RPA Mx Avionics Technician I/Ellsworth AFB

Amentum; Rapid City, Northern (SD, KY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

Paid time off & holidays

401(k) matching

Educational reimbursement

Parental leave

Employee stock purchase plan

Tax-saving options

Disability and life insurance

Pet insurance

Job summary

Amentum is seeking a Ground Control Station Technician I to support daily operations of an Air Force RPA unit at Ellsworth AFB, SD. You will perform organizational level maintenance on GCSs, conduct preventative actions, inspections, and installations of electronic and IT systems under supervision.

The role requires basic avionics, SATCOM, and RF knowledge, with 24/7 schedule availability and the ability to lift 50 pounds, plus must maintain DoD TS/SCI clearance.

Qualifications

• Must possess or be able to obtain DoD TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.
• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to read blueprints, wiring diagrams and data tables.
• Basic understanding of Windows and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Interface with customer regularly and provide excellent service.
• Adhere to AFI 21-101 Aircraft and Equipment Maintenance Management and Technical Data.
• Document maintenance actions using AFTO 781s and MIS.
• Identify malfunctions via testing and reference Air Force data; assist with repairs.
• Work under supervision and receive guidance as needed.
• Perform maintenance, repair, and installation of electronic equipment and related systems (radar, radio, SATCOM, navigational aids).
• Assist with planning work, tool selection, and compliance with directives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Blueprints & wiring diagrams

Windows OS

Microsoft Office

Data tables reading

Excellent communication

Education

Associate degree

High school diploma

Tools

Windows

Office Suite

Job description

***** Candidates must possess current DoD Top Secret Security Clearance with SCI *****

The Ground Control Station (GCS) Technician I position will support the daily operations of an Air Force Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) unit located at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. The ideal candidate will perform organizational level maintenance on GCSs in accordance with Air Force Technical Data under direct supervision. This position will execute preventative maintenance actions, inspections, modifications, troubleshooting, testing, and removal and installations of electronic and IT systems and subsystems utilizing best maintenance practices as identified by Air Force instruction.

USAF equivalent position is Apprentice level Avionics Technician, Cyber Transport, or RF Transmission Systems.

Position reports to the Site Manager.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Interfaces with the customer on a regular basis, excellent customer service and communication skills are required.

• Able to adhere to Air Force Instruction (AFI), AFI 21-101 – Aircraft and Equipment Maintenance Management, and Technical Data in the performance and documentation of maintenance actions.

• Documents all maintenance actions and discrepancies utilizing aircraft logs and records utilizing AFTO 781s, Maintenance Information Systems (MIS), and maintenance logs.

• Applies basic technical knowledge to solve problems by referencing Air Force Technical Data including determining the location and density of circuitry, isolating malfunctions, and incorporating engineering changes.

• Requires a basic understanding of the interrelationships of circuits, planning work schedules, selecting tools and test instruments, and understanding compliance with maintenance instructions and technical directives.

• Uses common and complex test instruments to isolate malfunctions and develop concrete solutions for remediation.

• Work may be reviewed by the Supervisor for general compliance with accepted practices.

• Maintains, repairs, and installs various types of electronic equipment and related devices such as electronic transmitting and receiving equipment (e.g., radar, radio, telecommunication, SATCOM and navigational aids); micro and mainframe computers and terminals; and industrial measuring, controlling equipment, and industrial calibration devices.

• Applies basic technical knowledge of electronics principles in determining malfunctions and applies skill in restoring equipment operations.

• This technician works under immediate supervision and achieves technical guidance, as required, from a higher-level technician or the supervisor.

• Performs all other duties as assigned or requested.

Minimum Requirements:

• Must have high school diploma or have completed relevant military and/or vocational technical school curriculum.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

• Must be capable of using and reading blueprints, wiring diagrams, and data tables.

• Basic understanding of Windows.

• Thorough knowledge of the Microsoft Office Professional suite of software (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

• Must be able to gain and maintain one of the following IAT Level II certifications: CCNA Security, CySA+, GICSP, Security+ CE, SSCP, or GSEC, IAW DOD 8570.01-M commensurate with the assigned duties within 90 days of hire.

• Additional “on the job” training may be required.

• Must be able to lift / carry items in excess of 50 pounds.

• Must be able to work a non-traditional schedule to maintain 24/7/365 operations.

• Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English.

• Must submit updated SF-86 within 30 days of hire start date.

• Must possess and be able to maintain current DoD TS/SCI.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree in a relevant career field.

• Minimum of one year actual and recent Aircraft Avionics, Ground Control Station, SATCOM maintenance, Military Aviation, and/or Communications experience preferred.

• Working knowledge of basic electronics maintenance and repair.

• Possess basic knowledge of technical publications related to aircraft and ground control station electronics maintenance.

• Know basic theory of flight and electronic flight controls, and a basic knowledge of electronic principles.

• Basic understanding of SATCOM communications.

• Capable of using and reading blueprints, wiring diagrams, and data tables.

• Possess basic skills and knowledge in the operation of networks; both hardware and software, to include network topology, standards, and protocols.

• Basic understanding of Windows and Linux operating systems.

• Application of technical knowledge of electronic principles in determining malfunctions and skill application in restoring equipment systems and operations.

• RPA Operations Experience.

• Military C4ISR (Command, Control, Computers, Communication, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) experience.

• Prior Experience as a Defense Contractor.

• Prior Experience in RPA Aircraft Avionics/GCS/SATCOM Maintenance and Repair.

• FCC Radio Telephone License.

• Knowledge and ability to administer Linux on both servers and workstations.

• Prior experience installing, upgrading, and administering operating systems and application software in multi-user client/server environments, including Linux.

• Current IAT Level II Certification.

Compensation Details:

26.79

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off and holidays

• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

• Educational reimbursement

• Parental leave

• Employee stock purchase plan

• Tax-saving options

• Disability and life insurance

• Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:

09/09/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.