Electronics Technician

Air Force Civilian Service; Valparaiso (FL); On-site; USD 79,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

PTO & Holidays

Retirement (FERS)

Thrift Savings Plan

Flexible Work Arrangements

Job summary

The Air Force Test Center is seeking a Full-Time Electronic Technician Telemetry Operator at Eglin Air Force Base to execute telemetry operations, safeguard data, and ensure mission readiness through robust testing workflows.

You will work with advanced telemetry equipment, coordinate across ranges, and provide timely technical updates while complying with security and COMSEC requirements. US citizenship and a security clearance are required.

Qualifications

• US Citizenship is required.
• Probationary period applies per agency policy.
• Security clearance is required.
• Overtime may be required on unscheduled or emergency basis.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Telemetry Operator.
• Ensure mission readiness and data integrity.
• Investigate anomalies and implement corrective actions.
• Operate, install, and evaluate telemetry equipment and connectivity.
• Plan and set up electronic systems and COMSEC-related security measures.
• Coordinate telemetry activities between range sites and mission control.
• Provide clear technical updates and documentation.

Skills

Telemetry Operations

Security Compliance

System Troubleshooting

Team Collaboration

Tools

Telemetry Equipment

COMSEC Awareness

Job description

About the Air Force Test Center:

The Air Force Test Center (AFTC) is where tomorrow’s Air Force is tested! Long considered the “Center of the Aerospace Testing Universe”, AFTC is truly where Air Force superiority begins. Home to many Aerospace establishments and records, AFTC remains the state-of-the-art leader in Aerospace testing, and provides the warfighter with cutting‑edge technology. AFTC does not only celebrate its past, but we continue to lead from the front. Join our team today and make Aerospace history! At Air Force Civilian Service, we don’t just support the mission — we help shape the future of national defense through discovery, innovation, and unwavering dedication.

About the Role:

The Air Force Test Center is looking for a Full‑Time Electronic Technician Telemetry Operator NJ‑856‑03 to work at the 96 Test Wing, 96 Range Group, 96 Range Control Squadron, Telemetry Section (96 RNCS/RNCOT) at Eglin Air Force Base. 96TH TEST WING MISSION: We test and evaluate state‑of‑the‑art weapon systems and cyberspace capabilities, provide quality installation and mission support, and serve as responsible stewards of our resources to deliver war‑winning capabilities.

Location: Eglin Air Force Base

Typical 2026 salary range: $78,745 - $97,955 per year (includes locality)

NOTE: For Acquisition “NH Pay Band” positions ADD the following statement under the pay band range: “If your current basic salary is within the band, but above the stated VOP, your basic salary will not be reduced if you are selected for the position.”

Telework Information: Position not eligible for telework

Travel Requirements: Up to 25% travel possible

Direct Hire Authority: NO 6-MONTH WAIT! Recently retired and/or retiring from MILITARY service ARE eligible for immediate appointment for AFTC positions. The 180-day waiting period has been waived for AFTC to hire recently retired and/or retiring service members.

Must have requirements or may not be considered:

• Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
• Employee needs to obtain and maintain approval to access the portfolio of Special Access Programs required to perform daily duties.
• May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis.

Desired Skills:

• Has experience with electronic systems and systems of systems, especially those related to Telemetry processing and COMSEC
• Excels in an on‑the‑job learning environment by applying existing skillsets, flexibility, teamwork and expertise
• Demonstrates success in highly collaborative, team environments requiring scheduling flexibility and dynamic changes

Major Duties:

• Serves as Telemetry Operator
• Ensure mission readiness, minimize delays, and prevent data loss, contributing to mission success and accurate data analysis.
• Investigate anomalies in system programs and hardware and implement corrective actions.
• Operate, install, and evaluate telemetry equipment and connectivity.
• Plan, organize, and set up electronic systems, security equipment including COMSEC regulations, policies, practices and procedures, verify quality recordings, and execute real‑time and post‑mission telemetry processing.
• Observes system performance, identifies areas for improvement, and proposes recommendations to system engineers.
• Independently test, maintain, and troubleshoot telemetry systems.
• Communicate technical information clearly and concisely through discussions, presentations, emails, and documentation.
• Coordinate telemetry activities between range sites and the mission control room.
• Foster effective communication within cross‑functional teams by coordinating mission support efforts, providing regular technical updates, and offering guidance to team members and customers.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship (Required)
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD STATEMENT: (Required) – For All Positions 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. (NOTE: Typically, the 1-year probationary period is for Competitive Jobs, and 2-year trail period is for Excepted Jobs.)
• Drug Testing: (if applicable) This is not a designated Drug Testing Position
• Security Clearance: (Required)

Top 5-6 job related KSAs:

1. System Lifecycle - Fabricate, install, operate, and maintain specialized data processing systems which measure and record test parameters from a variety of environmental, field, or laboratory conditions.
2. Telemetry & Systems - Apply comprehensive technical knowledge of airborne and ground telemetry system parameters, electronics, and limitations.
3. Prototyping & Design - Translate advanced electronic concepts and theoretical designs into functional, mission‑ready components and systems.
4. Technical Schema - Interpret complex technical data, engineering blueprints, schematics, and complete system specifications.
5. Diagnostics & Testing - Utilize specialized electronic diagnostic and test equipment to maintain system readiness.
6. Instrumentation & Control - Calibrate, troubleshoot, and optimize digital, video, and weapon‑monitoring data collection systems.

Air Force Civilian Service Employment Benefits:

• Paid Time Off: 11 Federal Holidays each year 13 sick leave days earned per year (accumulative)
• Paid Vacation Time: 13-26 days per year based on length of employment
• Health Insurance: No waiting period to qualify for you and your family
• Retirement: Immediate coverage by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
• Basic Benefits Plan Social Security: Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), like a 401(k) (Automatically receive 1% agency contributions and up to 5% matching)
• Health & Wellness: Various Medical Flexible Spending Account Federal Long Term Care Insurance, and Life & Disability Insurance
• Work/Life Balance: Family and Medical Leave Act Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Flexible Work Arrangements (dependent on position)
• Career Development: Tuition Assistance & Professional Development opportunities Career enhancement and promotion opportunities

To learn more about our benefits, please check out the AFTC Benefits Trifold at https://simplebooklet.com/260902aftcbenefitstrifold

Federal Resume Tips:

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 https://afciviliancareers.com/PDF/FederalResumeWriting.pdf

Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Classification & Qualifications for Federal Government Employees:

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/

Please visit the Air Force Test Center job board to view other career opportunities:

https://www.aftc.af.mil/About-Us/Jobs/

AFTC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.