Principal Engineering Technician – SAOC SIL Operations

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.

SNC has led thoughtful and disruptive change in the aerospace and defense industry for the past 60 years and now, we’re applying this tenacity and expertise to the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) mission. Join the SNC-led SAOC team and be a part of exciting and meaningful work to modernize and deliver the next-generation SAOC aircraft trusted by the President, Secretary of Defense and Chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure continued critical command, control and communication during national emergencies. If you’re passionate about building the airborne command post of the future, consider SNC for your next mission. Learn more about NC3 and SAOC here .

• Sierra Nevada Corporation is seeking a hands-on Principal Engineering Technician to support operations within the SAOC Systems Integration Laboratory (SIL). Reporting to the SIL Operations Manager, this position supports system design, installation, integration, safety, maintenance, daily operations, calibration, configuration management, and troubleshooting.
• The selected candidate will be responsible for coordinating and assigning work to a small team of junior engineering technicians. The SIL includes systems, software, mechanical, electrical, cyber, and network engineering support; engineering technicians are the primary hands-on personnel for SIL systems and equipment.

Principal Expectations:

Principal candidates will serve as a senior technical expert, provide expert-level troubleshooting and maintenance direction, lead advanced calibration and testing, interpret complex data, establish laboratory procedures and standards, coordinate competing priorities, and advise the SIL Operations Manager on staffing, tooling, spares, maintenance, safety, and system readiness.

Responsibilities:

• •Oversee and manage complex technical projects and daily SIL operations in coordination with the SIL Operations Manager.
• •Operate, install, integrate, maintain, configure, and troubleshoot complex laboratory systems and equipment.
• •Assign and coordinate daily work for junior engineering technicians; mentor, train, guide, and inspect technician work.
• •Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, maintenance procedures, work instructions, checklists, and safety documentation.
• •Perform system checkout, equipment configuration, hardware and software updates, and operational readiness activities.
• •Troubleshoot issues across hardware, software, networking, power, RF, and system interfaces using a structured, evidence-based approach.
• •Lead and coordinate calibration and testing processes; maintain calibration status, records, due dates, traceability, and out-of-tolerance actions.
• •Use laboratory test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, power meters, cable testers, and other measurement equipment.
• •Support AC/DC power distribution, UPS systems, batteries, grounding and bonding, and safe equipment power-up and power-down procedures.
• •Support RF systems and equipment, including transmitters, receivers, antennas, signal paths, RF distribution, coaxial and waveguide components, and connectors.
• •Maintain configuration baselines, equipment inventories, serial numbers, software and firmware records, maintenance documentation, and discrepancy reports.
• •Analyze and interpret complex test and maintenance data and provide technical recommendations to operations and engineering leadership.
• •Coordinate technical support and troubleshooting with systems, software, mechanical, electrical, cyber, network, and other technical teams.
• •Ensure compliance with applicable safety, quality, security, configuration-management, and technical standards.
• •Participate in integration events, readiness reviews, anomaly resolution, technical reviews, and customer or program meetings.
• •Recommend improvements to tooling, spares, procedures, maintenance practices, technician training, and system readiness.

Qualifications You Must Have:

• •Associate's degree in a related field and 7+ years of technician or related experience; or 9+ years of related experience in lieu of the degree.
• •A higher-level relevant degree may substitute for experience. Relevant experience may include systems integration, engineering laboratories, test operations, maintenance, field service, aerospace/defense systems, or a related technical field.
• •Ability to understand and interpret complex technical schematics, diagrams, blueprints, manuals, publications, wiring diagrams, cable drawings, and technical specifications.
• •Comprehensive working knowledge of standard laboratory test equipment, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, oscilloscopes, other measurement equipment, hand tools, and power tools.
• •Expertise in advanced system maintenance and troubleshooting across hardware, software, networking, power, RF, and system interfaces.
• •Working familiarity with Windows and Linux operating systems; Ethernet and IP networking; AC/DC power systems; UPS systems; batteries; grounding and bonding; and RF systems across applicable frequency bands.
• •Experience with assembly, connectors, crimping, cable installation, equipment configuration, technical procedures, calibration, configuration management, change control, equipment inventories, or controlled technical documentation.
• •Ability to lead, assign, coordinate, and review work performed by junior technicians.
• •Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to analyze technical data and provide clear recommendations.
• •Ability to work independently and effectively with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• •Active Secret security clearance at the time of hire and ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI clearance and required program access.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• •Familiarity with FCC requirements and an FCC General Radio Operator License (GROL).
• •Basic skills with avionics installation tooling, wiring installation and repair, connectorization, crimping, and soldering techniques.
• •Previous experience in a manufacturing, aerospace, defense, Department of Defense, U.S. military, or other mission-focused technical environment.
• •Experience with 3-D CAD software or similar technical design and documentation tools.
• •Prior experience in a lead role with responsibility to mentor, train, guide, and inspect the work of subordinate technicians.
• •Master’s degree in a related technical field.
• •Experience supporting strategic research and development or advanced integration projects.
• •Experience with calibration databases, asset-management systems, maintenance-management systems, ticketing systems, or configuration-management tools.
• •Familiarity with cybersecurity practices applicable to operational systems and classified or controlled-access facilities.

Essential Functions:

• •Ability to lift up to 30 pounds regularly and move tools, test equipment, cables, and hardware safely.
• •Ability to remain on one’s feet for much of the work shift while monitoring systems and performing installation, maintenance, integration, and troubleshooting activities.
• •Manual dexterity to handle, install, and assemble small components, cables, connectors, fasteners, test equipment, and electronic hardware.
• •Ability to sit