monday - Friday

Benefits: Full Benefits Package and PTO (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k match, etc.)

Position Summary:

• The Program Manager serves as a key leader responsible for directing, coordinating, and supporting the full lifecycle of service projects involving tooling and automated equipment within an aircraft assembly environment. This role functions as the primary communication liaison to the customer, delivering consistent status updates and engaging directly with leadership. It requires a highly proactive, hands‑on professional who remains deeply involved in program execution while communicating clearly and effectively with both customer project teams and internal stakeholders.
• Operating at both the strategic and tactical levels, the Program Manager guides cross‑functional teams, drives accountability, and cultivates strong, professional customer relationships to ensure seamless collaboration and successful project outcomes.

Position Responsibilities:

• Serve as the on‑site technical and project management lead at key customer facilities during critical phases of project execution.
• Partner directly with customer stakeholders to resolve issues, update schedules, and clarify scope as projects progress.
• Monitor key milestones and deliverables across all active projects, ensuring timely execution and coordinating cross‑functional resources to address delays.
• Collaborate with design supervisors to guide engineering teams based on customer inputs and ensure all designs fully align with SOW requirements.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with customer engineering, operations, and programming teams to enhance collaboration and project alignment.
• Review and interpret engineering drawings to recommend the most effective assembly strategies.
• Communicate conceptual solutions clearly to both internal teams and customer stakeholders, ensuring shared understanding and alignment.
• Lead weekly cross‑departmental project reviews to synchronize teams, surface risks, and drive corrective actions.
• Implement and sustain process improvements informed by lessons learned and operational feedback.
• Proactively identify customer needs and ensure project decisions support customer priorities, long‑term satisfaction, and overall program success.
• Remain flexible and adaptable, taking on new assignments and adjusting quickly to evolving customer priorities and program requirements.
• Support business development and estimating teams to follow-up on open proposals and outstanding quotes with the customer.
• Work with the customer and proposal team to develop integrated system concepts during the quoting phase.
• Lead technical development and presentation of large scale integrated proposals
• Ensure proposal content clearly reflects customer requirements, value drivers, and expected outcomes.
• Provide guidance and support on aftermarket services for key customers including modifications, repairs, spare parts, and technical support.
• Maintain a customer feedback loop to help drive product and service improvements.
• Act as a customer advocate by ensuring timely responses, clear communication, and high‑quality support throughout the product lifecycle.

Position Requirements:

• BS and/or Master’s degree in Engineering and/or 10 years of related experience.
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, preferably in tooling, automation, aerospace, or industrial equipment
• Experience leading and developing engineering and project execution teams
• Strong project management experience with a proven track record of cross-functional leadership
• Understanding of complex build-to-print manufacturing environments, including machining and assembly
• Proficient in ERP/MRP systems, project dashboards, and reporting tools
• Proficient with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and working knowledge of MS Project.
• Proficient with CATIA V5, NX and/or AutoCAD Inventor.
• Has a clear understanding of quality management system with the ability to drive quality into every aspect of the engineering operations. Whether it is verbal communication with co-workers and customers, product realization or the final delivered product to the customer.
• Driven to succeed with strong sense of developing and maintaining customer relations.
• Ability to communicate technical information to nontechnical audiences both orally and in written form.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate customer concerns, manage expectations, and deliver solutions that strengthen long‑term partnerships.
• Open to taking on new assignments and adapting quickly to shifting customer priorities and program requirements.

About Spark Talent Acquisition:

Spark Talent Acquisition is a Michigan-headquartered recruiting and staffing company that connects great talent with great employers. We understand that building the right team is vital to success. Listening to our clients and creating customized workforce strategies is at the core of what we do. We pride ourselves in team development as it matches our purpose as an organization to help people grow.

Job Title : Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component : Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy laboratories and shipyards.

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design, reactor physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves, instrumentation and control for reactor and propulsion plants, testing and quality control, radiation shielding, and chemistry and radiological controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners; coordinate with fleet units to ensure safe and reliable nuclear plant operation.

What to Expect Assume significant technical responsibility early in your career as part of a lean headquarters staff; work primarily in an analytical and oversight role rather than operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and shipyard issues; frequent coordination with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for attention to detail, judgment, and written and oral communication.

Work Environment Work mainly at Naval Reactors Headquarters in the Washington, District of Columbia area with regular engagement with Department of Energy laboratories, nuclear training sites, shipyards, and nuclear powered ships and submarines; office based work that includes document reviews, technical meetings, inspections, and site visits rather than day to day shipboard watchstanding.

Pathways, Training & Advancement Officer commissioning through programs such as Officer Candidate School or the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program followed by a structured technical qualification program at Naval Reactors; rotational exposure to laboratories, prototypes, shipyards, and fleet support issues; progressive responsibility leading projects and becoming a subject matter expert, with opportunities for professional military education and advanced graduate study in technical fields.

Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for those who already hold qualifying degrees; all applicants must meet Nuclear Propulsion Program academic and technical screening standards in addition to general officer commissioning requirements.

Qualifications All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include: Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelor's or qualifying professional degree for officer positions Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy.

Some communities have more restrictive age ranges Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.

Additional qualifications for this job may include: Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely related field that includes strong backgrounds in calculus and physics; outstanding academic record, particularly in technical coursework; United States citizenship and eligibility for a high level security clearance; strong technical aptitude and comfort with detailed analytical work.

Education Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities.

Specific options depend on the Sailor's status, training, and current Navy policy.

Pay, Benefits & Service Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options.

Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.

Incentives Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed.

Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.

Notes and Disclaimers This description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community.

It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes.

Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.