About the Role:
The 896 Test Support Squadron (896TSS) is looking for a Full-Time Electronics Technician (NJ-856-03) to work at the 96 Test Wing, 96 Range Group, 896 Test Support Squadron, Flightline Support at Eglin. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Instrumentation & Test Technician to join our dynamic team. The primary purpose of this position is to lead and perform critical technical work in the design, evaluation, and maintenance of advanced T-2 instrumentation for airborne weapon systems and electronic platforms. As a technical leader, you will be responsible for instrumentation, from initial design and fabrication to mission execution, data analysis, and system repair. This role is essential for ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and success of critical flight test programs in a variety of environmental, field, and laboratory conditions.
96TH TEST WING MISSION: We test and evaluate state-of-the-art weapon systems, provide quality installation and mission support, and serve as responsible stewards of our resources to deliver war-winning capabilities. 96th RANGE GROUP MISSION: Operates and maintains the Eglin Test and Training Complex by providing range instrumentation, infrastructure, facilities, and technical expertise to support fielding of war winning capabilities for the warfighter. 896 TEST SUPPORT SQUADRON MISSION: Designs, installs, and supports unique airborne instrumentation to generate decision quality data in support of Developmental Test and Evaluation.
Announcement Length/Closes: 1 Month
Location: Eglin AFB, Florida
Typical 2026 salary range: $67,970-$88,356 per year (includes Locality)
Areas of Consideration (AOC): Department – wide (DoD)
Desired Skills:
- Possesses 5 years of comprehensive experience in T-2 modification, covering airborne flight test instrumentation, installations, procedures, and laboratory system mock-ups with precise calibration and performance validation desired.
- Brings 5 years of direct, hands-on flightline experience with the electronics and avionics systems of fighter aircraft, aerial targets, and unmanned drone platforms desired.
- Demonstrates excellent organizational and communication skills, with a strong ability to read and interpret complex technical reports, schematics, and project documentation desired.
Major Duties:
• System Design & Fabrication: Design, fabricate, install, and maintain specialized instrumentation systems (e.g., PCM telemetry, high-speed video, radar sensors, solid-state recorders) to measure and record test parameters, ensuring data validity and compatibility with reduction facilities.
• Test Planning & Leadership: Act as a team leader with overall responsibility for planning tests, establishing schedules, and directing support efforts for pre-flight and post-flight checkouts of aircraft instrumentation systems in support of airborne electronic warfare and weapons development programs.
• Technical Oversight & Mission Verification: Provide technical oversight to verify that instrumentation requirements are accurately defined for all scheduled missions. Review mission schedules and provide direction to ensure requested configurations are compatible with assigned aircraft and properly defined in work orders.
• Hands-On Mission Support: Personally perform and lead other technicians in the installation, calibration, and functional status checks of uniquely mounted airborne instrumentation systems on a diverse range of platforms, including aircraft, weapon systems, aerial targets, and drones.
• Advanced Diagnostics & Repair: Perform rapid diagnostic procedures to identify the root cause of system malfunctions during any phase of operation. Initiate and accomplish all required preventive maintenance and corrective repairs on instrumentation systems, test equipment, and system mock-ups.
• Analysis & Consultation: Serve as a technical consultant on test instrumentation, methodology, and data analysis. Investigate and analyze any malfunctions or unsatisfactory conditions encountered during testing and prepare technical reports on the findings.
• Continuous Improvement: Maintain current knowledge of the latest developments in equipment and techniques applicable to munitions testing. Evaluate installed equipment capabilities against test objectives to ensure specifications are met.
Qualifications/Requirements:
U.S. Citizenship
Obtain & maintain Security clearance: Secret
This is a designated Drug Testing Position
Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical
Travel if more than occasional (Approximately 20 days per year)
Demonstrated expertise in the design, fabrication, and installation of complex electronic and electro-mechanical instrumentation systems.
Proven ability in advanced diagnostics, fault isolation, and repair of sophisticated electronic systems under pressure.
Strong leadership and mentorship skills with experience leading technical teams, planning projects, and coordinating with multiple engineering and operational units.
Meticulous attention to detail with experience in providing technical oversight and verifying system configurations against mission requirements.
Proficiency in performing precise calibration and performance validation of test and measurement equipment.
Ability to read and interpret complex technical reports, schematics, and project documentation.
Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to confer with engineers and prepare clear technical documentation.
***Resumes limited to two pages. Federal agencies now only accept resumes up to two pages in length.*** Learn more about the new resume requirements at https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/page-limit.
Please send resumes to: Robert M Watson robert.watson.6@us.af.mil 850-882-2749
ADHERENCE TO APPLICABLE HAF/AFMC/AFTC HIRING FREEZE IMPLEMENTATION GUIDANCE IS REQUIRED