About the Role:
The Air Force Test Center is looking for a Full-Time Electronics Technician NJ-0856-04 to work at the 412th Test Wing, 412th Electronic Warfare Group, 445th Test Squadron (445 TS/EWJN) at Edwards Air Force Base.
The primary purpose is to apply technical work to modeling and simulation systems that supports developmental and operational test and evaluation (DT &E and OT &E) test programs. These systems consist or computer networks, system integration laboratories (SIL), and or hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) facilities integrating digital and analog processors, cockpit displays and controls, mechanical and electrical interfaces, and operational flight program software. The software includes algorithms for navigation, ordnance targeting delivery flight controls, energy & propulsion management, communications, sensor imaging, and target locations and identification.
Announcement Length/Closes: 21 calendar days
Location: Edwards, CA (Edwards Air Force Base)
Typical 2026 salary range: $104,349 - $161,313 per year (includes Locality)
Travel Requirements: Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY) by military or commercial aircraft approximately 60 days per year.
Areas of Consideration (AOC): Department – wide (DoD)
Desired Skills:
- 2 years of experience with computer operation desired.
- 2 years of 1553 network experience desired.
- 2 years of aircraft instrumentation experience desired.
Major Duties:
- The primary duties required are those necessary to provide modeling and simulation expertise to support the development, upgrade, operation, and integration of constructive non-real-time and virtual, piloted real-time simulators applied to the Flying Quality, Airframe, Propulsion, Avionic, Sensor, Weapon and Electronic Warfare (EW) mission areas.
- Plans, conducts, evaluates, analyzes, and resolves issues critical to ground testing of new conventional and unconventional aircraft avionics or armament systems/subsystems and testing in a simulation facility.
- Resolves problems of conflicting or obscure nature related but not limited to any one or a combination of specialization such as aircraft weapon systems, avionics computer hardware/soil ware systems, integrated avionic systems, airborne electromagnetic sensors systems and instrumentation systems. Evaluates a wide variety of problems experienced in testing within a specialized simulation facility such as the impact or environmental control systems operating limitations on other systems/subsystems.
- Designs and fabricates simulation cockpits and cockpit interface subsystems for conventional aircraft and advanced manned vehicles. Advises engineers on the feasibility of their designs when required to obtain a more effective product or apply a more straightforward approach. Develops layouts and constructs electronic hardware required for simulation control and interface of cockpit systems to large scale digital and hybrid computers.
- Plans and implements new ground test procedures, data acquisition, and data reduction techniques, specifics data parameters to be recorded and formulates ground test data recording system for testing objective(s). From preliminary program documentation and additional information obtained; establishes the initial project budget and tracks and amends budget baseline if required.
- Plans and determines sequence of tests, specific data to be obtained on each test and briefs pilots and crew members on specific data prior to each test. May prepare mission test cards and acts as the test controller if required. Provides input to and review or contractor generated test plans for joint USAF/contractor programs. Reviews and evaluates contractor results for technical adequacy.
- Provides technical assistance to senior engineers, electronics technicians and contractor personnel in various phases of projects. Serves as the liaison and expert electronics technician between the technical and facility personnel concerning various types or programs using ground simulation.
- Evaluates results and prepares formal critical report stating the degree to which design specifications have been met and makes recommendations for establishing procedures, limitations, and design modifications. Reports and recommendations are usually acted upon by the Branch Chief with little or no changes/revisions.
- Prepares maintenance routines and troubleshooting procedures for electronic systems, aircraft cockpit instruments, strip charts, X-Y plotters, power supplies, and other simulator equipment. Performs preventive and emergency maintenance on these systems. Operates and maintains simulator cockpit subsystems and interfaces. Trains other personnel on the operations of the simulators.
- Technically and logistically supports the operation and maintenance of high-end computer systems. Supports the acquisition delivery, storage, and issue of required systems, and assets. Conducts the preventative and remedial maintenance of the "realtime" computing resources. Maintains equipment account inventories for computer equipment, test equipment and aircraft avionic systems. Maintains equipment calibration through the precision measurement equipment laboratory (PMEL) process.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- U.S. Citizenship
- Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period
- Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest
- Obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
- This is a drug testing designated position.
- Para-professional knowledge of the concepts, principles, and techniques or electronic, engineering, and the related knowledge of aeronautical and mechanical engineering concerned with avionics and flight simulation.
- Expert knowledge in the design and fabrication of simulation cockpits, hardware interfaces, electrical layouts, electrical hardware, digital computer, and various data display electronic systems.
- Knowledge of the operation and maintenance for high-end computer equipment and networks.
- Knowledge of test function, test instrumentation, test design, coordination, and supervision, data evaluation, report preparation, facility, and administrative aspects of flight test programs.
***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/what-to-include
Please send resumes to: 412th Electronic Warfare Group Manpower Workflow: 412EWG.EWB.Manpower@us.af.mil
ADHERENCE TO APPLICABLE HAF/AFMC/AFTC HIRING FREEZE IMPLEMENTATION GUIDANCE IS REQUIRED