Field Avionics Technician II

General Atomics; Palmdale (CA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is seeking an Avionics Technician to support test operations at Gray Butte (Palmdale) or El Mirage (Adelanto).

You will service and troubleshoot aircraft and ground systems, modify/install electronics, and participate in flight test activities for MQ-1C Gray Eagle, MQ-9A Reaper, and other systems. The role requires a two-year technical degree or equivalent with 2+ years in aviation/electronics, ability to work shifts, and willingness to obtain

Qualifications

• Typically requires education or formal training equivalent to the completion of a two-year technical degree or trade school equivalency as well as two or more years' experience in aviation or electronics. Equivalent professional experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
• Must be able to perform a variety of routine tasks and demonstrate full knowledge of avionics and electronic procedures and principles.
• Must possess:
• The ability to troubleshoot at the component level
• Full knowledge and use of electronic test equipment, hand and soldering tools, voltage or amperage measuring and recording devices
• Knowledge of relevant computer applications, operations, and networking
• The ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics and technical orders
• Good analytical, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills to accurately document, report and assess situations and make judgments.
• The ability to work both independently and in a team environment is essential.
• The ability to work any shift and additional hours as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DOD Security clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will service, troubleshoot, repair, inspect, and maintain aircraft and ground support equipment in support of test operations and sustainment activities in accordance with maintenance documentation.
• Support test teams for test and development (R&D) efforts.
• Modifies, installs, and tests electronics and mechanical equipment as part of customer and company modification and test efforts.
• Corrects major and minor discrepancies by removal, repair, or replacement of defective or deleted parts of aircraft electrical and avionics systems as well as ground support systems (ground stations, ground data terminals and SATCOM terminals).
• Performs scheduled maintenance and functional checks on existing, newly installed and modified aircraft systems and equipment as well as ground support systems (ground stations, ground data terminals (GDT) and SATCOM terminals); disassembles, assembles, and adjusts electronic equipment.
• Operates test equipment to locate, diagnose, and repair defective parts and performs routine inspections on systems and equipment.
• Troubleshoots, tests, and documents findings; repairs or replaces components based on test results by following technical drawings, schematics, handbooks, engineering documents, customer and company technical manuals and other technical guidance.
• Fabricates, upgrades, routes, and installs wiring harnesses.
• Supports company and customer flight test activities at various locations in support of test objectives. Includes but not limited to Flight Engineer duties, launch and recovery efforts and reports.
• Opportunities for cross-training into other disciplines.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Skills

Avionics troubleshooting

Circuit testing

Teamwork

Communication (written and verbal)

Independent and collaborative work

Education

Two-year technical degree or trade school

Tools

Electronic test equipment

Soldering tools

Measurement instruments

Job description

Job Summary:

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Avionics Technician supporting Test Operations at our Flight Operations Facilities located at either Gray Butte (Palmdale) or El Mirage (Adelanto) in sunny Southern California.

In this role you will be working on cutting edge technology utilizing your experience to further the development of new hardware and software, adding new capabilities to airborne sensing and weapons systems, and sustainment of customer fleets including MQ-1C Gray Eagle, MQ-9A Reaper, and MQ-9B SkyGuardian, SeaGuardian, and Protector systems.

Responsible for the entire Unmanned Aircraft System, you will be modifying and configuring aircraft and ground control stations to meet customer specified test programs, executing ground tests, and supporting flight test activities. This includes flightline activities such as preflight, mission monitoring for system performance, and postflight data collection.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The successful candidate will service, troubleshoot, repair, inspect, and maintain aircraft and ground support equipment in support of test operations and sustainment activities in accordance with maintenance documentation.

• Support test teams for test and development (R&D) efforts.

• Modifies, installs, and tests electronics and mechanical equipment as part of customer and company modification and test efforts.

• Corrects major and minor discrepancies by removal, repair, or replacement of defective or deleted parts of aircraft electrical and avionics systems as well as ground support systems (ground stations, ground data terminals and SATCOM terminals).

• Performs scheduled maintenance and functional checks on existing, newly installed and modified aircraft systems and equipment as well as ground support systems (ground stations, ground data terminals (GDT) and SATCOM terminals); disassembles, assembles, and adjusts electronic equipment.

• Operates test equipment to locate, diagnose, and repair defective parts and performs routine inspections on systems and equipment.

• Troubleshoots, tests, and documents findings; repairs or replaces components based on test results by following technical drawings, schematics, handbooks, engineering documents, customer and company technical manuals and other technical guidance.

• Fabricates, upgrades, routes, and installs wiring harnesses.

• Supports company and customer flight test activities at various locations in support of test objectives. Includes but not limited to Flight Engineer duties, launch and recovery efforts and reports.

• Opportunities for cross-training into other disciplines.

• Other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications:

• Typically requires education or formal training equivalent to the completion of a two-year technical degree or trade school equivalency as well as two or more years' experience in aviation or electronics. Equivalent professional experience may be substituted in lieu of education.

• Must be able to perform a variety of routine tasks and demonstrate full knowledge of avionics and electronic procedures and principles.

• Must possess:

• The ability to troubleshoot at the component level

• Full knowledge and use of electronic test equipment, hand and soldering tools, voltage or amperage measuring and recording devices

• Knowledge of relevant computer applications, operations, and networking

• The ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics and technical orders

• Good analytical, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills to accurately document, report and assess situations and make judgments.

• The ability to work both independently and in a team environment is essential.

• The ability to work any shift and additional hours as required.

• Ability to obtain and maintain DOD Security clearance is required.

Job Category:

Avionics/Electronics

Experience Level:

Mid-Level (3-7 years)

Workstyle:

Onsite

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full-Time Hourly

Pay Range Low:

54,000

Pay Range High:

86,625

Travel Percentage Required:

0% - 25%

Relocation Assistance Provided?:

Yes

US Citizenship Required?:

Yes

Clearance Required?:

Desired

Clearance Level:

Secret

General Atomics is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, transitioning status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, physical disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. In accordance with applicable federal law, General Atomics takes affirmative action to employ and advance the employment of qualified protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. We also prohibit compensation discrimination under all applicable laws. U.S. Citizenship is required for certain positions. To learn more, please review the EEOC’s "Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal" poster.