Job Description

The Mission Concepts and Capabilities Division (MCC) of Applied Research Associates, Inc (ARA) is seeking a full-time Weapons and Tactics Mission Planning Support (MPS) A-10 to add to our team. The right candidate will provide comprehensive weapons and tactics mission planning support to A‑10 focused. This role enables high‑fidelity mission planning, briefing, and debrief capability across briefing rooms, mission planning cells (MPC), and student study areas. The contractor will maintain and update mission software, data, devices, and networks; ensure connectivity for RMMD/DTC/PCDS/WEDGE and support program management for hardware/software acquisition. This is an on-site position providing support to the customer on-site at Davis Monthan AFB.

This position is contingent upon award of a contract expected in March 2026.

Essential Functions:

Aircrew Briefing Room Support

• Maintain NIPR computers with common configurations; provide technical support to enable Warfighter’s Edge (WEdge) functionality; maintain Smart Board connectivity/driver updates; ensure projector connectivity/lamp replacement; standardize desktop shortcuts across briefing rooms.
• Maintain debrief computer/network ensuring A‑10 video playback from memory devices.
• Ensure network connection to associated mission debrief peripheral devices.
• Maintain network file sharing capability on local NAS and/or TACLANE network.
• Update Personal Computer Debriefing System (PCDS) monthly (drivers/updates); ensure PCDS connectivity for 4× RMMD simultaneous playback; configure common PCDS profiles and standardize among briefing rooms; update map data & overlays for PCDS TSPI map viewing.

Mission Planning Software & Program Support

• Maintain current Joint Mission Planning Software (JMPS) and Unit Planning Cell (UPC) software across all home station and deployable Mission Planning Area computers.
• Update all other mission planning OS and peripheral device drivers as needed.
• Support program management for acquisition of additional hardware/software; provide squadron leadership and Group Resource Advisor with itemized requirements.
• Follow direction from unit weapons officer for all other briefing room computer issues.

Mission Planning Area (MPC) Duties

• Help maintain 12 MPC systems in common configuration via monthly updates to map data, DTED, DVOF, and TFADS.
• Ensure connectivity between UPC computers and NAS.
• Update RMMD monthly: process and renumber incoming RMMDs; create partitions; load OGV-specified overlays/map data (esp. for TDY); ensure latest eCHUM files.
• Troubleshoot RMMD weekly; perform functionality checks; reformat non‑functional devices; submit inoperable RMMDs to LRS/SPO.
• Update Data Transfer Cartridge (DTC) bi‑annually and as required for TDY.
• Ensure correct DTED is loaded for local area flying or TDYs.
• Troubleshoot DTC weekly; perform functionality checks; reformat non‑functional; submit inoperable DTCs through LRS/SPO.
• Maintain plotter capability connected to MPC computers; print OGV/FGV‑directed maps (correct scale/overlays/CHUM).
• Download DTCs daily; print weapons events by returning flights for debrief prep.
• Connect RMMDs and set up RMMD debrief sessions on PCDS in appropriate debrief rooms.
• Capture and provide training videos from RMMDs, as needed by Courseware Development (CWDs) and WEdge software maintainers.

Student Study Area Support

• Maintain student digital devices in a common configuration (tablets and VR devices) as dictated by 355th Training Squadron (TRS).
• Maintain connectivity to network shared drive for pubs/academic study materials.
• Coordinate with CWD contractors to ensure classified courseware is accessible on MPC NIPR and SIPR drives.
• Conduct vault opening/closing procedures as required.

Required Skills:

• Bachelors degree with 0-2 years of experience with USAF fighter squadron, group, or wing weapons and tactics shop security-related operations OR 6+ years of experience with DoD flying squadron, group, or wing weapons and tactics shop security-related operations in lieu of a degree
• Experience applying policies and procedures outlined in DoDM 5205.07 vol’s 1-4, 1CD-705, and any other SAP requirements set forth from MAJCOM and/or wing AP
• Experience with information, industrial, and personnel security concepts, principles, and practices, participating in the planning and implementation of security programs within an organization
• Experience with required security training concepts, programs, procedures, and practices, assisting managers in establishing and complying with internal security programs
• Active / current TS clearance with SCI and SAP/SAR eligibility and willingness to submit to a Counterintelligence polygraph
• Must be a US citizen

Preferred Skills:

• Have recent experience supporting CAF FS/AFWX/ASOS A-10

COMPANY INFORMATION:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2000 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership generates greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com

Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the Weapons and Tactics Mission Planning Support (MPS) A-10 position.

Compensation & Benefits:

Pay Ranges: From $69,000-$80,000 per year based on location, years of experience, degree and any special skills and knowledge that they may bring to the position.

ARA offers competitive benefits that address our employees’ needs now and in the future. Learn more about each of our benefits at https://www.ara.com/benefits/