Acquisition Program Manager Trainee

About WPAFB Program Manager Trainee Program

Looking for Civilian Program Managers to lead the Air Force into the 21st century

One of six centers under Air Force Materiel Command, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is the single center responsible for total life cycle management of Air Force weapon systems.

The AFLCMC Mission: "Acquire and Support War-Winning Capabilities"

Our Motto: "AFLCMC...Providing the Warfighter's Edge"

We are currently recruiting MBA students/graduates to come work for the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB as a Program Manager.

What is a Program Manager (PM)? What does a Program Manager do in the Air Force?

An Acquisition Program Manager leads a team of multi-functional professionals in the acquisition and support of Air Force weapon systems: aircraft, weapons, training systems, IT and business systems at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC). As an Air Force program manager you will be responsible for managing and coordinating all aspects of an acquisition program to achieve the cost, schedule, performance and sustainment goals of your customers, the men and women who fly, operate, or maintain this country’s most advanced aircraft and systems. Your primary role will be that of the team leader. You will be "the buck stops here" individual who must be able to solve problems and make decisions by leading and motivating a diverse group of individuals to perform as a cohesive and effective team. The acquisition program manager must have organizational and people skills, communication skills, and analytical skills. Additionally, as the leader of a multi-functional team, the program manager must be familiar with the roles and responsibilities of the other team members (logistics managers, financial managers, engineers and contracting specialists, etc.) Experienced, senior program managers often manage an entire aircraft program, like the F-22 Raptor. But as a new program manager, you will more often be responsible for a piece of a major program, like the modification of an item that is integral to an aircraft. Your responsibilities will grow rapidly as you gain experience and demonstrate the ability to handle more complex acquisition programs.

These are full time (40 hour/week) positions at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The training program for an acquisition program manager is extensive, lasting two years. After successful completion of the PM Leadership Development Program, the individual is offered a full-time journeyman PM position. In addition to classroom training, some of which will be cross-functional, much of what you learn will be on the job, working with experienced program manager mentors. You will also have numerous opportunities to continue this professional and personal training throughout your career.

According to the 2026 pay scale, starting salary for GS-07 is $52,339 which applies if you have a Bachelor’s Degree.  Starting salary for GS-09 is $64,021 which applies if you have a Master’s Degree.  Every year with successful completion of the training requirements and sound performance you receive a grade increase.  All trainees complete the program as a NH-03 (GS-12 Equivalent) which has a starting salary of $92,841.  

What we need from you:

-       If interested in this position please send me your updated resume and transcripts to devon.aey@us.af.mil.  After verifying eligibility, I will reach out to you to set up an interview. 

Questions:

-       If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact the USAF POC Devon Aey at devon.aey@us.af.mil. He is ready and willing to address any questions you may have or discuss more about the Job or the Program. Don’t hesitate to email.