Test Range Photographer; Photographer V - Part-Time

Position Overview

Position Type:
Part-Time, On-Call, Non-Exempt.

Work Location:

NAWS China Lake, CA.

Pay: $50–55 per hour.

This position is a part-time, on-call role to provide subject‑matter expert support for photographic and video graphic activities at the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.

Systems Application & Technologies, Inc. (SA-TECH) is a Department of Defense contractor specializing in range operations, weapons testing, target O&M, systems integration, and cybersecurity. The company operates multiple test ranges for the Army, Air Force, and Navy.

• Provide training and SME technical advisement on photographic equipment for assignments requiring precise renditions without opportunities for retakes.
• Operate and maintain still, graphic, motion picture cameras, video and television cameras, high‑speed camera systems, remote control devices, and timing or measurement control mechanisms.
• Input on best‑practice preventative maintenance, repair, assembly, modification, and setup of camera, video, and electronic control systems.
• Advise on test site setup for precise photographic measurement using high‑speed photography, natural and synthetic light sources, and timed electronic triggering.
• Support customer requirements and improve visual data acquisition and reduction processes.
• Work independently as the primary photographer or as part of a team.

• Outdoor work in varying weather and climate conditions.
• Work from elevated platforms with fall‑protection harnesses; temperature range 0–120°F.
• Physical demands: 45% standing, 20% bending, 15% reaching, 5% sitting, 5% walking, 10% lifting.
• Must lift a minimum of 50 pounds alone.

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• College, military, trade school, or equivalent on‑the‑job training commensurate with duties.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in Live Fire Testing & Evaluation (LFT&E).
• Hands‑on experience and comprehensive knowledge of camera and photography equipment.
• Mastery of camera, video, and electronic equipment operation and maintenance.
• Experience with Adobe Premiere, Final Cut, or similar video editing tools desired.
• Extensive experience with documentation, cataloging, and data reduction for visual data.
• Ability to work tactfully with engineers, technicians, and managers at all levels.
• Interpretation of test plans and program requirements.
• Work at heights using appropriate fall protection.
• Skilled with hand tools and hand‑held power tools.
• Current driver’s license and availability to be insured under the company’s vehicle insurance policy.
• U.S. Citizenship required; ability to obtain a DoD Security Secret clearance prior to start and maintain it throughout employment.
• Background screening including SSN, driver record, and criminal background investigation required.

• Medical, dental, vision.
• Life insurance.
• Long‑term disability.
• 401(k) match.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• EAP.
• Education assistance.
• PTO and holidays.
• Vacation and sick leave.

SA-TECH is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and evaluates all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. We participate in the E-Verify system to verify work authorization in the U.S.