Journeyman Sonobuoy Test Engineer Technician

Precise Systems; Odon (IN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Precise Systems seeks a Test Technician to support Sonobuoy testing for the Navy's Airborne ASW Systems Engineering Division. The role covers open ocean and lab testing of AN/SSQ-series sonobuoys, including life-cycle tests, VHF/UHF communications, acoustic response, and performance verification.

This in-person position requires an Associate's degree or 4+ years related experience, travel, and the ability to obtain a Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or 4+ years related work experience.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience with OIS and ordnance management.
• Ability to travel aboard Navy aircraft and research vessels; approx. 5 travel days every other month.

Responsibilities

• Reviews, interprets, and advises on operational system requirements for airborne ASW systems.
• Conducts analyses of logistic requirements for development, testing, and utilization of ASW systems.
• Leads special studies to ensure logistics constraints are considered in next-generation ASW systems.
• Maintains certification to operate the Ordnance Information System (OIS).
• Coordinates with Navy commands, squadrons, and vendors to ensure timely delivery of sonobuoys.

Skills

Secret clearance

Education

Associate's degree or 4 years of related work experience

Tools

OIS

Ordnance Management

Ordnance Safety

Job description

Precise Systems delivers integrated, mission-ready solutions that advance warfighter readiness and strengthen our nation's most critical defense programs. Through the power of our combined capabilities, we provide deep expertise in Advanced Engineering; Digital Transformation; Electromagnetic Warfare; Interactive Training & Simulation; Physical Sciences Research; Platform Lifecycle Support; and Foreign Military Sales. Unified by decades of trusted performance and expanded through strategic growth, our team applies innovative technologies, engineering rigor, and customer-focused execution to solve complex challenges and accelerate mission success. Guided by our commitment to partnership, precision, and performance, we deliver the scalable solutions and technical excellence our customers depend on---today and into the future.

We are seeking a Test Technician in support of the Sonobuoy test activities for the Airborne ASW Systems Engineering Division. AN/SSQ Series Production Sonobuoys are the principal sensors used by U.S. Navy Air Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) forces in carrying out their primary mission functions of detection, classification and localization of adversary submarines during peacetime and combat operations. Sonobuoys are an "A-size" expendable device commandable via an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link as well as reporting acoustic information over standard Very High Frequency (VHF) sonobuoy Radio Frequency (RF) channels. Sonobuoys are tested in the open ocean at the San Clemente Island test range and laboratory facilities to demonstrate the sonobuoy compliance relative to a Performance Specification. Air-drop and open ocean testing determine if the sonobuoy meets specification requirements at operating service conditions after air launch from an aircraft or over the side. Laboratory/Environmental testing will consist of preconditioning units with specific environments (ie. temperature and altitude cycling, etc.) then activate the units in a laboratory environment. Testing will make measurements of the requirements ranging from operating life, VHF/UHF radio, acoustic response, etc. for the purposes of verifying acceptable demonstration of performance requirements.

**This role requires in-person support.**

**Duties:**

• Reviews, interprets, evaluates, and advises EDT/IPT leaders on the operational system requirements needed to support the development, experimentation, integration, and utilization of current and future planned airborne ASW systems
• Conducts analyses and assessments of logistic requirements associated with the development, experimentation, integration, and utilization of emerging Air ASW systems or suites of systems intended for operational use in the Fleet. Provides recommendations, including resource availability, maintainability, and life cycle cost estimates based on the sequence and timing of key program events and milestones
• Leads special studies, as needed, to ensure logistics requirements and associated constraints are considered in proposing the development of next-generation Air ASW systems
• Accommodates operational needs in Air ASW systems' maintenance, inventory, and availability through the identification of both short-range and long-range (5-year plus) planning guidance to assist program leads
• Maintains certification to operate the Ordnance Information System (OIS), which provides timely and accurate information on the location, movement, status, and identity of ordnance assets in storage, in process, and in transit to support Naval Aviation operational plans and readiness assessments
• Maintains liaison with officials from other Navy commands, Navy operational squadrons, and sonobuoy manufacturer representatives through participation in the Sonobuoy Liaison Working Group (SLWG), which facilitates effective logistics and delivery of sonobuoys to meet Fleet operational requirements across the Navy enterprise
• Provides Subject Matter Expert (SME) support to the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) for the execution of Production Sonobuoy contracts. Maintains TPOC contract correspondence with sonobuoy manufacturers, government engineers, contracting officers, and program office personnel
• Coordinates, assembles, and provides technical information for the development of the Sonobuoy Technical Manual, sonobuoy Demilitarization (DEMIL), and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) plans to appropriate technical agents in support of the sonobuoy cataloging process. Provides feedback on technical documentation, maintains checklists, and provides critical technical writing subject matter expertise support during documentation reviews, product reviews, and program office working groups.
• FACTOR I. GUIDELINES Existing Navy policies, instructions, and prior experience serve as broad guidelines for performing work in Air ASW sensor systems engineering. The employee must use their own knowledge, experience, and initiative to derive alternative technical approaches for solving problems, maximizing systems effectiveness, improving the state-of-the-art of assigned areas, and completing the project within budget, schedule, and technical constraints.
• FACTOR II. COMPLEXITY Responsibilities include conducting the analysis and evaluation of Air ASW acoustic sensor system functions (e.g., reliability and maintainability, safety, configuration management, test and evaluation, etc.) for assigned systems throughout all phases of development. The programs contain a variety of complex systems and subsystems, most of which involve state-of-the-art technology. This requires the analyst to be innovative and versatile in adapting or developing approaches to solve a variety of novel and complex problems. The incumbent must consider alternative choices, interconnectivity, and interfacing, and they must assess and explore impacts of trade-offs. They are required to develop performance measurements and evaluation criteria; coordinate the efforts of others; and develop and justify all tasking and budgeting for assigned systems. They must exercise a high degree of technical judgment and resourcefulness in applying the latest technological developments to the systems, assessing risks and requirements, and coordinating efforts to develop and support the systems and resolve any problems which may arise.
• FACTOR V. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The incumbent must be able to lift equipment weighing up to 50 pounds to shoulder height and also be able to handle and move ASW and test equipment weighing up to 70 pounds.

**Required Education:**

• Associate's degree or (4) years of related work experience

**Required Experience:**

• The position requires training and experience with the Ordnance Information System (OIS), Ordnance Management, and Ordnance Safety.
• In addition, a minimum of five (5) years of professional work experience is recommended with OIS and ordnance management for Fleet use.
• The position requires travel to and work aboard Navy or commercial aircraft and research vessels.

**WORK ENVIRONMENT**

Work is performed in an office setting or onboard Fleet ASW platforms, such as P-8 and MH-60 aircraft; DDG, CG, and CVN surface vessels. Work is also performed at foreign military and civilian. There will be frequent travel to field activity sites or military installations or contractor facilities. Travel estimate roughly 5 travel days every other month.

**Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. Due to the sensitivity of customer related requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required.**

**Precise Systems is dedicated to a shared vision and core values of Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility, which foster innovation and drive our continued success in the global marketplace. Precise Systems and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, status as an individual with a disability, or any legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. Visit www.GoPrecise.com for a listing of current openings and our comprehensive, employee friendly benefits summary. Precise Systems participates in E-Verify.*