Mission Systems Technician

Metrea delivers effects-as-a-service to national security partners across five domains and more than a dozen mission areas, including airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special air missions, aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. We own the full stack—designing, building, and operating turnkey capabilities that provide decisive, asymmetric advantage against evolving threats. Our model combines global shared services, mission-focused core groups, and regional market teams to ensure agile, adaptable solutions aligned with partner needs.

About the Role

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 reliable, high-performance ISR capabilities for real-world operations.

Responsibilities

• 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 through clear communication of technical capabilities, limitations, and innovation opportunities

Requirements

• 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)

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
• 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
• 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
• Subsidized gym membership/plans through Wellhub

Pay

Pay Range: $125,000 USD - $135,000 USD

Schedule

• Full-time exempt position
• Typical working hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• On-call availability required as business needs dictate
• Up to 15% OCONUS travel
• Up to 15% CONUS travel

Work Environment

This role operates in both office and hangar settings.

Work Authorization / Security Clearance

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Active TS/SCI clearance required at time of hire, with ability to maintain it throughout employment