U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) is located 26 miles northeast of Yuma, Arizona. Established in 1943, YPG plans, conducts, assesses, analyzes, reports, and supports developmental tests, and experiments in accordance with Army modernization priorities in efforts to assist the modern-day warfighter. The installation is the fourth largest within the Department of Defense. Majority of its workforce is made up of civilian and contract employees with only a fraction consisting of active-duty service members. YPG falls under the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command. We live by the motto “Truth in Testing”.
Day in the Life
YPG engineers and test officers conduct year-round testing on a wide variety of ground and air combat systems. YPG is Yuma County’s #1 single civilian employer with technical roles in engineering fields and administrative roles ranging from public affairs, finance, plans and operations, records keeping, and workforce development.
Local Attractions
Designated as the sunniest city in the world, Yuma is home to the outdoors. Bordering the Colorado River and encompassed by Senator’s Wash and Martinez Lake, Yuma offers tubing, canoeing, boating, and several other water activities. Engulfed by the Sonoran Desert along with three national wildlife refuges, one can indulge in hiking, biking, and even ATV off roading on the popular Imperial Sand Dunes, right across the California border.
History
Yuma Proving Ground was established in 1943. Yuma’s rich history remains present as landmarks like the Quarter Master Depot located at the Colorado River State Historic Park remains standing after serving as an Army post and a crossing that allowed the first train to transport goods from California to Arizona. And no better representation of the “Wild West” can be offered than that of the Yuma Territorial Prison that dates to 1875, housing some of the most dangerous criminals in the world.
Reasons to Work at YPG
It feels so rewarding to a part of the Army’s Modernization efforts to protect the Warfighter!
Safety is the number one priority, so everyone goes home at the end of the day
YPG supports a four-day, ten-hour work week which allows for better work-life balance
Most people think YPG is just: you go out there and you shoot guns, but really seeing what everybody’s role does, there is a lot that goes into it
