Mission Systems Technician

Group Overview

Special Air Missions Group (SAM) is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Special Mobility, and Aerial Firefighting (AFF) capabilities. SAM oversees the integration of new mission systems, ensuring operational readiness across specialized aviation operations. It manages fleet maintenance, regulatory compliance, and strategic partnerships to enhance mission effectiveness. By consolidating expertise and infrastructure, SAM ensures Metrea’s airborne capabilities remain adaptable and mission-ready across dynamic operational environments.

Position Summary

The Mission Systems Technician is a technical specialist responsible for the installation, configuration, maintenance, and lifecycle sustainment of airborne ISR mission systems.  This role ensures continuous mission system readiness by performing hands-on troubleshooting, field-level repairs, and system validation. Working independently, the technician supports all aspects of mission equipment lifecycle management - including integration, software updates, and configuration control. This position is critical to delivering a reliable, high-performance ISR capability in support of real-world ISR operations.

What You'll Do

Install, configure, and maintain airborne ISR mission systems, including EO/IR sensor systems, tactical radios, mission computers, radar systems, data link systems, video networks, moving map software, and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) equipment

Perform pre-mission system checks, field-level troubleshooting, and corrective maintenance to ensure mission readiness

Perform Windows and Linux system administration tasks, including scripting, log analysis, patch management, and user account management

Operate and interpret data from test equipment including spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, network analyzers, and RF power meters to isolate faults and validate system performance

Configure and troubleshoot TCP/IP-based mission networks, including static routing, subnetting, VLAN tagging, and secure transport links

Diagnose and resolve faults across RF, power, and IP-based network interfaces using technical schematics, block diagrams, and support documentation

Conduct system software loads, firmware updates, and configuration management in accordance with program baselines and security requirements

Support integration and validation of new hardware or software packages in coordination with engineering and sustainment teams

Maintain proper handling and accountability of Controlled Cryptographic Items (CCI) and mission-critical Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) components

Ensure compliance with safety, airworthiness, and operational security protocols during all maintenance and system support activities

Provide detailed technical feedback and field reports to support root cause analysis, continuous improvement, and lifecycle sustainment planning

Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support mission success, while leveraging clear written and verbal communication to articulate technical capabilities, limitations, support requirements, and areas for innovation

What You Bring

Minimum 8 years supporting airborne ISR mission systems, with direct integration or modification experience preferred

Strong understanding of RF signal paths, IP networking concepts, and mission system interdependencies

Experience executing software loads, firmware updates, and configuration changes in controlled baseline environments

Ability to read and interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, and integration drawings

Proficient in RF test equipment usage (spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, network analyzers, & RF power meters)

Strong working knowledge of radar fundamentals (GMTI, SAR, MMTI, Weather)

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

Master’s degree or 12 years of relevant experience

Bachelor’s degree plus 8 years of relevant experience

DoD 8140 IAT Level 2 – IAM Level 1.

Experience mentoring or leading small technical teams

Must be capable of operating independently with minimal oversight

Experience with configuration management principles and airworthiness approval processes

Demonstrated systems thinking and ability to evaluate second- and third-order impacts of decisions

Must demonstrate professional maturity, sound judgment, and leadership potential

Benefits

Comprehensive medical plan options

HSA/FSA accounts

Dental and vision coverage

6% employer 401(k) match

Fully paid parental leave for all new parents

Generous PTO

Life and disability insurance

Long-term and Short-term disability coverage

AD&D Coverage

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Subsided gym membership / plans through Wellhub

Work Authorization / Security Clearance

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.  Must be a U.S. citizen

Clearance required at time of hire: Active TS/SCI clearance required at time of hire, and the ability to maintain it throughout employment

AAP/EEO Statement

This Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time exempt position with typical working hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours and work shifts may change in accordance with department and business needs. Exempt Employees must have the ability to be on-call and available, as business needs require.

Work Environment

This job operates in an office and hangar setting.

Travel

Up to 15% OCONUS travel

Up to 15% CONUS travel

Base Pay Range

The compensation range shown below is a good faith estimate and reflects the expected base pay for this position upon hire. This is just one component of Metrea's overall approach to total rewards and final compensation decisions, including the ultimate salary or hourly rate agreed upon, may vary depending on factors such as job location, job-specific knowledge, skills, experience, and the overall negotiated compensation package. Eligible full-time employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their health, wellbeing, and long-term success.

Pay Range

$125,000—$135,000 USD