AATC F-16 Mission Planning Analyst

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI); Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is hiring a Mission Planner to support F-16 flight test operations for AATC in Tucson, AZ. You will coordinate mission planning, analyze post-flight data, and work with engineers, pilots, and aircrew to ensure safe, effective test events.

Expect travel and on-site work in a high-energy environment. The role requires a background in flight test planning, data analysis, and experience with JMPS/PFPS; a Secret clearance is desired and Top Secret/SCI

Qualifications

• 3+ years of software testing, analysis, or engineering experience.
• Strong analytical skills and multitasking ability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Report mission planning status and outcomes to government leadership.
• Provide technical and planning support for F-16 flight test missions.
• Assist with mission planning systems like JMPS and PFPS; suggest software updates.

Skills

Software testing

Data analysis

Analytical skills

Team leadership

Written & verbal communication

Education

B.S. in engineering, computer science, or related technical discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

MTSI is seeking a highly motivated Mission Planner to support fast‑paced flight test operations for the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center (AATC) in Tucson, Arizona. This technical professional will assist mission planning efforts for F-16 flight test programs while serving as technical support for F-16 flight test to manage flight test data. AATC drives rapid modernization across a portfolio of combat systems, and this role provides hands‑on technical leadership throughout the mission planning lifecycle. The Mission Planning Analyst will collaborate with the AATC government mission planning team and test directors to coordinate and execute complex F-16 flight test missions spanning air‑to‑air and air‑to‑ground weapons, data links, and emerging capabilities, ensuring safe, effective, and operationally relevant test events that advance the F‑16’s combat readiness.

Duties Will Include But Are Not Limited To

• Report mission planning status, operational activities, and outcomes to government leadership.
• Provide technical and planning support for F-16 flight test missions.
• Apply expertise in F-16 mission planning systems, including the Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) and Portable Flight Planning Software (PFPS), and provide user‑focused input for software updates.
• Support AATC mission planning independently during home‑station operations and travel, including deployments for flight test events.
• Implement software and hardware updates to mission planning systems on F-16 aircraft and coordinate synchronization with program offices and AATC stakeholders.
• Download, archive, and manage post‑flight mission data; ensure availability for review and oversee mission data transfer to the 309th Software Engineering Group and system vendors.
• Perform data management and analysis to support F-16 flight test solution development.
• Use data tracking and analytical tools, including Microsoft Office, to support mission planning tasks.
• Coordinate test mission data and recording requirements across variable F-16 flight schedules, including early‑morning and late‑evening events.
• Maintain a strong understanding of ANG/AFRC aircraft operations and tactical employment to inform mission planning improvements.
• Support AATC in the end‑to‑end development of advanced combat systems within an independent, high‑energy environment alongside multidisciplinary teams of engineers, analysts, pilots, and aircrew.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of software testing, analysis, or practical engineering experience
• Experience with common design tools and data analysis tools
• Strong analytical skills and ability to multitask
• Ability to work in a high noise environment such as nearby aircraft
• Demonstrated team leadership and customer interface skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Proficiency with productivity tools such as Microsoft Office
• Valid driver’s license with insurable driving record
• Motivated, self‑driven, and comfortable in high‑energy independent work environment

Desired Skills

• Experience in military software testing, engineering, or flight test
• Background in aircraft mission planning systems to include the Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS)
• Experience with Special Access Programs
• Knowledge of Aircraft Ethernet Bus and MIL‑STD‑1553

Education Requirements

• B.S. in engineering, computer science, or related technical discipline desired

Clearance Requirements

• Current Secret Clearance
• Eligible for Top Secret/SCI
• Current TS/SCI highly desired

Travel Requirements

Travel is expected approximately every month with periodic, mostly intraweek trips to support AATC projects. Up to 20% travel, depending on program workload and project location.