Technician V

Vantage Systems, Inc. (Vantage), is a pioneering force in the realm of multi-disciplinary engineering services for spaceflight projects. Since our establishment in 1992, we have consistently delivered progressive solutions to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) space flight community earning recognition for our unwavering integrity and dedication to delivering top-tier solutions that align with the U.S. space program missions.

For over three decades, Vantage’s commitment to quality service and innovation has driven our rapid growth. Fueled by a deep understanding of the ever-evolving U.S. space program, we continuously pioneer progressive solutions to address NASA’s & DoD’s pressing challenges. Our unwavering commitment to exceptional service is built upon a foundation of ethics, honesty, and a people-centric approach. Join us as we forge ahead, combining our expertise with NASA’s legacy of excellence to shape the future of space exploration.

We are looking for highly qualified candidates for a contract positioned onsite at the Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) SSHINE contract.

Job description:

The Logistics Technician/Facilities Lead (Technician V) is responsible for overseeing facility operations, maintenance, safety, and logistics support for Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate spacecraft integration and testing facilities. This role manages government integration facilities supporting the assembly, integration, and testing (AI&T) of space technology experiments ranging from CubeSats to ESPA-class spacecraft. The Facilities Lead coordinates facility maintenance, laboratory safety programs, hazardous materials management, shipping/receiving of flight hardware, and vendor/contractor coordination to ensure a safe, secure, compliant, and operationally effective work environment supporting national security space missions.

The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in facilities management with specific experience supporting:

• Spacecraft integration facility management: Managing cleanroom environments, laboratory facilities, and specialized integration areas supporting spacecraft, payload, and experiment assembly, integration, and testing operations
• Laboratory safety and compliance programs: Implementing and managing comprehensive safety programs including chemical hygiene, hazardous materials/waste management, explosives safety, laser radiation safety, electrostatic discharge (ESD) control, and OSHA compliance for aerospace integration facilities
• Specialized facility custodial roles: Serving in critical safety and security roles including Fuel Tank Custodian, Chemical Hygiene Officer, Hazard Communication Program Manager, Unit Safety Representative, and Security Assistant (Alarm Custodian, GSA Security Container Custodian) in accordance with Air Force and federal requirements
• Flight hardware logistics: Managing shipping, receiving, handling, packing, protecting, and transportation of sensitive flight experiment hardware, spacecraft components, and ground support equipment
• Facility security and access control: Maintaining facility security systems, access control, alarm systems, and compliance with SCIF and SAPF requirements

This position requires a proactive safety mindset, the ability to work in Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) and Special Access Program Facilities (SAPFs), meticulous attention to compliance requirements, and cross-functional collaboration to maintain mission-critical integration and testing infrastructure supporting cradle-to-grave space mission operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Government Integration Facility Management:

• Oversee facility maintenance tasks, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and general repairs.
• Manage day-to-day operations of government spacecraft integration facilities including cleanrooms, laboratories, testing areas, and support spaces
• Maintain and upgrade government integration capabilities including equipment and infrastructure outlined in government furnished property and base support lists
• Coordinate facility layout, workspace modifications, and infrastructure changes to support concurrent spacecraft integration and testing activities
• Ensure facility resources, equipment, and infrastructure are well-maintained, calibrated, and accessible to support mission requirements
• Support facility planning for assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft buses, payloads, and experiments

Laboratory Safety Programs & Compliance:

• Implement and manage comprehensive laboratory safety programs in accordance with the Programmatic Environmental Safety and Health Evaluation Plan
• Develop and maintain documentation and provide laboratory safety instruction for:
  • Vehicle operations and crane operations
  • Hazardous materials handling and waste management
  • Explosives safety procedures
  • Laser radiation safety
  • Welding, cutting, and brazing operations
  • Chemical handling and electrostatic discharge (ESD) control
• Identify and report recommendations to the Government for addressing hazardous situations found in workspaces, manufacturing areas, test facilities, integration areas, storage facilities, pre-launch areas, launch facilities, and post-launch processing
• Ensure facility operations comply with OSHA, AFOSH standards, fire codes, and Air Force safety regulations
• Conduct routine safety inspections and audits of facilities, equipment, and operations
• Support emergency preparedness efforts and ensure necessary safety measures and equipment are in place

Specialized Facility Custodial Roles:

• Fuel Tank Custodian: Manage fuel storage and handling in accordance with 377 Mission Support Group training requirements
• Chemical Hygiene Officer: Implement and maintain Chemical Hygiene Plan in accordance with AFI 90-821
• Hazard Communication Program Manager: Manage hazard communication program in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1200
• Unit Safety Representative: Serve as Unit Safety Representative in accordance with AFI 91-202
• Security Assistant: Serve as Alarm Custodian (377 Security Forces Group requirements) and GSA Security Container Custodian (18 CFR 3a.61)

Flight Hardware Logistics & Material Management:

• Manage shipping and receiving of flight experiment hardware, spacecraft components, and assembly, integration, and testing equipment
• Coordinate packing, protecting, and shipping of flight experiments and support equipment to launch sites, test ranges, and integration facilities
• Implement proper handling procedures for sensitive space-rated hardware, electrostatic discharge sensitive devices, and precision components
• Maintain inventory control and tracking systems for government property, contractor acquired property, and flight hardware
• Coordinate logistics for equipment and material movements between facilities, laboratories, field sites, and external locations

Facility Maintenance & Infrastructure:

• Oversee facility maintenance tasks, including HVAC (including cleanroom environmental controls), plumbing, electrical systems, compressed gas systems, and general repairs
• Conduct routine facility inspections to identify and address infrastructure needs
• Implement preventative maintenance programs for facility systems and equipment to minimize operational disruptions
• Coordinate maintenance of specialized integration equipment including cranes, lifting equipment, test stands, and ground support equipment
• Support research, development, and planning for future space system assembly, integration, and testing capabilities and infrastructure

Vendor & Contractor Coordination:

• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and service providers for facility maintenance, repairs, upgrades, and specialized services
• Schedule and oversee vendor work to minimize disruptions to integration, testing, and operational activities
• Assist with reviewing service agreements and ensuring vendor compliance with Air Force, security, and safety policies
• Coordinate base support services and interface with Kirtland AFB support organizations

Project Coordination & Planning:

• Lead execution of facility improvement projects ensuring timely completion and quality standards
• Coordinate with program managers, engineers, and technical teams to plan and prioritize facility-related improvements and modifications
• Support planning for new assembly, integration, and testing capabilities and infrastructure
• Track progress of facility projects and provide status updates to government leads and management

Security & Access Control:

• Maintain facility security systems including alarm systems, access control systems, and physical security measures
• Manage facility access lists, badging requirements, and visitor control procedures
• Ensure compliance with SCIF and SAPF physical security requirements

Documentation & Reporting:

• Maintain facility documentation including standard operating procedures, safety plans, and equipment records
• Prepare monthly status reports on facility operations, maintenance activities, safety incidents, and lessons learned
• Document facility configurations, modifications, and compliance activities

Support preparation of safety plans, risk management plans, and hazard assessments

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education/ Years of Relevant Experience: 20+ years of experience with AA degree or 15+ years of experience with BS/BA degree
• Clearance: TS with eligibility for SCI Poly