Aviation Specialist

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as an aviation specialist supporting USAF Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) design, development, repair, production, and documentation of software/hardware products for automatic testing and support equipment used to evaluate the technical operation of components, equipment, and/or systems for automatic test equipment. Establishes preliminary design and performance characteristics, and technical responsibility extends through development and final approval for production and service use.

Location: Robins AFB, GA, 580th Software Maintenance Squadron

Essential Job Functions:

Performs Software Integration Laboratory (SIL) system integration testing and verification for all supported software products.  Develops and sustains data gathering and analysis software tools for system-level testing.

Performs technical electronics tasks pertaining to the development or maintenance of Air Force ISR weapon systems and/or support equipment.

Plans and carries out assignments for projects concerning Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) software and hardware for electronic systems, subsystems, and components.

Work involves such items as electronic circuits, circuit elements, equipment, systems, and associated phenomena concerned with electromagnetic wave energy or electrical information for purposes such as communication, computation, sensing, control, measurement, and navigation.

Prepares technical specifications, design, and cost estimates for use in the development of prototype and production ATE software programs, hardware, and interface devices for multiple DoD weapon system platforms.

Coordinates the various phases of work with other functional disciplines and interprets/translates technical requirements into design characteristics and criteria. Formulates and explains recommendations or solutions to modify standard practices, equipment, devices, processes, and techniques including risk management providing mentorship and direction to lower graded employees.

Supports the testing requirements of current and future weapon systems, employee develops, Gelds, and sustains test/support equipment. Designs/fabricates complex hardware interface test adapters and/or produces/maintains software in support of automatic testing and support equipment.

Participates in weapon system design to ensure the best possible performance of support or test equipment in the operational environment.

Analyzes equipment malfunctions and design deficiencies to provide recommendations which ensure successful field operation, reliability, and economical support throughout the lifecycle.

Modifies test equipment to improve readiness and reduce operating and support costs of current and future weapon systems. Performs complex technical work to improve, extend, or validate currently known precedents, data, methods, or techniques.

Evaluates and provides recommendations on prototypes, products, or processes. Recommends changes to basic requirements and deviations from normal practices used in the design and development of prototypes, components, equipment, and/or systems. Evaluate modifications to production methods or materials due to changes in requirements, technological advances, or shortcomings in design and/or performance.

Evaluates and recommends procedures and innovative techniques and methods to achieve goals. In support of technical reviews and/or panels, develops evaluations and technical justil1cations of feasibility, practicability, and technical soundness, recognizing priorities as well as the urgency of the situation. Performs analysis to ascertain needed changes or modification to production methods, procedures, and/or approaches.

Develops, executes, and reviews policies, processes, and procedures of a special or miscellaneous character that may span multiple technical disciplines and involve application of knowledge of such fundamentals. Participates in special projects, initiatives, and prepares oral/written reports. Presents briefings and develops technical reports to document progress and results. Researches, teams and applies a wide range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods, including but not limited to CMMI, AS9100 and Lean initiatives to improve team effectiveness, efficiency and work products.

Required Skills:

Due to the sensitivity of customer related requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required.

A high school diploma plus 13 years of experience, an associate’s degree plus 7 years, a bachelor's degree plus 5 years or a master’s degree plus 4 years of experience.

An adjudicated DoD Secret Security clearance on the First Day of employment.

Desired Skills:

Knowledge of ISR electronics concepts, practices, standards, methods, techniques, materials, and equipment to effectively apply electronics principles and concepts to project development and execution.

Knowledge of ISR integrated air-vehicles, ground systems, and support equipment sufficient to plan, design, test, troubleshoot, and develop and/m sustain electronic systems or devices.

Ability to analyze data and establish requirements for technical objectives and characteristics.

Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy, both orally and in writing, as well as work effectively with peers, management, contractors, and other agencies.

Bachelor of Science degree or higher and 8 years’ experience in aviation related positions.

Job Requirements: