Test Pad Technician

Altus Technology Solutions • Ridgecrest, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

At Altus, we’re proud to provide a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and your growth matters. Our size gives us both stability and flexibility, offering opportunities for development while supporting a healthy work-life balance. If you thrive in high-impact environments and want to be part of a skilled team, we’d love to have you on board! Altus provides test & evaluation, maintenance and repair of facilities, and operation services required to implement the Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) programs under the cognizance of the Aircraft Vulnerability Division for Naval Air Warfare Center-Weapons Division China Lake, CA. The WSL Test Pad Technician is responsible for performing non-routine assignments of substantial variety and complexity on project test articles such as aerospace vehicles, propulsion systems, engine control systems, fuel systems, drive systems, and supporting sub-systems for aircraft, test facilities, and laboratory simulation systems. We are seeking an individual who can apply their advanced mechanical experience to add value and make a strong impact supporting the NAWCWD/WSL mission.

Requirements

• High school education or equivalent.
• Formal military, college, trade school, or equivalent on-the-job training commensurate with duties.
• Minimum of five years hands-on experience in performing troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Proficient in the use of precision hand tools and measuring instruments.
• Must have ability to interpret engineering drawings, test plans, and program requirements.
• Must be capable working from heights or confined spaces, utilizing appropriate fall protection equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), and operational and safety standard operating procedures (SOPs) as required.
• Possess a valid California driver’s license.
• U.S. Citizenship and a current U.S. DoD SECRET Security Clearance required for hire and to be maintained throughout employment.
• All candidates will be required to pass background screening to include SSN, Driver Record, and Criminal Background Investigation.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with test procedures and safety in an RDT&E environment, with modern military aircraft and weapons systems.
• Experience working at a government site/facility.
• Capable of developing modifications for aircraft and weapons systems such that the program requirements are satisfied without jeopardizing safety of operations.
• Must possess ability to work tactfully with professional engineers, technicians, and management staff on all levels of effort.
• Prior material handling equipment (forklift) operator experience or ability to complete MHE training and certification within 90 days of start.

Responsibilities

• As a live fire test team member, assist in the performance of live fire test & evaluation (LFT&E) of aircraft survivability technology as directed by Test Team Leads.
• Perform modifications to existing aircraft systems and test simulator assemblies or construct new systems to achieve test simulation requirements.
• Monitor and control specialized simulation or test support systems during LFT&E.
• Fabricate unconventional, one-of-a-kind items, systems, or apparatus in support of experimental project test articles.
• Plan and conduct work from blueprints, drawings, test plans, and aircraft or system technical publications.
• Perform qualification, acceptance, and pre-test operational checks on project test articles such as aerospace vehicles, propulsion, fuel, and drive systems for technical adequacy prior to test conduction.
• Perform qualification, acceptance, and calibration tests on standard and unique test support equipment.
• Perform maintenance and repair of aircraft systems on test article simulators and test aircraft.
• Modify sub-systems configuration, including pneumatic, hydraulic, lubrication, drive, and fuel systems while maintaining system operational capability.
• Other tasking, as required to support contract and customer requirements.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions
• Income protection through short- and long-term disability insurance
• Education assistance for professional growth
• Flexible paid leave and career advancement opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED