Data Processing and Avionics Test Specialist

Data Processing & Avionics Test Specialist

Salary Range: $70,310 - $95,400

The Data Processing & Avionics Test Specialist provides critical data processing, post-flight data reduction, real-time display support, and preliminary quality analysis for F/A-18 flight test operations. Working directly with test conductors, airborne instrumentation personnel, and software developers, this role ensures the rapid extraction, integrity, and delivery of flight-test telemetry and onboard recorded avionics data. Additionally, this role's secondary functions will be assisting the IT team as an IT Support technician.

This is a 100% onsite position at China Lake, CA operating on a 9/80 flex work schedule; remote work is not available.

Primary

Job Functions:

• Execute post-flight processing, extraction, formatting, and reduction of F/A-18 avionics data recorded during flight test events.
• Coordinate processing pipelines for new data configurations dictated by programmatic changes or airborne hardware upgrades.
• Manage physical and digital data storage media
  -including routine media sanitization- in full compliance with DoD security guidelines, classification markings, and project handling procedures.
• Maintain operational logs tracking flight event IDs, data processing runs, and distribution histories.
• Perform quality assurance checks to identify data dropouts, frame errors, time-sync issues, or hardware anomalies.
• Log processing and instrumentation issues, collaborating directly with instrumentation engineers and data reduction software teams to identify root causes.
• Assist the airborne instrumentation team with pre-flight checkouts.
• Generate, format, and deliver tailored data products to project engineers, test pilots, and flight test conductors per mission requirements.
• Assist in evaluating ground data-processing capabilities to ensure full compatibility with evolving onboard recording architectures.

Secondary

Job Functions:

• Help troubleshoot desktop computer systems, install software, and perform standard OS maintenance.
• Assist with the deployment, setup, and cable management of local IT equipment, peripherals, and network devices.
• Provide hands-on support to on-site personnel for general technical queries, account troubleshooting, and system access.
• Assist in monitoring system health, running basic diagnostic tools, and ensuring IT systems align with security policies.

Required Skills:

• U.S. Citizenship is required due to the sensitivity of customer requirements.
• High School Diploma or equivalent with 10+ years of relevant experience; OR Associate Degree with 4+ years of experience; OR Bachelor's Degree with 2+ years of experience; OR Master's Degree with 1+ year of experience.
• Preferred field of study in Computer Science, Data Analytics, Information Technology, Network Engineering, Systems Administration, or a closely related technical field.
• Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance throughout the duration of employment.
• Must be able to work onsite at China Lake, CA under a 9/80 flex work schedule. This position is not remote work eligible.
• Must be willing and able to travel up to 12 weeks per year to support detachment operations or off-site test events.
• Must be capable of carrying up to 5 pounds routinely and lifting up to 50 pounds when transporting equipment, recording media, or test hardware.
• Possess professionalism, courtesy, high moral character, and integrity.
• DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level II baseline certification (e.g., Security+).
• Windows OS Certification or equivalent OS training credential.
• Strong hands-on proficiency with Windows and Linux OS environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to interface effectively with cross-functional teams (engineers, software developers, test conductors) in high-tempo environment.

Desired

Skills:

• Ability to write and maintain custom scripts (Python, Power Shell, Batch, or MATLAB) to automate data extraction, formatting, and repetitive processing tasks.
• Familiarity with military flight test data structures and telemetry standards (e.g., IRIG 106 Chapter 10/11, MIL-STD-1553 bus data, or PCM telemetry).
• Experience conducting preliminary data analysis for quality assurance and instrumentation troubleshooting.